Half cap/topper/exo-skeleton over bed rack

[Fpolanco]

Long time lurker, first time poster.

I currently have JCR Off-road half height bed rack on my Mojave with a tonneau cover. However, it’s a giant pain to roll the cover back and I end up sliding it back. In addition, it pains me b/c I lose about 6-8 inches of space btwn the top of the cover and the bottom of the bed rack.

I’m looking to essentially cover the bed rack and make a half-height topper/cap. I’m looking to keep this a DIY and use HDPE and eventually have something professionally fabricated using aluminum.

Just some questions before I go down the rabbit hole (at leastany further than I already am):

Has anyone ever done this? What are things I should keep in mind? Any tips I’m not thinking about and/or need to think about?

Sponsored

 

[Bruticus Maximus]

Long time lurker, first time poster.

I currently have JCR Off-road half height bed rack on my Mojave with a tonneau cover. However, it’s a giant pain to roll the cover back and I end up sliding it back. In addition, it pains me b/c I lose about 6-8 inches of space btwn the top of the cover and the bottom of the bed rack.

I’m looking to essentially cover the bed rack and make a half-height topper/cap. I’m looking to keep this a DIY and use HDPE and eventually have something professionally fabricated using aluminum.

Just some questions before I go down the rabbit hole (at leastany further than I already am):

Has anyone ever done this? What are things I should keep in mind? Any tips I’m not thinking about and/or need to think about?

I was hoping to see some responses from those with this set-up. I am looking for a "half-height" bed cap but I dont see anything out on the market and have been looking for awhile. About to have one custom fabricated, but it would be nice if there were options available in the market.

 

[Fpolanco]

I was hoping to see some responses from those with this set-up. I am looking for a "half-height" bed cap but I dont see anything out on the market and have been looking for awhile. About to have one custom fabricated, but it would be nice if there were options available in the market.

There was a gentleman here that fabricated his own.

I’ve only recently come across the only off-the-shelf option from Rebel Off-road.

You can purchase their half-height rack and use their panels to close off the rack. Just don’t know how waterproof or secure it is.

 

[ralbrecht1]

I know this thread is 3 years old. I was wondering if you found one? I found this on Amazon and was considering buy it. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FKQYDZP...ADVXUAIY&psc=1&ref_=list_c_wl_gv_ov_lig_pi_dp

 

[Splenda]

I know this thread is 3 years old. I was wondering if you found one? I found this on Amazon and was considering buy it. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FKQYDZP...ADVXUAIY&psc=1&ref_=list_c_wl_gv_ov_lig_pi_dp

That's pretty expensive. Is it a bed rack, capable of carrying a lot of weight on top? The Rebel Off-road is a rack with panels that turn it into an enclosure.

 

[Fpolanco]

I ended up going a slightly different route.

I already had the JCR half height rack when I made the original post. I found a local (to me) designer/fabricator of awnings and boat canopies to make one for OVER the rack.

I’m going on 3 yrs and still going strong. It needs a good wash but other than that, it’s great!

 

[ralbrecht1]

That's pretty expensive. Is it a bed rack, capable of carrying a lot of weight on top? The Rebel Off-road is a rack with panels that turn it into an enclosure.

I doubt it. All the ones I've seen are made in China which shipping, makes them expensive. Plus, I don't recall seeing any pictures with an actual tent set up on it. Just a case that that might be a tent. Thanks for a picture of a Rebel.

 

[ralbrecht1]

That's different. I'm looking for half-height topper/cap so I can drive around the desert without getting my gear full of dust. a Tonneau Cover really limits how much you can take on a 7 day camping trip.

 

[Bruticus Maximus]

American Adventure Lab has a LBE - Load Bearing Enclosure that is a half-height aluminum cap that I found and was really interested in. It is exactly what I was looking for. But after the ordeal I went through to get their rear seat delete, I decided to go another route. The experience was horrible, though they did credit me back some of the money I paid for it. But from constant delays lasting several months, to receiving incorrect hardware, missing hardware, and other issues, I gave up on them. At least until I see improvement in their reviews. I also have the 10 gallon propane tank mount from AAL, and that arrived in less than a week. So it depended on what is ordered I guess.
Based on recent posts from AAL, it appears they may be in better shape now and fulfilling orders more timely, but still having delays on certain larger items (like the LBE). If you like their LBE, Id advise to get in touch with them to inquire about lead time. It looks like a great product. And I am happy with the AAL rear seat delete I got from them, once it finally arrived and I had all the correct parts and hardware. Great quality. The propane mount is probably the best out there.

https://americanadventurelab.com/product/jeep-gladiator-load-bearing-enclosure-bundle/

 

[Splenda]

I guess we'll be seeing a lot more load bearing enclosures. They have gotten popular.

Sponsored