Sherpa roof rack installation issues

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rikusan

rikusan

KS Cruiser
SILVER Star
Joined
Nov 27, 2024
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10
Location
Pittsburgh
Hey guys,

Long-time lurker here, finally making my first post on MUD.


Thank you so much for taking the time to read my message — and apologies in advance for the complexity of my situation!


I recently had a shop install the Sherpa Blanca rack on my 2021 LX570. While they did a solid job overall, they made a mistake on the front mounting points. Without my permission, they modified Sherpa’s adjustable front brackets by enlarging one of the slots to bolt the rack to the roof. I was shocked when they told me this, especially since Sherpa's design for the front mounts doesn’t require bolting. As I understand it, the front brackets are simply meant to rest in the roof channel (the same gutter as the other mounts) to provide additional support without penetrating the vehicle.


My first question is: for 2016+ LX models, are there factory holes at the very front where Sherpa's front mounts sit? I believe there may be, but Sherpa seems unsure. They initially assumed that the Blanca rack could be installed without dropping the headliner which for my LX wasn’t the case.


My primary concern now is waterproofing. Since the shop bolted through the front mounts (contrary to Sherpa’s intended design), there’s a risk of water intrusion. The only sealing currently in place is silicone applied by the shop at the modified slot area. Fortunately, the other six mounting points were installed correctly and appear solid.


I’ve placed an order for replacement adjustable brackets from Sherpa, but shipping may take some time. In the meantime, I’d appreciate any insight or advice you could share:


  • Should I be concerned about leaks at those modified front points?
  • Would you recommend temporarily resealing the area (e.g. with RTV) until the proper brackets arrive?
  • Any thoughts on how best to address or reverse this kind of modification safely?

Thanks again for your help. I really appreciate your expertise!
 
I should add: aside from the shop’s unfortunate mistake, the Sherpa rack itself is rock solid and beautifully made. The build quality is excellent, and I’m really happy with the product overall.
 
I absolutely love my Sherpa Blanca rack, and I'm going to be ordering a Grand Teton today for my Tacoma.

It's unfortunate that the shop didn't pay attention to the install instructions or watch one of the YouTube videos. Yes, the front adjustable feet (if you have them) only provide additional weight support at the very front crossbar, they do not bolt to the roof. I added these feet to mine, as I didn't like how much of the rack was cantilevered out in the front. If they drilled holes in your roof... ya I'd be pissed.

Instead of silicone (which I never use for anything anymore, I don't trust it), I used this 1" butyl tape under the feet.


No leaks, really nice stuff, although I'm not looking forward to the day if I ever have to remove it. But I think a heat gun will soften it up and it should come right off. Will be using it again when I install the rack on the Tacoma.
 
I'm not super familiar with that rack, but I'm assuming they removed your factory roof rails and bolted the rack to the roof?

Assuming the 2021 is the same as the earlier models, there are 4 points (2 bolts) on each side of the roof where a rack can be bolted down. The earlier LXs use 2 of the 4 points for the factory rack and the other 2 are covered with a little plastic strip.

Are you saying that this new rack is only supposed to use 3 of the 4 then the front feet just rest on the most forward mount? Why don't they just have it mount inn the front as well? Some pictures would help here.

Either way, I would ask the shop if they used silicone on the bolts when they installed them.. If they did properly, you shouldn't have to worry about any water intrusion.

They should have put a blob like this over the hole before threading the bolt into the roof

1763487640036.webp
 
KLF said:
I absolutely love my Sherpa Blanca rack, and I'm going to be ordering a Grand Teton today for my Tacoma.

It's unfortunate that the shop didn't pay attention to the install instructions or watch one of the YouTube videos. Yes, the front adjustable feet (if you have them) only provide additional weight support at the very front crossbar, they do not bolt to the roof. I added these feet to mine, as I didn't like how much of the rack was cantilevered out in the front. If they drilled holes in your roof... ya I'd be pissed.

Instead of silicone (which I never use for anything anymore, I don't trust it), I used this 1" butyl tape under the feet.


No leaks, really nice stuff, although I'm not looking forward to the day if I ever have to remove it. But I think a heat gun will soften it up and it should come right off. Will be using it again when I install the rack on the Tacoma.
Click to expand...
KLF – Thanks for the tape recommendation! I just placed an order. I’m really frustrated with the shop, but I don’t think they drilled any new holes in my roof. The 2021 LX has four mounting points on each side, and it looks like the shop simply reused the existing holes at the very front, which they shouldn’t have.
 
riffman12 said:
I'm not super familiar with that rack, but I'm assuming they removed your factory roof rails and bolted the rack to the roof?

Assuming the 2021 is the same as the earlier models, there are 4 points (2 bolts) on each side of the roof where a rack can be bolted down. The earlier LXs use 2 of the 4 points for the factory rack and the other 2 are covered with a little plastic strip.

