Truck shell/bed rack or trailer?

[Box Rocket]

I went with an ARE V-series camper shell and I love having all that lockable storage but the shell's roof capacity is only 250 lbs. So for an RTT I'm doing a rack at bedrail height.

If I had to do it all over again, I'd go for a shell that holds more up top like the Snugtop.

Well that's my question, I'm not sure the Snugtop I have actually holds more than your ARE. I'm still looking for an accurate #.

 

[pyrate]

http://www.snugtop.com/faq.php

Q: How much weight can the truck caps and tonneau covers hold?

A: The weight that a shell can handle is approximately 150-175lbs. The tonneau covers will typically hold about 75lbs. Our SNUGPRO with rack has been tested up to 500lbs.

Couldn't find anything on ARE's website. At least it is a start.

 

[6spdtaco]

Here is a thread I started thats on topic.
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=57704&highlight=bed+rack

I'll be installing mine soon and will post my results.

 

[Uglyduck]

Its a Snugtop Cab-Hi. From what I recall it has two load limits. Something like 150lbs when in motion and 500lbs static. They don't advertise it but I'm sure you can call or email them to verify. I can't remember where I found the numbers but my experience has validated them thus far.

 

[Tim A]

Well that's my question, I'm not sure the Snugtop I have actually holds more than your ARE. I'm still looking for an accurate #.

Right, it's as if we're the pioneers of wanting to load stuff on the roof. I called the dealer where I bought it after searching high and low online.

 

[toyota_jon]

This lack of info on the matter is probably due to the difficulty in determining weight limits. With weight are you hauling 8' or 12' 2x4's? the 8's won't move much but the 12's will flop and bend up and down thus increasing stresses. How many people out there will misunderstand the difference between dynamic and static loads? How many people do you know that can accurately calculate a dynamic load on a truck? Also how you mount your rack on top makes a difference, are you using 4 bolts or 8? 2 bars or 3? Would you put into writing what the load limits are knowing how "sue happy" people are in the US?

That said I have an ARE topper, Yakima tracks added, a Camping Lab RTT mounted when camping. I only have a few trips out with it so far, but no cracks or damage are evident.

However, this is not my final setup. The truck came with the topper when I bought it. Eventually I will build a rack for the back that puts the RTT ~4-6" above the height of the cab. In order to decrease drag while trying to maximize avail space in the bed. I'm also doing this for visibility. My truck is and will likely be used for DD purposes for the life of it. And I really hate not being able to see out the back while driving in heavy traffic and in parking lots. I don't wanna miss a car flying up or a kid walking behind me.

 

[Box Rocket]

I'm talking about this rack that is part of the original design of the top. I'm not talking about an aftermarket rack or load bars. I bought my top used so I don't know if it's a "SnugPRO" model or not. All I could find was that it was a Snugtop XTR.

 

[pyrate]

I know this is a little off track here but since the discussion has included different shells etc I thought would ask.

Anyone experience better or worse results w/ leaks w/ these two different types of windows?

[/IMG]

I like having the three windows that open so you can reach items up front without crawling through the back. But this particular model also doesn't have screens. It isn't the "win-doors" style w/ a sliding and hinge model.

[/IMG]

Screens but can't reach in the side windows.


But is one style more problematic?

Thanks.