Your Toyota truck or SUV is the perfect adventure machine. However, there’s one way you can ensure your ride is even more adventure capable: by installing a roof rack. And at Backwoods Adventure Mods, we love equipping our customers with the right racks and the right knowhow to outfit their vehicles safely, securely, and stylishly.
You’ll find attaching a roof rack to your Toyota vehicle is surprisingly quick and simple. While the specific installation points may vary from model to model, the overall process for attachment is straightforward. And we’ve made it even easier, with our model-specific options, such as our 4Runner DRIFTR rack, our Tundra DRIFTR rack, and more.
So, how do you install a roof rack? Here’s how, in just a few short steps.
Step 1: Ensure You Have the Necessary Parts & Accessories
Before learning how to mount a roof rack, you’ll need to ensure you have all the parts needed for the job.
For how install your roof rack, you’ll need:
- A mount,
- Cross bars, and
- Any included hardware and extra accessories that came with your rack or tower, such as mounting brackets.
Lay everything out and take scope of what you’ve got. If you’re missing any needed parts, be sure to reach out to your manufacturer.
At Backwoods Adventure Mods, we’ve created a dead-simple way to determine which parts and accessories you need. When selecting a roof rack, including our 4Runner DRIFTR and Tundra DRIFTR series, you can select optional mods when you check out, including:
- Awning Brackets
- Traction Boards
- Lighting Options
- Deck Panels
- And More
This will ensure your rack accessory kit comes bundled with everything you need to make your rack your own.
Once you have the premium roof rack kit delivered and ready, take a look at your toolbox. This is the time to ensure you also have all the tools you’ll need to get the job done. To attach a roof rack to your Toyota vehicle, you’ll need:
- Trim or pry tool,
- Socket and hex key set, and
- An optional utility knife.
MNote: for most roof rack systems, drilling is not necessary.
Step 2: Remove Trim Pieces from Vehicle
Now we’ll get your vehicle ready for installation. Look for a few temporary plastic trim pieces on the roof of your vehicle that cover the mounting points. These are usually in the four corners of your roof. Snap them off with your pry tool.
Next, pull any vinyl tape or weatherproofing under the exposed area where the trim pieces sat. You can either peel the entire strip off or cut where you find two holes underneath the strip. This is where your mount will sit and affix via two threaded bolts.
Backwoods Recommends: During this step, be sure to use your provided sealant at each of the holes you expose. The sealant can sit between the roof and your mounting bracket.
Step 3: Install the Side Rails
Once you have all four corner mounting brackets installed, you can affix your side rails to them. Start by loosely affixing them to your two side mounts with bolts, washers, and lock nuts. Continue this for both sides of your rack.
Step 4: Install the Top Extrusions
Each kit will vary by the make’s specifics, but you likely have a few top extrusions that look like slats. Simply bolt each between the side rails into the pre-drilled holes. Be sure to leave these somewhat loose for a later step.
Step 5: Install the Front Faring
Start by attaching another extrusion to the backside of your front faring panel with the appropriate nuts and bolts. It should be flush with both ends of the faring. During this step, you’ll also want to install your edge trim, which looks like a flat rubber hose.
Next, place the front faring on the front side of your rack and install. This process becomes simpler and drill-free thanks to our roof rack extrusion’s pre-drilled holes.
Step 6: Install the Rear Faring
This is much like the front faring installation, but with fewer steps. After all, Backwoods makes your rack install simpler thanks to our straightforward and streamlined rack design.
Simply bolt it to the backside of your rack along the pre-drilled holes.
Step 7: Tighten and Adjust
We left the bolts loose during our previous phases for a reason. This is how to fit roof racks for an optimal fit. This step is when you tighten each bolt methodically and adjust as needed for a secure, flush fit to your ride.
Start with the farings, side rails, and extrusions. Once tight, finish by tightening your roof rack to the mounts themselves.
Backwoods Recommends: if you’re going to install a light bar, such as our roof rack compatible models, this is the time to do it. Be sure everything is aligned, secure, and tight before affixing your lightbar to your Tacoma, Tundra, or 4Runner.
Step 8: Enjoy Your Roof Rack
And that’s it! After just a few short steps and thanks to straightforward and tailored designs by our DRIFTR rack systems, you’re ready to enjoy your adventure-primed SUV or truck.
We told you attaching a roof rack is relatively simple! All it takes is the right tools, some elbow grease, and knowhow from your trusted roof rack manufacturer – Backwoods.
See It in Action
Are you more of a learn by seeing type? We’ve assembled some quick and handy videos so you can see a live roof rack install to follow along with on the Backwoods YouTube channel.
Check out our videos below to make your install even easier.
Toyota Tacoma
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BfHaymhIbc
4Runner
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDFASaPpmyQ
Enjoy Premium Roof Racks Designed for Your Specific Toyota Model
When you use a roof rack for travel, you can equip your ride for maximum carry capacity and more. They’re perfect for road trips, bike rack adventuring, and more.
If you are looking for a road-worthy and adventure-ready roof rack for your Toyota, we have you covered. Consider Backwoods Adventure Mods for a rack perfectly attuned for your ride. Our roof rack models are durable, stylish, and equipped to handle whatever you throw at them.
We also offer countless accessories to help push your roof rack’s function even further.