I don't understand the advantages of a Bed Rack

[jeepnutt1983]

I didn't want/need the full rack so I went with the the BillyBars which are really versitile and easily removed if I don't want to run them all the time. The mopar cover rolls underneath and they can still be outfitted with a Molle panel and accesories. Plus, if I am hauling something tall like a fridge I can actually used the bars to help "clamp" the fridge upright and not worry about it tipping over. I can attach the RTT or my Yakima Sky Box easily and when I haul my 12' kayak I use the bed extender.

Bars or Rack, either way everyone could benefit from the versitility they add to your truck.

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[TexasTJ]

Im not a fan of bed racks from an appearance standpoint, or because they leave your gear exposed.
I’m running the Diamondback with FrontRunner cross bars. I don’t need a truck most of the time, but if I do I can remove the Diamondback with 4 bolts or take the dually with the 8’ bed.

On a day to day basis, I used the DB to keep expensive gear secure, and throw an expensive mountain bike on top. For trips I mount the RTT that I’ve had since before the JT, and it keeps the fridge out of the elements inside the bed.

I have helped a friend move. We put smaller stuff in the bed, and a recliner and a few totes on top of the DB. So that worked kind of as a double decker.

Just personal preference.

 

[MPMB]

We have the tall bed rack from JCR.

1. We camp in bear country and having the RTT higher keeps us out of range of curiosity of most woodland creatures.
2. Maximizes access to bed storage; if we had a short rack or just load bars, getting stuff in and out of the bed would be a pain.

As things turned out, we bought a little campground runabout quad for my wife. It fits almost perfectly under the bed rack (have to loosen and lower the handlebars).

 

[Bonanza]

I didn't want/need the full rack so I went with the the BillyBars which are really versitile and easily removed if I don't want to run them all the time. The mopar cover rolls underneath and they can still be outfitted with a Molle panel and accesories. Plus, if I am hauling something tall like a fridge I can actually used the bars to help "clamp" the fridge upright and not worry about it tipping over. I can attach the RTT or my Yakima Sky Box easily and when I haul my 12' kayak I use the bed extender.

Bars or Rack, either way everyone could benefit from the versitility they add to your truck.

I honestly can't imagine anything less useful than those-- for me. Seems like all those would do is get in the way. But!! Ain't my truck and my opinion means squat.

I agree with OP. Racks don't make sense to me, but I suppose they do for other people.

 

[PhantomChameleon]

I have the RSI Smartcap now, but I had a bed rack for a while before that. I got one mostly because I have a hardshell rooftop tent. It is longer, so it has to hang over the cab a little bit - so I got a full height rack so that we could carry the tent when we want to use it. It also added some nice tie down points for other stuff that we carried on camping trips to the mountains.

It also helped add a little security for the stuff in the back. While it obviously isn't theft proof, we kept most of our stuff in waterproof tubs which were impossible to get out of the back from the sides with the rack on it, and even a little bit of added hassle makes a big difference for keeping thieves away.

In addition to all of that, I like how they look and I don't really need the truck bed to haul anything most of the time, so that was a non-issue for me. I got the Gladiator for mountain adventures and overlanding so the bed is for hauling gear.

 

[InvertedLogic]

That's why I went with the Yakima Overhaul HD rack. It's aluminum, pretty light, and has quick release feet so I don't have to drive around with it all the time.

 

[DankjeeP]

Honest question (not deliberately trying to be an @ss despite my wife's beliefs).

I don't understand what the advantages of a rack.

Space limiting: I traded my JKU for the bed as I missed my old truck but wasn't going to NOT have a jeep. For the same reason I wouldn't want a bed cap or a hard one piece tonneau cover (i.e. diamondback), I don't want to worry about being limited in height. I understand you could take off some racks, but if I am just driving around town and I see a large baby elephant wandering around, how am I going to load her up with a rack in the way

Not secure: Although I wouldn't want a full Bed Cap, I can at least see the advantage of keeping things out of the elements and being able to secure your stuff. If I'm driving around with the elephant loaded up and take her to the zoo and they reward me with a chest full of gold doubloons, forget about stopping at McD's for a bathroom break.

