Trailrax Clamp and Foam Question

[Something Wild]

Installed my 4 door Trailrax TRMR rack today. When clamping the back sections to the roof, I could not get the foam under this lip. Just did not seem like there was enough room to get the foam and the metal bracket under the lip. So as the clamps were tightened, the foam just smash back to the outside edge.

Anyone else have this issue? Is this of enough concern that these should all be re-done?
@TrailRax

Thanks

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[RagnarKon]

Pro tip:

Use a flat-head screwdriver or a trim tool to push and hold down the foam on one corner... then side that corner of the brace in while holding the foam in place. Once the corner is in... switch the screwdriver/trim tool to the other side to slide the other corner in.

Bam boom, easy.

After you do it the first time the foam is usually compressed enough that you can slide it in without any tools.

 

[Something Wild]

Pro tip:

Use a flat-head screwdriver or a trim tool to push and hold down the foam on one corner... then side that corner of the brace in while holding the foam in place. Once the corner is in... switch the screwdriver/trim tool to the other side to slide the other corner in.

Bam boom, easy.

After you do it the first time the foam is usually compressed enough that you can slide it in without any tools.

Thanks. I’ll have to try this later.

 

[Something Wild]

After a bit more struggle, was able to get them all in as best I can tell. Still quite the PITA and most tedious part of the entire install. I found it helpful to leave a bit of the foam overhanging at that bottom lip to try and get it started, and work the edges in with a flathead. I’m just going to assume my hardtop gaps were smaller and it shouldn’t be this difficult.
All in all, super excited about the rack and can’t wait to get some storage boxes up there.

 

[lakesinai]

After a bit more struggle, was able to get them all in as best I can tell. Still quite the PITA and most tedious part of the entire install. I found it helpful to leave a bit of the foam overhanging at that bottom lip to try and get it started, and work the edges in with a flathead. I’m just going to assume my hardtop gaps were smaller and it shouldn’t be this difficult.
All in all, super excited about the rack and can’t wait to get some storage boxes up there.

I installed my half-rack in August 2022. I've I can do it, I'm sure you can! Laying the pads in place on the brackets with overlap, then prying into place as RagnarKon wrote, was a help. I used a razor to cut overlapping foam flush. Once you tighten on the fasteners, it will all clamp into place. My son and I did it together.

Also, TrailRax is very helpful. If you need new pads to start over, they will help you! I take my side-saddles on and off as needed. The back sides of the lock-nuts are encapsulated with JB Weld, so I only need the driver on the outside bolt to install..

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