2018 Prius C plastic roof rails

Pictures?

 

Considering the Spark Activ has true roof rails this is disappointing...I imagine Thule or another brand offers adjustable bars that would work. Are the roof rails similar to the Calibers raised plastic pieces?

 

Thanks! I don't understand the logic on that... I would assume it would negatively impact mpg's. Why would Toyo make that standard?

 

I had some trouble finding removable roof racks for our 2015 C (guessing same configuration in 2018...) but Rhino Rack made one to fit that is maybe the nicest rack I have ever owned. Wide enough for one canoe or kayak, I have added wood 'spreaders' to carry 2 alongside (of either craft) and once or twice, for short distances, tossed another boat atop all that. Fuel economy suffers with that load.

 

Anyone else have a solution to fix 2018 prius C roof rails problem. How can I install the roof rack. They drilled 7 hole on the roof for the roof rails but no use. I so disappointed.

 

I am currently encountering the same problem. Don't understand their function - TOYO says its to seal gaskets? No sense made. The issue is that you can't really find an aftermarket that will allow mounting to the outside, inside or top of that existing plastic rail without major interference to opening/closing doors.

Anywho, I bought an aftermarket Rhino Rack 2500 and am in the process of making it work. I'm ultimately trying to get a cargo basket on top there. My theory so far - Unclip the caps, find a longer bolt, drill through Rhino footers, secure bolt through Rhino footers + plastic rail into roof. Then I won't need the securing clips. Is this safe or recommended? probably not. Will it hold? Should - the top of the car is rated to a certain weight upon rollover, so it isn't like it's pot metal up there. Should hold 50-60 pounds of cargo without an issue. Driving to a technician tomorrow to run my theory by him, will keep everyone posted.

 

Update: Cost was too significant to make this work (currently). All options save one involved drilling or tapping the roof and voiding the warranty. The only other option was to have a local machine shop create custom clamps to fit to the Rhino Rack in place of the ones they shipped with (also voids warranty since altering a manufactured product). Rhino Rack did refund me and apologize for their mistake (the rack was advertised as compatible with my Prius). I did speak to an engineer at Rhino Rack and they will be working on the issue since they pride themselves on offering as many options to different models as possible. Those with a moon roof - the Rhino Rack 2500 will work since you don't have the plastic rails. The rest of us - we're waiting for Rhino Rack (or competitor) to make a system that fits the existing Prius and their website has been updated to note the issue before you purchase.

Those interested in the avenue's I researched:
A. Drill into the roof, create footers and seal the holes - approx. $3200.
B. Remove plastic rails, tap existing 6 threaded holes from screw to bolt, create footers and seal - approx. $2600.
C. Use existing Rhino Rack ($350) and get a machine shop to create custom clamps to fit the car in place of the ones shipped with the rack - approx. $1800
D. Talk to engineer @ Rhino Rack to create an option that works for Prius C with plastic rails - wait time approx. 6 months, no guarantee, estimate approx. <$400.

 

I don't get that. I get several answers from Toyota in a continual loop. The plastic rails are to cover the holes, or the holes were there to secure the plastic rails.

 

Has anyone tried rope through those pool noodles floatation devices? I have considered this for a surf board. improvising. And then duck tape to secure. Lol

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

 

I just bought a 2018 Prius and noticed that one of my rail caps is missing and I’ve been looking for a Toyota part number any help for the part name and a part number to follow

 

Your avatar shows Prius Prime, you're in Prius c forum, and you say you bought a 2018 "Prius". Maybe clarify, it's a Prius c? And what level?

I'm guessing you'll find it on this page:

Exterior Trim - Roof for 2016 Toyota Prius C | Toyota Parts

 

His avatar is a c.

This is what the front of the Prime looks like :



A slight difference.

 

Weird, text shows Prime (on a computer):



Also, only certain Prius c levels have the roof rails?? Meh, search it up on McGeorge, Amayama. Local dealership will know too, hopefully accessible in these times.

 

Who has a desktop pc anymore .

On my iPhone all you see is the avatar pic and when you click on it, the vehicle doesn't show.

Oh well, a search on toyotapartsdeal might also bring resolution.

 

In the international Aqua family, the roof rails (and black fender flare appliques) are known as the Crossover Variant. It's not 100% clear to me how this variation got folded into North-American spec models but I believe it is all trim levels 2017-2019 inclusive.