Installing a Box on a 2012 Toyota Sequoia to Support a Roof Top Tent

Question:

can you remove the factory rails and install a box that would take the weight of a roof top tent on a 2012 sequoia?

asked by: Charlie

Expert Reply:

If you are wanting to remove the factory side rails that run front to back on your 2012 Toyota Sequoia, I do not recommend doing so. These rails were meant to be permanently installed on your vehicle and should not be removed. These rails are bolted and sealed to the roof and water could leak into the vehicle if they are removed and other damage could occur such as denting and scratching on the roof.

If you are wanting to remove the crossbars that run from side to side and attach to the side rails, you will not have to remove those crossbars to install an aftermarket roof rack. An aftermarket roof rack like the Thule SquareBar Roof Rack, # TH712400 and # TH710401 will mount to the factory side rails and sit above the factory crossbars so they will not interfere.

If you are wanting to install an aftermarket roof rack to support a roof top tent, it is important that you find the weight capacity of your vehicles roof. An aftermarket roof rack like the Thule Crossroads roof rack has a weight capacity of 165 lbs. This is the highest weight capacity that is offered for an aftermarket roof rack. Even though the weight capacity of the roof rack is 165 lbs, you will still be limited to the roof weight capacity of the Sequoia if it is lower than 165 lbs. You can find the weight capacity of your roof in your owners manual or by contacting a Toyota dealer with your VIN.

expert reply by: John H