05+ Tacoma Over Cap Racks

[Zwoehr]

Hello, I'm the proud new owner of a 2005 Tacoma 4x4 4.0 Accesscab. The truck has a canopy on it and I have been trying to find a rack to fit it. I don't want to risk leaking or stress risers by drilling or attaching anything to the top or sides of the canopy, so I am looking for a cantilevered design. It seems as though everyone who makes one of these types is so concerned over the composite bed that they will not even sell one to a tacoma owner, nor will they even say which model would fit if the truck had a standard bed. I've seen other trucks with these racks and am wondering what you have done to get around this (custom?).

Thanks,
Zach newbie

 

[Crooked Beat]

Start here

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/64974-brand-new-building-ladder-rack-advice.html

 

[WASURF63]

Hello, I'm the proud new owner of a 2005 Tacoma 4x4 4.0 Accesscab. The truck has a canopy on it and I have been trying to find a rack to fit it. I don't want to risk leaking or stress risers by drilling or attaching anything to the top or sides of the canopy, so I am looking for a cantilevered design. It seems as though everyone who makes one of these types is so concerned over the composite bed that they will not even sell one to a tacoma owner, nor will they even say which model would fit if the truck had a standard bed. I've seen other trucks with these racks and am wondering what you have done to get around this (custom?).

Thanks,
Zach newbie

Welcome Zach,

There "are" ways to get around this. I've put a bed rack/canopy setup with RTT etc... on both a '00 Tundra and a '08 Tacoma (composite bed).
Sent you a PM.

WS

 

[Zwoehr]

Thanks for the input. I ordered a Kargo Master rack today. Found a deal online for only a little more than the Renegade shipped. Will let you know how it works out. They were the only rack manufacturer who even lists a 05+ Tacoma application, at least that I could find. The kit has a bar that ties the front cantilever plates together. I might get some gussets welded to the back uprights to minimize spreading.

 

[WASURF63]

Thanks for the input. I ordered a Kargo Master rack today. Found a deal online for only a little more than the Renegade shipped. Will let you know how it works out. They were the only rack manufacturer who even lists a 05+ Tacoma application, at least that I could find. The kit has a bar that ties the front cantilever plates together. I might get some gussets welded to the back uprights to minimize spreading.

PM sent.

WS

 

[Zwoehr]

progress

Well I got the rack installed and am pretty happy with it. Installation was easy with the most time consuming part being modifying the bed rail caps (I used a Dremel with sanding disks). In retrospect I could have probably ditched them and just used some thicker weatherstripping between the canopy and the bed. It is designed well,all loads are transferred straight down. I was worried at first that it would not be rigid enough and that the joints at the cantilever plates and junction between the vertical and horizontal would act as hinges turning downward pressure into outward and spreading the bed of the truck. It turns out my fears were unfounded, the thing is pretty bombproof, and heavy (probably between 150-200lbs) So next up... some Wheelers 3 leaf progressive AAL's.

 

[dodecagon2000]

can you post ups some more pics...i am thinking of getting a set myself.

 

[austintaco]

Looks good. I am looking for something like this for my 03.

 

[WASURF63]

Well I got the rack installed and am pretty happy with it. Installation was easy with the most time consuming part being modifying the bed rail caps (I used a Dremel with sanding disks). In retrospect I could have probably ditched them and just used some thicker weatherstripping between the canopy and the bed. It is designed well,all loads are transferred straight down. I was worried at first that it would not be rigid enough and that the joints at the cantilever plates and junction between the vertical and horizontal would act as hinges turning downward pressure into outward and spreading the bed of the truck. It turns out my fears were unfounded, the thing is pretty bombproof, and heavy (probably between 150-200lbs) So next up... some Wheelers 3 leaf progressive AAL's.

Looks good Zach. Very stout with a nice custom fit.
Now it's just waiting for a RTT... :victory:

 

[Expedition Key]

Hi guys, I thought I'd post some info as this is something I know a good bit about. I'm a general contractor and have had many different racks on many trucks, and I see all the other various kinds of racks being used everyday on other contractors trucks.

IMO, bolt together racks are not very durable and tend to rust a lot more as water is entering the tubes at bolts other joint. They are also not as stout. I would recommend a good quality welded steel or aluminum rack. The only exception would be System One http://www.ladderracks.com/ . They are Aluminum bolt together, and really a well engineered, very stout rack.

I'm on my third Rack-It http://www.rackitinc.com/ rack (three different trucks), and I am totally sold on their product. I've had well over 2000 pound on one of them and it never flinched, though my truck swayed like a drunken sailor.

On the Tacoma with the composite bed, it is imperative that the rack is bolted to the load points, and not supported by the bed rails.

Here is a pic of my current Tacoma with Rack-It rack.

Kye

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[Expedition Key]

Here's a shot from the rear. The rear bar is removable so you can easily walk in the bed when the cap is off.

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[Expedition Key]

Here's a pic of my Dodge:

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[Zwoehr]

rust

The rack comes with silicone to seal all the joints and bolt holes plus the rack is galvanized and powdercoated. I live in the PNW so it is wet but the roads are not salted in the winter. Still I am sure it will rust, I think the only way to be sure your rack does not rust is to get one made of aluminum or $tainless $teel. It's rated to be able to carry 1000lbs which is way more than anyone should be carrying up that high. Dodecahedron what do you want pictures of?

 

[dodecagon2000]

anyone with experiance w/ tacomarack.com they seem to have a neat way of attaching the rack.

 

[Expedition Key]

anyone with experiance w/ tacomarack.com they seem to have a neat way of attaching the rack.

The "Tacoma Rack" is a Rack-It rack, they just re-badged it. It's what I have on my Tacoma, the way it's attached is great