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My DIY Roof Rack

Discussion in '2.5 Gen Tundras (2014-2021)' started by junior, Dec 10, 2020.

  1. Dec 12, 2020 at 7:20 AM
    #31
    Over the LINE

    Over the LINE New Member

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    My roof rack is thru bolted. You can see the backing plate I used. I have run 70 mph plus for hours with a pirogue (flat bottom canoe) or lumber strapped to it with no issues.

    P7050123.jpg
     
    TONKA TUNDRA[QUOTED] likes this.
  2. Dec 12, 2020 at 7:22 AM
    #32
    Over the LINE

    Over the LINE New Member

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    Very nice rack. I thought about a custom job.
     
  3. Dec 12, 2020 at 9:11 AM
    #33
    Newm

    Newm New Member

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    Very nice OP! Well done.
     
  4. Dec 12, 2020 at 11:53 AM
    #34
    Team4M

    Team4M New Member

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    That’s great!
     
  5. Dec 26, 2020 at 5:48 PM
    #35
    junior

    junior [OP] Member

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    Black Rhino Rapid 17" 35x12.5 Mickey Thompson Baja Boss Bilstein 6112 at 2.5" w/ 1 Coach Builder Shim on each side JBA UCAs Bilstein 5160 Dobinsons HD Leaf Springs Firestone Airbags + Daystar Cradles Leer 100XR Decked Drawers
    Wired up some Rigid scene lights using some connectors into the OEM cargo light sockets. The stock lights become pretty much useless with a shell, so I wanted to leverage the power source since theres already a nice switch in the dash. I made sure to check the wattage and amp draw of the 921 halogen bulbs that come in the truck vs the LED pods—and they are about half (9W vs 17.9W) (0.74a vs ~1.5a).

    I added a waterproof switch on each side rail so I can control each side individually depending on the campsite. I figure these will be nice for setting up in the dark (which alway seems to be the case). They aren't insanely bright in amber, but thats what I like, I don't wanna ruin the campsite vibes.

    Screen Shot 2020-12-26 at 5.33.43 PM.jpg

    Screen Shot 2020-12-26 at 5.34.00 PM.jpg
     
  6. Dec 27, 2020 at 6:42 PM
    #36
    Jonnynewton909

    Jonnynewton909 New Member

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    Looks good! Do you have some type of J-box on the back of the rack to makeup the switch connections?
     
  7. Dec 27, 2020 at 8:17 PM
    #37
    junior

    junior [OP] Member

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    Black Rhino Rapid 17" 35x12.5 Mickey Thompson Baja Boss Bilstein 6112 at 2.5" w/ 1 Coach Builder Shim on each side JBA UCAs Bilstein 5160 Dobinsons HD Leaf Springs Firestone Airbags + Daystar Cradles Leer 100XR Decked Drawers
    Jonnynewton909 likes this.
  8. Jan 1, 2021 at 6:03 PM
    #38
    BassBlaster

    BassBlaster New Member

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    Bilsteins front and rear
    Amazing! Hear any wind noise?
     
    junior[OP] likes this.
  9. Jan 1, 2021 at 8:23 PM
    #39
    junior

    junior [OP] Member

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    Black Rhino Rapid 17" 35x12.5 Mickey Thompson Baja Boss Bilstein 6112 at 2.5" w/ 1 Coach Builder Shim on each side JBA UCAs Bilstein 5160 Dobinsons HD Leaf Springs Firestone Airbags + Daystar Cradles Leer 100XR Decked Drawers
    Not that I can hear from inside (with ridge grapplers though). It does have a fairing on the front so maybe that cuts down on it.
     
  10. Feb 4, 2021 at 6:50 PM
    #40
    HighonFirewood

    HighonFirewood Everything can be fixed with a hammer.

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    Man I love this. Any info on the switch? I have one power space available off my cargo light and would love to have just one side with some light.
     
    AggiePhil and junior[QUOTED][OP] like this.
  11. Feb 4, 2021 at 10:27 PM
    #41
    junior

    junior [OP] Member

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    Black Rhino Rapid 17" 35x12.5 Mickey Thompson Baja Boss Bilstein 6112 at 2.5" w/ 1 Coach Builder Shim on each side JBA UCAs Bilstein 5160 Dobinsons HD Leaf Springs Firestone Airbags + Daystar Cradles Leer 100XR Decked Drawers
    Thanks! What info are you looking for?

    I used these switches off Amazon, and had drilled a hole in the side rails of the roof rack to thread them onto. The wiring splices and stuff are all connected in the junction boxes behind the light pod /rail and the wire runs along the rail into the OEM cargo 3rd brake light. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07LCH1N3B/

    I could leave the OEM cargo light on all the time, and turn the lights on/off from the rack switches, but I usually leave it on the DOOR setting when not camping or needing the light.

    upload_2021-2-4_22-30-36.jpg
    Screen Shot 2021-02-04 at 10.29.14 PM.jpg
     
  12. Feb 4, 2021 at 10:38 PM
    #42
    ZappBrannigan

    ZappBrannigan The mind is willing but the flesh is weak

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    Nice work that looks fantastic
     
  13. Feb 5, 2021 at 5:14 AM
    #43
    HighonFirewood

    HighonFirewood Everything can be fixed with a hammer.

