Fiberglass Caps and rack/track system

[Doc Mayhem]

I am getting a cap for my 2002 Tundra. I think I am going with a 100 series Leer or the Century version. I was told they are made by the same company. I also was thinking about a rack of some sort. Should I get the factory installed Thule Tracker II system or go with something else? I would probably use it for bikes, canoe, maybe the spare and Hi-lift/shovels. I like the bajarack, but it had to be mounted to the Thule cross bars and that seems like it would be very high up. Then I found Gavin's line of wildeness racks and they have there own track system for fiberglass shells and you can mount all the Thule/Yakima accesories to the rack. Any experience with any of these? Am I better off mounting the Hi-Lift inside the bed?

Thanks in advance
-Doc

 

[keezer36]

REGARDING THE PLACEMENT OF THE JACK: I guess it matters what you use the inside of your truck for. My jack is mounted inside that I unbolt from a Windoor of the ARE cap I have on my truck now. If both are an option, I prefer not to reach up for the jack and to keep it out of the weather.

Keezer

 

[Verde Rat]

I’m running the Thule Tracker II system on my shell with a Yakima Load Warrior, all bought on CL. I like the versatility of the Yakima and Thule systems, but I have had an issue with the towers loosening from the track. I have since remedied the problem by using some lock-tight on the tracker II foot pack bolts, but after a long dirt road I’m always checking it to make sure the bolts are not loosening up again.

I prefer to keep the High lift mounted in the bed for a few reasons; mostly I like to keep it out of site. There are a lot of times I will park my truck in a remote area and leave it while I hike into a spot. And the Arizona Sun is hard on anything left out for long periods of time.

I hope that helps good luck!

 

[Vermonster]

More information in this thread:
http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=31403

I would now **strongly** recommend placing a sufficient number of Yakima A plates (nutplates) into the track before securing the endcaps. See thread above for details.

I still haven't been able to view the Surco tracks--but remain rather displeased with the thickness of both the Yakima and Thule tracks.

When you mount, be sure to use sufficient silicone in the mounting holes to prevent leaks. It's a pain to have to go back and re-mount (ask me how I know).

VT

 

[Overland Hadley]

Should I get the factory installed Thule Tracker II system or go with something else?

Yes, get the factory installed Thule tracks. By having it factory installed the topper will have a warranty for carrying stuff on top, plus there will be no chance of it leaking water.

Edit: And Thule stuff is the best IMHO.