New Guy Lost in Installing a TrailRax !

[tyr264]

Help- New guy stuck swith TrailTrax rack install ! I'm new to roof racks, and I'm having a tough time today trying to get the rack installed. I can't seem to be able to mount to the Front Alum Extrusion (The one that bolts on using the 4 Ford threaded bolts right over the Broncos windshield.). When I mount it the Alum. Extrusion bar the bar is actually touching the painted roof area above the windshield.My self and a couple friends can't figure it out either. I'm doing something wrong I know, we just can't figure it out, despite the hours of effort. Thanks in advance to anyone who is willing to help a confused guy out!

Sponsored

 

[ducksface]

No pictures=little useful help.

 

[tyr264]

No pictures=little useful help.

Understand.

 

[LVS]

You may have already searched YouTube, but just in case:

 

[tyr264]

Hard to photograph. The photos show the aluminum cross bar is rubbing against the painted space just above the windshield

 

[LVS]

There’s an arrow on the front mounting brackets. It’s supposed to point outwards, not sure if that is your issue.

 

[RagnarKon]

This a newer (ie. built in the past 2-3 months) 2026 Bronco??

 

[LVS]

Bolts might be bottoming out, this video should start at the right point :

 

[ducksface]

Spacers either missing or unfound by you?
I'd space it up...
IF, those mounts aren't on backwards.

 

[LVS]

Then watch the video at 19:30… they mention some different carriage bolts

 

[CalvinT]

It looks like you have the brackets installed correctly. I have a TRMR rack on my Badlands (installed May 2023). I just took a look.

The cross bar appears to touch the roof area in question. I might have noticed at the time and decided to ignore it since there wouldn't be very much if any movement. Put some PPF over the paint before installing the rack.

BTW, be very careful tightening the studs on the roof. Many people have twisted them off. The maximum torque rating is 7.7 lb.ft or 10.5 Nm. A 10mm flex head ratcheting box wrench will be very helpful tightening the nuts.

 

[4dtrkman]

I did this install with a friend a couple years back. My biggest problem like most was getting to the 4 small bolts that attach the front “Fascia”. I don’t recall any problems lining up that front crossbar. We did leave the connecting bolts loose until it was installed then adjusted the Fascia to have the protected edge sit down in place. Looking at my photo showing the placement of the crossmember I’m not sure how yours is hitting the roofline. Maybe take a step back and make sure everything is as described in many videos that have been done on YouTube. I hope these pictures may help you. I’ve even removed my top with the rack installed and haven’t had an issue. Good Luck. TrailRax will pick up the phone and answer any questions you may have

 

[PolyTect]

I've got a 2026. The bar is about 1/8"-3/16" from touching.

Sponsored