Westcott Designs roof rack sag/issues

[Cruiser250]

I’m still getting my roof rack install next week. It wasn’t the right way to address the customers but so far I’m pelase with the Westcott quality (love my rock sliders, and ordering the preload collar lift kit soon).
I just hope that once I opens the box it has all the hardware to include front bracket and the pre drill holes.
I got my roof rack 5 months ago so we will see. I will post updates.

 

[phantasticphil]

Agree with everyone's thoughts here regarding the maturity of the video.

Additionally, not really sure it actually proves much.

1. In the video the weight is distributed across the side rails, the strongest points on the rack. Mounting things that way would be an edge case, typically you'd mount to the cross bars. Also, it's perfect even distribution. And static.

2. From what I've seen the allen head bolts that bolt to side rails have a lot of room/adjustability. I think that's where things are slipping and it's more likely from vibration... Not static weight.

Side thing...
3. The way the spacers are attached to the roof I feel can be improved with similar brackets that are used in the front. Flat, fill the channel. Then use spacers or just brackets.

Trying to be fair here.. Pros of the rack is the look/clean lines. And the front brackets and the lip sitting on the front is smart imo.

 

[LC STUV]

Just saw this video showing the roof rack with over 2000lb.

Just lost my business on any further parts and glad I went with the prinsu rack after seeing this thread.

 

[Area 51]

Ugh. Reading all this just as I am about to order mine. Overall, how are yo guys liking the fit and finish? I would love to see some pics of your Westcott roof rack on your rig.

 

[Area 51]

Just lost my business on any further parts and glad I went with the prinsu rack after seeing this thread.

 

[Brando]

@Brando so the cases are Apache from harbor freight. Had them for years on my Tacoma and never had issues with the seals, just faded in the sunlight but that’s unavoidable obviously. Bolts needed are 1/4”-20 and .5” length, I’ll post a picture of the ones I used. Then you just drill 4 holes where they line up to the slots (wherever you want it mounted). Slide the slotted end in, line it up with your hole and tighten it up. Def takes some finagling to get em all. It helped me to take the 2 rails completely off and get it all secured on the ground and then reinstall the two rails. And you can see, I siliconed the bolts as well, just in case. And you can fit quite a bit in there! I’ve got all my recovery gear in one case, and all my maintenance gear in the other.
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Thank you very much!

 

[JordanJ]

Thank you very much!

No worries! Hope it all works out my friend!

 

[pizzlegreet]

I ordered a Westcott roof rack. I’ll post pictures once it has arrived and is installed.

 

[Alpha Puppy]

Wow, I get that sometimes you might want to strangle some of your customers but you've got to use your inside voice for that... The immaturity and unprofessionalism displayed by this guy is beyond comprehension. I definitely will not be buying any of their products after this. We are supposed to be partners not enemies. Let him flick off his own mother!!!

 

[Area 51]

The video was extremely informative yes,,,
Biz Mngmt by Thugism.
Not a shop i want to ever be dealing with if anything goes wrong.

 

[pizzlegreet]

You guys are too critical. Westcott is marketing an image to certain consumers. This is just advertising.

 

[Area 51]

You guys are too critical. Westcott is marketing an image to certain consumers. This is just advertising.

As the standards continue to decay, does not mean its ok or good biz practices.

 

[Blue Bear]

Wow, I get that sometimes you might want to strangle some of your customers but you've got to use your inside voice for that... The immaturity and unprofessionalism displayed by this guy is beyond comprehension. I definitely will not be buying any of their products after this. We are supposed to be partners not enemies. Let him flick off his own mother!!!

I don't disagree with you, but, I do appreciate the passion that Jeff brings to his business model. Jeff wants to build the best quality and best designed stuff for the off road rigs we drive. Would I buy from Westcott? In a heartbeat because I think they do build some of the best stuff out there. Jeff also does a nice job acknowledging that some of the other shops out there put out quality stuff (I don't need you to rip another company to make your company look better.) So, I'm cutting Jeff some slack for reacting emotionally to this thread - I get it. He's proud of the work his company does and felt like some of us were taking a shot at him.

 

[pizzlegreet]

Ok. So my Westcott rack came in the mail. I installed it using the video instructions. My question is where is the sag? For those that have the sag, does that mean the the side rails touch the roof near the front? Mine does that a little. But potentially I could resolve this by changing where I tighten front most brackets. I’m not sure if I should try to fix this or not worry about it.

I’ll call Weetcott and see what they say.

 

[surfishjoe]

I installed mine over the weekend went together exceptionally smooth. The anodizing and the threading were perfect all hardware went in without issue and tightened up well. Cutting the rubber weatherstrip was simple and straightforward after a test fit to mark the location of the front legs. I used a few dabs of the black silicon to adhere the weatherstrip to keep it secure. The only thing I forgot to do was remove the 3m sticker plastic when I went to install it the final time so I had to lift each side carefully and remove the plastic then set it back down.. Pro tip- I had my wife push up on the front of the rack while I tightened the bolts down to get maximum clearance between rack and roof. I also adjusted the rubber lip so it contacts the roof for a smooth transition. All in all it went together fine and I am extremely happy with the end result. Also, if you have reservation about cutting the weather strip - it is a rather simple process I used a hobby knife and some sharp dykes there is a strand of nylon in the middle you need to cut through. I also think replacing that front section of weatherstrip would be simple and inexpensive if needed to revert back to stock, it is just rubber weatherstrip that sits in a channel very easy to replace.

 

[pizzlegreet]

I cut the weatherstrip too. I cut a little chunk out so the bracket can slip in and under. I also forgot to take off the tape backing and decided not to worry about it. So mine isn’t stuck down.

I did call Westcott about the sag and they said that the side rails should not be touching the roof. There is not a sag, but more of an alignment issue. It seems like if the screws loosen then the side rails can drift down to rest on the roof. Mine is touching in one side , so I need to unscrew and re-align that one side rail.

It appears very solid and we built. I can’t tell if there is more road noise or not. Overall I’m satisfied with the product.

I’ll add pics in a few days

 

[surfishjoe]

 

[surfishjoe]

 

[robsurfskate]

OEM.

 

[Cruiser250]

Almost ready for install.