RRT: Can't I put a RTT on a bed cap or Roof racks?

I've seen locally a nice Willys pimped out with clayton 3.5" lift and half rack with a RTT. He always has his RTT mounted on. I'd think the weight and drag would be horrible. But regardless it looked sharp and picturesque. Just got me thinking about racks...then couldn't figure out why I'd need one.

Educate me...GO!

I'm kind of in the same boat as you. I nearly pulled the trigger on a full rack the other day then changed my mind for some of the reasons you mentioned. I honestly could not think of a whole lot of need other than having something to put longer items above the cab on that rare occasion. We are not going to be doing an RTT. IF we plan any camping everything will go in the bed. That segues into the cover or cap decision. I'm leaning towards some type of cover, probably a rolling hard cover for the ease of use and the fact I can roll it up and get it out of the way if need be. Maybe my needs will change over time, but for now, no rack for me. But as others mentioned, everyone's needs are different.

 

[Free2roam]

Agreed. That’s why my RTT and rack only get mounted when needed. Harbor Freight electric hoist makes it pretty easy.

Same reason you don't put your bindings on the snowboard? Only mounted when needed? Kidding. In all seriousness. Love that set up for the rack.

 

[Free2roam]

I personally ordered a Tuwa Pro rack. For kayaks, hauling wood if need be. Baby elephants if necessary ?

 

[StingyJT]

Same reason you don't put your bindings on the snowboard? Only mounted when needed? Kidding. In all seriousness. Love that set up for the rack.

Haha! That’s my only sentimental snowboard. It almost spent the night with me when I was a stupid teenager going out of bounds in Vermont. It’s ancient technology by today’s standards being 20 yrs old (heck a snowboard shop said my 2013 Never Summer board is ancient).

thanks! Fortunately the ceiling is 10ft. I just can’t imagine blocking my bed all the time, hauling 200 extra pounds around, or having the sun/rain beat on the tent when not in use.

 

[StingyJT]

I personally ordered a Tuwa Pro rack. For kayaks, hauling wood if need be. Baby elephants if necessary ?

Not sure if that Tuwa existed when I bought the Fishbones or I missed it. Really like the modularity and at a reasonable price.

 

[garzilla]

Or you get a mostly useless but REALLY cool looking sport bar ?

I actually like it for the beach. My teenage boys can stand back there and have something to hold on to while we're cruising on the beach

 

[Rockabillyroy]

I’m running the Diamondback with FrontRunner cross bars. I don’t need a truck most of the time, but if I do I can remove the Diamondback with 4 bolts or take the dually with the 8’ bed.

I wish it were as simple as 4 bolts for me. It always takes me time to line it back up and dial it in. Usually the rods need a small tweak as well.
Otherwise I get small leaks here and there. And if I don't tighten down the bolts with just the right amount of tension, one of the clamps pops off. I've started to using 'jam nuts' on top.

 

[Erievon]

This discussion just goes to reinforce the absolutely astounding versatility of this Gladiator platform. Endless configuration and use options. Bottom line though, if you can't think of a need for a rack, don't do it. When/if you need one, you'll know.

 

[LostWoods]

I wish it were as simple as 4 bolts for me. It always takes me time to line it back up and dial it in. Usually the rods need a small tweak as well.
Otherwise I get small leaks here and there. And if I don't tighten down the bolts with just the right amount of tension, one of the clamps pops off. I've started to using 'jam nuts' on top.

That's what deterred me from a tonneau for a cap instead. I really like the Diamondback now that you can get it textured without the diamond plate but my cap gives me clearance for 99% of what I need to haul and when that's not enough, it's 4 bolts to remove. Yeah I could strap a lot of things to the top of the DB but the cap is just simpler.

This discussion just goes to reinforce the absolutely astounding versatility of this Gladiator platform. Endless configuration and use options. Bottom line though, if you can't think of a need for a rack, don't do it. When/if you need one, you'll know.

I mean that's any pickup in general but you're right... racks have become fashion accessories and the number I've seen around here on Tacomas and Colorados with maybe a shovel and a couple Maxtrax on them is crazy. If you like the look then more power to you but I can't imagine gimping the capability to haul things just for appearances.

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