Tacoma Roof Rack Questions

[nucktaco]

Hey all,

Ive got an 08 tacoma DC LB that im looking to start outfitting with camping/expo gear.

Im gona be running the bestop supertop on my truck but i would like to have a rack on my truck that would allow me to put a RTT on top and still have room for all my other gear. a buddy of mine is also designing a rear bumper/ swing away tire carrier which we will start on in a few weeks.

i found this rack online and was looking for opinions on it or any other recommendations

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200314164_200314164

thanks,
Scott

 

[User_Name]

Don't know if that will mount up since the Tacoma has plastic on the bed rails.

 

[nucktaco]

hmm never thought of that. i could always remove them i guess but i have seen people running ladder racks on the 05+ tacomas before.

 

[robert]

It won't work as designed. There are several posts where folk have used over the shell racks but most of them made the plate that extends from under the shell wrap over the bed rail and attach to the cargo channel. Given that it's a plastic bed I would still expect some flex and possible bed separation- apparently folks are starting to have some issues with the metal cracking at the back from carrying weight (see TTORA for examples).

Another option would be to build supports inside the bed- there was a member here who did that but I can't recall his name.

You can find ladder racks cheaper than that or better yet, build it yourself for less. ex. http://www.rackwarehouse.com/vanguard-pick-up-truck-utility-racks.html

Another route you could go is one of the utility style caps that have a frame inside of them. The A.R.E. is a popular choice is you go this route.

 

[Cobra_R]

If you haven't bought the Bestop top yet you could go with a Can-Back top instead since they actually support weight. Their is actually one for sale on here right now for a reasonable price. The Can-Back can easily hold a roof rack or a RTT.

 

[nucktaco]

the can back seems like a way better option. for 1200 bucks i might as well buy a hard canopy though.. hmm got some thinking to do now.

 

[ETAV8R]

Also check out Crosstread. I am working on having a rack built or modified to support a RTT. Search here and you will find a wealth of info. Good luck.

 

[WASURF63]

Hey all,

Ive got an 08 tacoma DC LB that im looking to start outfitting with camping/expo gear.

Im gona be running the bestop supertop on my truck but i would like to have a rack on my truck that would allow me to put a RTT on top and still have room for all my other gear. a buddy of mine is also designing a rear bumper/ swing away tire carrier which we will start on in a few weeks.

i found this rack online and was looking for opinions on it or any other recommendations

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200314164_200314164

thanks,
Scott

Hey Scott,

I've been down this same road a couple times before with two other builds on Toyota trucks for PacNW exploration, besides my current rig (see signature below).

I'd be glad to shed any light on questions you have regarding bedracks, RTT's, hardshell canopies, awnings, etc, if you're interested.
I went throught alot of trial and error with both my '00 Tundra and my '08 Tacoma builds, and could possibly save you some grief.

Some combos of the above mentioned gear work better together than others.
Some don't work together at all...

PM sent your way.

WASURF63

 

[Dave Bennett]

Get a FlipPac and fuggeduhboutit :costumed-smiley-007

 

[WASURF63]

Get a FlipPac and fuggeduhboutit :costumed-smiley-007

Now that's a great suggestion!

 

[Dave Bennett]

I'm sure you'd agree since you have one - it totally changes the truck and is the ultimate lightweight camping solution.

 

[tomesd]

Just an fyi- I plan on a snugtop XV with the Sportsman's package which adds a reinforced top able to support 500#. To the top I'm adding a Front Runner rack that will enable me to customize what I take when/where including a RTT if needed.

 

[Dave Bennett]

By the time you add a rack and a RTT there's not much weight capacity left for people and gear up there if it only supports 500 lbs... YMMV

RTT's generally weigh at least 100-120 lbs (my Eezi-Awn 1600 was heavy)

 

[tomesd]

The rack is ~60# and the weight rating for the top is 500 pounds dynamic weight- the static weight capacity will be much greater. It will be plenty for the tent and occupants.

 

[WASURF63]

I'm sure you'd agree since you have one - it totally changes the truck and is the ultimate lightweight camping solution.

I agree 100%.
Before I got the AT Flippac idea in my head, I had near the same $ amount invested into RTT, bed rack, canopy, roof rack, awning, etc...as I just put into the ATFP. I also had a higher COG, was carrying more weight, and had far less usable interior space compared to what I have now.

I also have a lower and slightly narrower overall profile with the ATFP.
Definately the ultimate lightweight camping solution IMHO as well.