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    This is all the info I needed. Dig it, great work!
     
    junior[QUOTED][OP] likes this.
  14. Feb 23, 2021 at 11:52 AM
    #44
    Pangaea

    Pangaea New Member

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    What a great build! Looks awesome!
     
  15. Feb 24, 2021 at 6:19 AM
    #45
    Puppypunter

    Puppypunter New Member

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    Nice build! I’m jealous :) I really like the gloss black. I have an UpTop on my truck, and while I love it, I do notice the flat black doesn’t look as black as the truck itself (if that makes sense). So I’ve thought about adding the extra plate they make, but getting them powder coated in a gloss black. I think this has helped me decide on that :)
     
  16. Jun 17, 2021 at 3:30 PM
    #46
    TampaRD Pro

    TampaRD Pro Cunning Linguist

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    Lots.
    Old thread I know, but... does anyone know how he connected the wires into the OEM cargo light? I've got a roof rack and have bought very similar LED light pods (almost exact) and I'm trying to figure out how I can power them from my OEM cargo light to preclude drilling through the roof if possible. I mean I've already drilled eight holes to install the roof rack but I'd like to be able to tap into the OEM cargo light on top of the truck if I can do it where it won't leak. Appreciate any help or suggestions from those who may have accomplished this.
     
    AggiePhil likes this.
  17. Jun 17, 2021 at 3:31 PM
    #47
    TampaRD Pro

    TampaRD Pro Cunning Linguist

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    Lots.
    Btw, I do not have a cap. My roof rack is installed on top of the cab.
     
  18. Jun 17, 2021 at 3:58 PM
    #48
    junior

    junior [OP] Member

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    Black Rhino Rapid 17" 35x12.5 Mickey Thompson Baja Boss Bilstein 6112 at 2.5" w/ 1 Coach Builder Shim on each side JBA UCAs Bilstein 5160 Dobinsons HD Leaf Springs Firestone Airbags + Daystar Cradles Leer 100XR Decked Drawers
    Hey @TampaRD Pro — I used some pigtails and ran them down through the bottom of the cargo light lens. I did grind about 1/4" of the interior lip off on each side to run the wires out, and it seals fine. I added a little RTV silicone for extra measure and haven't had any moisture or fogging of the lens since. From there, the wiring just runs up along the inside edge of the rack side rails as seen in the pics above a bit.

    [​IMG]
     
  19. Jun 17, 2021 at 4:28 PM
    #49
    TampaRD Pro

    TampaRD Pro Cunning Linguist

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    Thanks for the quick reply. I'm not familiar with these pigtails, do the blue parts connect into the light sockets for our type of bulbs in the Tundra? Obviously if they do you would lose the use of the bulbs for the cargo lights, correct? I just searched and didn't find any that look like these, do you have a link for these connections? Is there a way to tap into the power for the bed lights and still retain use of the cargo lights? I have Googled cargo light power taps and haven't come up with anything. Sorry for so many questions but I'm really trying to find a way to connect my lights as you did with each side separated and use the same small waterproof switch and junction box, but I would like to retain the use of the cargo lights. I don't have a cap but a Diamondback HD bed cover and use the cargo lights at times.
     
  20. Jun 17, 2021 at 5:08 PM
    #50
    junior

    junior [OP] Member

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    Black Rhino Rapid 17" 35x12.5 Mickey Thompson Baja Boss Bilstein 6112 at 2.5" w/ 1 Coach Builder Shim on each side JBA UCAs Bilstein 5160 Dobinsons HD Leaf Springs Firestone Airbags + Daystar Cradles Leer 100XR Decked Drawers
    They do connect where the bulbs connect, which is a good point. I missed your second post that said you just had the cab-rack. In my particular case, replaceing the lightbulbs with the pigtails was fine because the original cargo light was pointless with my camper shell over the bed.

    You might be able to pull down the headliner in the rear of the cab a little bit and tap into the cargo light circuit? It's might be worth it because you can leverage the OEM dash switch for always on/off or with the doors. If you were to go through the inside you'd have to find a way back out maybe through the weatherstripping on the rear window or something maybe? I'm not sure.
     
  21. Dec 2, 2021 at 12:08 PM
    #51
    joseph_womack

    joseph_womack @ 4x4bound

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    3/1 Lift, 35s, Front Bumper, etc etc
    @junior is the fairing you made the right curve for the actual cab of the tundras? or just your bed cap?

    also what size mm x mm 80/20 rails did you get? Currently looking at the 25x50mm rails but am not really sure what I'm looking at (never worked with 80/20 before) (website listing: https://8020.net/25-2550-black.html)

    fantastic work!! I found this thread a while ago but I've started thinking about tackling this for my regular cab!
     