Are you saying that this new rack is only supposed to use 3 of the 4 then the front feet just rest on the most forward mount? Why don't they just have it mount inn the front as well? Some pictures would help here.

Either way, I would ask the shop if they used silicone on the bolts when they installed them.. If they did properly, you shouldn't have to worry about any water intrusion.

They should have put a blob like this over the hole before threading the bolt into the roof

View attachment 4033054
Click to expand...
Hey Riffman — What I meant was that the shop assumed the first front slots on each side were meant for them to bolt the Sherpa mount into, just like the other holes and mounting points. That was incorrect. Sherpa designed the rack so that each side has four mounting points, with the very front one already pre-bolted and meant to sit on top of the rubber bar they provide. The front mounts are mainly for height adjustment and added stability; the primary structural support comes from the other six mounting points.

Now I’m wondering what they did with the plastic strip on my 2021 LX, if there was one…
 
Posting my solution for the Sherpa Blanca rack install on a 2021 LX570, in case it helps someone down the road.


1. Front Mount / Hole Sealing
On the 2021 LX, there are two factory holes on each side at the very front (located at the second crossbar position). These should not be used for bolting the Blanca rack.
We’re reusing the existing rubber bar and installing new M8 bolts solely to seal those holes, not to install adjustable mounting brackets.
Please note: for each M8 bolt installed, you’ll also need a matching nut and a washer on the opposite side to properly secure the bolt.


2. Correct Position for the First Adjustable Mounts
The first set of adjustable mount brackets needs to be relocated to the actual first crossbar. Sherpa also pointed out that the first crossbar may need to be shifted slightly rearward to sit correctly and securely on the roof. Once positioned correctly, the front brackets function mainly for height adjustment and added stability.


3. Rear Roof Rubbing Fix (Model-specific)
My 2021 seems to have a slightly different bodyline, and I had a small spot on each side where the rack made direct contact with the roof near the rear.
The temporary fix: adding 1/8" metal body shims between the rubber bar and the bracket. This provides the proper clearance and completely eliminates the rubbing.
Long-term plan: I’m not sure that fixing the front adjustable bracket will raise the rear side-plate clearance. I’ll follow up with updates once the rework is complete.

Hopefully this helps anyone installing a Blanca rack on a late-model LX!
 
Last edited:
#3 is odd, my side rails follow the profile of the roof perfectly. I have a nice 1/4" gap from bow to stern.

I have my front mounts on the first cross bar, as suggested.

Have you been in contact with Sherpa lately? I called them 3 times today, no answer. They must be swamped with the Black Friday pricing.
 
KLF said:
#3 is odd, my side rails follow the profile of the roof perfectly. I have a nice 1/4" gap from bow to stern.

I have my front mounts on the first cross bar, as suggested.

Have you been in contact with Sherpa lately? I called them 3 times today, no answer. They must be swamped with the Black Friday pricing.
Click to expand...
What year is your LX? I may not need the shims once I move the new adjustable mount brackets to the first crossbar. My current adjustable brackets are installed at the second crossbar.

And yeah, they’re really busy right now! I’ve spoken with Zach a few times, but he isn’t always available by phone.
 
KLF said:
#3 is odd, my side rails follow the profile of the roof perfectly. I have a nice 1/4" gap from bow to stern.

I have my front mounts on the first cross bar, as suggested.

Have you been in contact with Sherpa lately? I called them 3 times today, no answer. They must be swamped with the Black Friday pricing.
Click to expand...
Would moving the adjustable mount brackets from the second crossbar to the first crossbar affect the rear clearance? I tried pulling the fairing down a bit, hoping it would lift the rear, but it actually caused the rear to sit even lower. I’ve attached photos of my setup compared to the instructions. I do notice some differences between the two, but would those differences actually affect the side-plate clearance?

IMG_7699.webp


bar.webp
 
KLF said:
#3 is odd, my side rails follow the profile of the roof perfectly. I have a nice 1/4" gap from bow to stern.

I have my front mounts on the first cross bar, as suggested.

Have you been in contact with Sherpa lately? I called them 3 times today, no answer. They must be swamped with the Black Friday pricing.
Click to expand...
Just saw your signature haha! You have a 2015 LX, which has a different roof configuration from the 2016+ models. I honestly wish we still had that older-generation roof design — it would have saved me from the headliner drop and all the pain I’ve gone through so far!
 
Not that it matters, mine is an LC, not an LX. I didn't know the roof profile changed 16+

I'm also a Pitt grad, BTW. Was there for the Bradshaw years.
 
KLF said:
Not that it matters, mine is an LC, not an LX. I didn't know the roof profile changed 16+

I'm also a Pitt grad, BTW. Was there for the Bradshaw years.
Click to expand...
Hiya! You are an OG for sure :) H2P!
 
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