2017 Superduty Roof Gutter Trim Removal

jimbob394

jimbob394

Adventurist
Hi all,

I just got a 2017 Superduty and I would like to put a Frontrunners roof rack over the cab. I noticed the roof has gutter channels with a plastic covering over it. Does anyone with a '17 know if these plastic covers are removable? If so, are there holes that a mount could be screwed into under these plastic covers?

I've tried prying with my fingers on the plastic channels and they move a bit but I can't seem to pull them off. Not sure how they're stuck on, whether it's adhesive or clips.

Any help or insight is much appreciated.

Thank you.


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The key there is the end of the strip back by the rear window glass. It's tucked under right there. Using something that won't mar the paint you need to pry it loose there to begin removal (many vehicles use similar strips). It's either clips or 3M hsb tape holding it on.
 
That said, that's a very nice truck. I'd highly recommend against roof racks or roof loads if you can avoid it. BTDT.
 
Dave said:
That said, that's a very nice truck. I'd highly recommend against roof racks or roof loads if you can avoid it. BTDT.
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Thanks for the insight. What are the disadvantages for roof loads?


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jimbob394 said:
Thanks for the insight. What are the disadvantages for roof loads?


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Couple things. First, it's a Super Duty so it's already very tall :D

How will you access roof loads? Don't say step bars because I have them on my big Ram and I can barely wash the roof from there.

Next is aerodynamics. A rack will create drag. And wind noise. Especially with that sunroof there. And occlude the view from said sunroof.

Now think about vehicle dynamics. 200 to 300 lbs is typical for a rack and gear, do you want that weight up that high affecting your already tall vehicle's center of gravity?
 
After looking through a SEMA build thread I found a picture with the plastic channel removed. Also, during lunch I was able to lift a little of the channel off of a clip to see underneath. Now I'm wondering if it's okay to remove any of the bolts to put a bracket down for a rack.

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My concerns there, are strength and corrosion issues.

Ask yourself, is the new Super Duty steel or aluminum body construction?

Since it's aluminum up there then you need to consider corrosion as in dissimilar metals corrosion from using steel hardware in aluminum threads. Also, anything removed up there will need to be sealed and you need to prevent standing water in those channels (I'd wager that trim does serve a purpose beyond aesthetics).

And while I love aluminum in certain applications, I don't know that I would trust those threads to the shearing forces that a roof rack will see off road.

YMMV :)
 
I'm with Dave on this one, I think the potential penalties of a roof rack out weigh the potential benefits.
 
If i wasn't planning on useing a shell than I would look into a chase rack type setup sans tire rack. That would keep all the weight off your cab structure and negate most the other issues mentioned. You still will have added weight up top and noise issues though.
 
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