Why Does Thule TracRac SR Ladder Rack for 2007 Toyota Tundra Require Removal of Deck Rail System

Question:

I have a Toyota Tundra and I am very interested in this as a solution for my kayaks but I would like to keep the bed rails and am not sure why they would have to be removed since this system does not rely on clamps.

asked by: Nancy

Expert Reply:

That's a good question so I did some digging into the installation of the Deck Rail System in your 2007 Toyota Tundra and compared it to the installation of the Thule TracRac Ladder Rack. What I found was that the hardware keeping the Deck Rail System in place is going to be at the same spot under the stake pockets where a rubber expansion block needs to go to install the ladder rack. I cut out a diagram from the instructions of the TracRac which hopefully helps explain this.

If you decide to go with the TracRac the fits will depend on the size of your 2007 Toyota Tundra's bed:

- 6-1/2 Foot Bed - with Deck Rail System: Thule TracRac SR Sliding Truck Bed Ladder Rack # TH43002XT-610
- 8 Foot Bed - with Deck Rail System: Thule TracRac SR Sliding Truck Bed Ladder Rack # TH43002XT-011

Also, due to the crossbars of the TracRac being wider than that of a standard roof rack, keep in mind you would need to utilize a kayak carrier that installs in the ladder rack's channels, the Malone SaddleUp Pro Kayak Carrier with Tie-Downs for Truck Racks # MPG1001.

expert reply by: Kyle S