Anybody put a Yakima rack system on your Mega Cab roof? Experience, good or bad?

I had the system on a fiberglass top on my 2001 model and can reuse some of the parts with the Q-clips for the Mega Cab, just not sure I want to go this route.

 

I thought about it for when i was towing my 5th. but then i thought what could i possibly put up there? All though i was considering a CONfer rack and not the Yakima. I guess it would be good for a longer canoe, sailboard or surfboards.

 

My advice is get some 3M tape for where the Q-towers go to make sure the tower pads don't buff/scratch the paint in case you don't like it. More than likely you will be purchasing Q-Towers and Clips to adapt what you already have to the roof.

It will work just fine, but will be difficult to get things on and off. I have done rack systems over the cab and topper carrying 4-6 bikes over the cab and 2 luggage boxes over the topper. The bikes are a bear to get on and off.

I have been installing and selling recreational roof rack systems for about 18 years now. If you have any specific questions, let me know.

The big question for you is what do you want to carry, and is there a better/easier solution?

 

i have one on my QC, the basket. so far so good.

 

My use for the rack is to carry a canoe either solo or while pulling my travel trailer. I used the camper top on the 01 model with tracks and control towers and it worked fine, but don't plan to put another topper on the new mega cab. So, I was thinking Q clips, but curious if others have used them and are happy with the mount.

Thanks for the help.

 

The Q Tower systems work fine and is definitely your best solution when towing. Installation is simple enough. There are 4 measurements you do as you place the system on the roof. If you follow the 4 M's, you will be fine. Every vehicle I have owned since 1989 has had some sort of roof rack on it. They stay put when installed properly and with the 3M tape, will not cause any paint issues.

As I had mentioned before, you do have a silicone pad that sits on the paint. If you put 3M tape down, it will prevent paint buffing. The Q systems do typically break the 1st door seal, so you do get a little extra cabin noise, but there are multiple seals, so you won't get any water in the cab.

The biggest issue is getting the canoe up there. There is one accessory you might look at - the Yakima Boatloader. It is an extension that allows you to set the bow of the boat up top and then drop the canoe onto the crossbar.

The sheetmetal on top is paper thin, so be careful and don't let the canoe drop. I have a small crease in my roof from doing this accidentally.

 

What is the 3m tape your talking about? I have decided probably the best option for the mega cab is the q towers coupled with the outdoorsman 300. That way I can get the canoe forward enough to clear the long cab and still leave access to the bed. The boat loader may be money well spent also. I will be selling the control towers and landing pad #1 if you know anyone interested.

Thanks for your help.

Sam

 

It is the same or similar tape used for the "invisible masks". It's called 3M Scotchguard Paint Protection Film. Here is a link:

http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3...gard-PPF/Home/

PM me your address. I think I have a small roll left at home. I can put a couple pieces in an envelope and mail it to you if you like. Otherwise, you can get this stuff online in small pieces our buy a roll, however a roll is pretty pricy. It works well because the paint will fade evenly and when you remove the tape there is no sticky mess.

The boatloader works pretty well when access from the back of the vehicle is limited. If your bed is empty or at least has a clear path, you could just walk the canoe up the tailgate and onto the Outdoorsman. Then slide it onto the Q Tower equipped crossbar. That may be easy enough to do.

It's kind of funny that you replied today. I am working a paddlesports expo right now in Iowa, and all I have been taking about for the last two days is kayak and canoe mounting systems!