2009 Roof Rails

[jb-wall]

I know there have been a few posts here concerning roof rails but I couldn't put anything conclusive together for this particular situation. Let me know if you have any ideas.

Here are a few pictures of my roof situation. This 2009 4WD came without a roof rack and I thought it wouldn't be a big deal so far I feel like I'm wrong.

Here is the picture of my roof and the side "channels".
https://picasaweb.google.com/jbwalla...COavntWK47HRYg

Of course the dealers can't help and I've talked to about 5 in the metro Atlanta area.

I'm looking at this on ebay but it says the capacity is 100lbs and the two tandem kayaks I'm wanting to throw up there will be 140lbs total.
Ebay link: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/08-11...ht_2940wt_1165

I plan on getting yakima cross bars that will easily be able to carry the 140lbs and then some.

So first question: Is this the right roof solution for me?
Second: Would you worry about the weight difference?

Any help that you guys can provide would be very much appreciated. I promise to share pictures, install tips and everything else as I go through this process.. I just need a little more certainty to get it started.

[nick1sp]

the roof rails should be okay, it's the cross rails that should be look more into. The factory ones said to support 135lbs. but I find it too soft. using yakima cross bars would probably be a good option to transfer weight to the frame.

I've carried plywood and sheet rock using the roof rails before, I'm sure the amount I was carrying is way more than 140lbs.

[jb-wall]

Thanks.

I'm also concerned because I've heard that the Highlanders without the racks were made a bit differently and would need to be reinforced to support weight... also I'm concerned about how they will screw in... IF they will screw in etc..

If anyone has any more feedback let me know.

Guess I will just go ahead and order it. I will let everyone know how it turns out.

[nick1sp]

here's a link with how the bolting looks like.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/07-08...ht_9314wt_1165

[jb-wall]

Yes, those pictures are very helpful. I've put them here so that whoever comes along next time can still find them. I'm sure the ebay auction will end at some point.

https://picasaweb.google.com/jbwalla...OXUmJPP-dfw_AE

I've already ordered my set for $200. It seems this is the going rate. Either $200 or $130 and pay $70 for shipping. I appreciate the more upfront honesty of those including it in the price.

I will post my installation pictures and possibly even videos. No one should have to go through the guessing game and headache I've had to in order to be at this point. Hopefully it's close to being over.

[Ralph6410]

Seems there are several issues and none are explained very well.

If the cross bar is rated for ~130 pounds.. I would take that to mean one could load at the center of the cross bar 130 pounds safely.. each rail would support half of this..65 pounds. The load could conceivably be on one side.. in which case the rail is supporting close to 130 pounds. Now there are two cross bars.. each one should carry the same safe load.. It is also conceivable that both cross rails are close to each other and the load is on one side, now there is a possible load close to 260 pounds where the rail contacts the car.

Before the rail would crush the roof it "should" support at least 260 pounds at each corner.

The other and even less defined is how much shearing force the rails have. The force of the wind on even the most aerodynamic carrier is going to be considerable at the legal speed limit. Toyota engineers must assume that people will drive faster and possibly into a head wind.

All things that some Toyota engineer has calculated.. added a safety factor.. and allowed for some fudging.

[AXMACD]

anyone know how to get the crossbars off?

[nick1sp]

Originally Posted by AXMACD

anyone know how to get the crossbars off?

you would have to remove the rear roof rails cover first, then just slide out the back. Installing the factory cross bars is the same thing but in reverse. Here's how to remove the rear cover for the roof rails.

http://www.toyotapart.com/ROOF_RACK_...T-PD035-07.pdf

[earlyd123]

JB-WALL,

Did you ever get the roof rack? If so, how did the roof rack install go? Are you satisfied with the results? Seems sturdy? I plan to put two canoes up top, so need something secure.

Thanks,
Dirk

[jb-wall]

Originally Posted by earlyd123

JB-WALL,

Did you ever get the roof rack? If so, how did the roof rack install go? Are you satisfied with the results? Seems sturdy? I plan to put two canoes up top, so need something secure.

Thanks,
Dirk

Yeah, sorry I'm late to make an update but I bought the roof rails off of ebay for around $200. And just as a refresher, I had a naked roof prior to this. There were some plastic things that were really easy to pop off of the channels on either side of the roof. I then removed these little metal "things" that were under the plastic covers. From there mounting the rails was pretty easy work.. maybe 45 minuets total... but that's just because the instructions were useless. Easy enough to figure out though.

After that I went and bought some Thule crossbars and mounts. That was $2 - 300. I got the 58 inch bars because I carry a few boats at a time also.. the record so far is 4 kayaks and it wasn't a problem.. total weight was probably close to 200lbs. Also, I'd recommend Thule over Yakima because the products are on par with one another but thule manufactures in the united states - http://www.rackoutfitters.com/made-in-the-usa/

Hope that helps..

here are two pics... you can also notice me using the tow hitch on the front of the car... big time useful.. good luck, let us know how it goes.
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/phot...eat=directlink

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/phot...eat=directlink

[earlyd123]

Thanks for the update, especially the pictures. Looks nice. I am inking about ordering the roof rails below. Do you know if it is the same as what you installed? Looks similar to what you have, except silver.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/08-11...item5d2f455db9

I already have lots of Yakima stuff, so that is the route I'll go. Thanks again.

[jb-wall]

Originally Posted by earlyd123

Thanks for the update, especially the pictures. Looks nice. I am inking about ordering the roof rails below. Do you know if it is the same as what you installed? Looks similar to what you have, except silver.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/08-11...item5d2f455db9

I already have lots of Yakima stuff, so that is the route I'll go. Thanks again.

Looks pretty close to it... just don't be surprised at how flimsy the front and back plastic covers feel and fit.. thats the way they all are... and mine haven't flown of yet

Good luck buddy and have fun on the water.

[lucky777]

I got a set of similar rails few months back. They surprisingly sturdy and well made. They also fit exactly into factory mountings so no roof drilling is involved in installation. Plastic covers indeed loose and there is a risk to loose them. I just set covers on good amount of silicone as extra precaution.

[jb-wall]

Originally Posted by lucky777

I got a set of similar rails few months back. They surprisingly sturdy and well made. Plastic covers indeed loose and there is a risk to loose them. I just set covers on good amount of silicone as extra precaution.

good idea on the silicone... and I agree, they are well made.. like I said, I've put at 200lbs up there and drove at highway speeds.

[Jamar.Stroud]

Originally Posted by earlyd123

Thanks for the update, especially the pictures. Looks nice. I am inking about ordering the roof rails below. Do you know if it is the same as what you installed? Looks similar to what you have, except silver.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/08-11...item5d2f455db9

I already have lots of Yakima stuff, so that is the route I'll go. Thanks again.

Hey earlyd123, when you get those racks in, will you please re-post on your thoughts of them. I'm looking to get the exact same ones from Advanation, but mine will be black. Thanks!