    Last edited: Dec 2, 2021
  22. Dec 2, 2021 at 1:24 PM
    #52
    junior

    junior [OP] Member

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    Hey Joe — thanks man! The exact bars I got are these: https://www.tnutz.com/product/ex-1020-black/ -- 1/4-20 X 1″ DEEP TAP on both ends

    The fairing I have in the pics was measured for the leer shell I have. It was a pretty snug fit but I actually dont run it anymore. It did slightly rub with the vibration while driving but luckily I had the rubber edge stuff on it so it was minor. These days I just run the angled bar behind it as a "fairing" as seen in the second pic. Edit: doing it this way does result in some super minor wind noise but it doesnt bother me personally.

    upload_2021-12-2_13-23-48.jpg
    [​IMG]
     
    joseph_womack[QUOTED] likes this.
  23. Dec 2, 2021 at 2:36 PM
    #53
    Pac12AfterDark

    Pac12AfterDark New Member

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    Sick build man, love the one off stuff. Great work.
     
    junior[OP] likes this.
  24. Dec 2, 2021 at 11:15 PM
    #54
    joseph_womack

    joseph_womack @ 4x4bound

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    sweet thank you!!
     
    junior[QUOTED][OP] likes this.
  25. Dec 6, 2021 at 10:14 AM
    #55
    Badknees

    Badknees New Member

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    TRD Pro BBS Wheels, TRD LED Headlights, Rigid LED Fog lights, 040 TRD Grille, 040 Hood Bulge, Black Center Valence, Driver's Grab Handle, TRD Pro Fox Suspension, 1.00" BORA Wheel Spacers, 1.5" Rear Shackles, TRD Front and Rear Sway bars, 295/70 R18 Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLTs, Full Size Spare, TRD Dual Exhaust, Console cover, Console Organizer, Husky Liner X-act Contours, Tinted Front Windows, Stubby Antenna, Autoventshade Deflectors, Duplicolor Painted Calipers, 040 Painted Front End Caps, Undercover Armor Flex Bed Cover
    Just finished my copy-cat version of @junior DIY rack for my Leer 100 XR. I called in a favor at a friend's sheet metal shop to make the side plates. They had some trouble with the insignia on the end, so I just had them copy the "Reese's cup" shaped holes instead. I went with a satin black powder coat finish. I got my extruded parts from tnutz as recommended and they shipped quick and everything was packaged really well - not to mention what I felt was a very good price. I used M6 button head screws with a flat SS connector to make the Sherper bracket connection to the cap rails (pictured below). Everything fit perfectly so thanks again to @ junior for accurate drawings and dimensions on everything. I highly recommend this mod. to those with cap rails:
    DIY Rack 2.jpg DIY Rack 1.jpg DIY Rack 4.jpg DIY Rack 3.jpg DIY Rack 6.jpg
     
  26. Dec 6, 2021 at 11:18 AM
    #56
    angkorstrong

    angkorstrong New Member

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    thats badass you should make a front rack to match also
     
    joseph_womack and Badknees like this.
  27. Dec 6, 2021 at 11:33 AM
    #57
    Badknees

    Badknees New Member

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    Thanks for the compliments, but a cab rack project is a long ways down the road for me! I'm spending most of my spare time on my old '98 Tacoma right now.
     
    joseph_womack likes this.
  28. Dec 6, 2021 at 12:08 PM
    #58
    angkorstrong

    angkorstrong New Member

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    ur brave for having 2 money pits lol. i dont dare to even tempt myself (anymore)
     
  29. Dec 6, 2021 at 1:02 PM
    #59
    junior

    junior [OP] Member

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    Black Rhino Rapid 17" 35x12.5 Mickey Thompson Baja Boss Bilstein 6112 at 2.5" w/ 1 Coach Builder Shim on each side JBA UCAs Bilstein 5160 Dobinsons HD Leaf Springs Firestone Airbags + Daystar Cradles Leer 100XR Decked Drawers
    I've designed a matching front cab rack, just haven't finalized it or gotten it cut yet. I'm still mentally working up the confidence around drilling the holes for it in the roof
     
    Badknees and joseph_womack like this.
  30. Dec 6, 2021 at 1:02 PM
    #60
    junior

    junior [OP] Member

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    2016 Tundra TRD Off Road
    Black Rhino Rapid 17" 35x12.5 Mickey Thompson Baja Boss Bilstein 6112 at 2.5" w/ 1 Coach Builder Shim on each side JBA UCAs Bilstein 5160 Dobinsons HD Leaf Springs Firestone Airbags + Daystar Cradles Leer 100XR Decked Drawers
    Looks great man! It really turned out so well. Thanks for sharing!
     

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