Roof rack water leak concern? (1 Viewer)

[txfirewarrior]

Hello everyone. Knew to the forum and new to the GX life. Bought a ‘17 with 38K miles on it on Black Friday. So far have absolutely LOVED this truck. I don’t have big plans for it, but do have a few.

I’m thinking of starting with a roof rack. Trying to decide between a full rack replacement and getting a Rhino Rack platform that connects to the stock side rails.

Biggest reason I haven’t committed to the full rack (LFD or Victory) is I’m worried about water leaks into the vehicle. How real of a concern is this? Am I making a bigger deal out of something that isn’t an issue?

Any thoughts or tips would be much appreciated.

 

[Tex68w]

I have run Gobi, Baja Rack, Front Runner, Prinsu, and Rhino Rack racks/platforms on a number of Toyotas and I have not once had a water leak issue. It has happened, or at least I have read about it happening occasionally on the forums, but it isn't what I would call common. Follow the install instructions and add some sealant for good measure if you feel the need and you should be just fine.

 

[jmanscotch]

If I recall, the stock rail setup has nothing more than some small rubber washer gaskets to prevent water intrusion.

When I helped Tim install the Gamiviti rack, we put some caulking sealant, that never fully sets up, into the threaded holes and then tightened everything down. The idea being that if the sealant sets up, there’s a chance for flexing, shifting or shrinking. If it stays somewhat pliable, it’ll adapt to small changes and still be water tight.

1 year in with no issues, but I do live in a desert climate.

 

[Acrad]

About 5:55 in this video as an example

 

[r2m]

I'm running with a Gamiviti full length roof rack with a heavy roof top tent.
Never have had any issues in the past two years. All good!