I don't understand the advantages of a Bed Rack

[Dryfly24]

Why someone cares what someone else does with his money is beyond my understanding but apparently it’s a thing with some people.

Or it could be some people are just miserable in real life and it reflects in virtual worlds like this one.

At any rate, I thought this was a great thread as it got me really thinking about my own rack situation. Many thanks to the OP.

I realize now that I really don’t want to travel around 24/7 like I’m off on an outback expedition and need to come up with a way to reclaim my truck when not actually camping…

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[DankjeeP]

Hooter's needs have changed and as his life evolves so does his rig. Different solutions to different challenges.

Keepin an eye out -- Cooper's hawk this time

 

[ACAD_Cowboy]

I have hawks in the back yard as well they are around in mating season then scoot to fatten up for winter, the owl(s) are around all late summer, fall and winter.

The crows hate on all of them but the small birds hate on the crows so... hard to say who's winning.

 

[MPMB]

Why someone cares what someone else does with his money is beyond my understanding but apparently it’s a thing with some people.

You can make a lot of money doing that. Ask Dave Ramsey.

 

[Browning]

I run a yakima adjustable rack and I really like it. I can adjust it for over the cab when needed and lower if I want to get a tent out of the wind. I've found my rack very handy as my hobbies/projects are varied as heck. I like that it gives me easy versatility. I ran a camper shell for a while but found that It was too much of a pain to take off when I didn't need it. Therefore, I just left it on and gave up some versatility. The rack gave me the ability to carry long kayaks, rafts, tents, rod vaults, etc and still be removed without a lot of trouble. Plus, with these small beds space can become and issue. This allows me to still use my bed for things that dont fit on a rack (or need one). There will be trade offs for whichever way you go. Totally depends on your mission profile. And as others have said, it's your money... I can say I don't like about 50% of the rigs i see on this very forum. But they are not my rig and it's none of my business what other people like. If it makes them happy then go for it.

IMO, the best setup I had was when I had the retrax pro bed cover with the grooves in it for my yakima rack (prior truck). STILL waiting for retrax or somebody to make that for the gladiator.

 

[Dreaded1]

When I first picked up my JTR used my old hitch mount to carry my bikes, hated it.

Decided I wanted to carry them above the bed. Love it! Out of the way of distracted drivers and I can still use the bed for bike tools, chairs and what ever.

The rack also helps out with mountain bike camping weekends

And I have an 8 foot utility trailer in case I need to haul something that will not fit under the rack. I have hauled my bikes around more times than I needed the open bed to pick up a lost baby elephant, in the year I have owned the JTR.

 

[DankjeeP]

I have hawks in the back yard as well they are around in mating season then scoot to fatten up for winter, the owl(s) are around all late summer, fall and winter.

The crows hate on all of them but the small birds hate on the crows so... hard to say who's winning.

I only see/hear the owls at night. Great horned, barn owls, occasional spotted.
We get a few different species of hawks too. I keep the camera at the ready on a tripod. The mocking birds mostly harass the hawks, sometimes crows.

 

[JT850]

That’s a great idea having that shop build you a rain cover over the rack. You got me thinking about possibilities…

As to the OP’s question, for me it is all about camping.

We camp a LOT and I need it for my 23 Zero Walkabout 62 RTT plus all the assorted gear that goes along with it. Without the rack the bed would be so crammed I wouldn’t have the room for everything.

Having said that: I hate it when I’m not camping. I really enjoy just having a plain truck without all that crap permanently on. I wish someone would come up with a really secure system that was basically a quick disconnect for easy removal.

What would be ideal would be a set up like that one guy posted where he can just remove it with a winch and hang it from his garage ceiling when he’s not using it. That one really has my wheels turning…

I totally get it. My rack is useful, but there are times when I wish it was easy to remove.. a topper is awesome for camping because it keep your bed contents dry. I went back and forth for a long time before deciding on a rack. The one from leitner designs was one I eyed too. You can slide the top cross bars to the front of your truck if you need to. Helps if you have something tall to put in your bed. The deal breaker for me was the way it mounts to your bed and the braces. They are diagonal and take up some bed space. Pros and calls to each as with anything for sure.

 

[SubiRubi]

I use mine to hold items that I don't want or have room for in the truck.. Highlift, Water tank, Shovel etc.. I bought the brackets that let you use a bed cover with the rack.. So stuff is still secure and dry. I also have 3 full size dogs that I can throw in the back and not worry about them jumping out..

It just works for me and my life.. Individual results may vary..

 

[Jeeptruck]

Great examples. Thanks for sharing! Do you have a post on your canopy. That's pretty pimp

Great examples. Thanks for sharing! Do you have a post on your canopy. That's pretty pimp

I don’t have a post on the canopy but I’ll do one now if your interested!

 

[BilletRUBI]

I use mine to hold items that I don't want or have room for in the truck.. Highlift, Water tank, Shovel etc.. I bought the brackets that let you use a bed cover with the rack.. So stuff is still secure and dry. I also have 3 full size dogs that I can throw in the back and not worry about them jumping out..

It just works for me and my life.. Individual results may vary..

When did you order your RCI half rack and when did you receive it? I ordered the aluminum half rack about 4 weeks ago and apparently have 4-8 more weeks according to RCI.

Thanks,

 

[RCKLNDR]

Not sure it’s an advantage but you don’t really have a choice when you need to carry an 18’ kayak

 

[SubiRubi]

When did you order your RCI half rack and when did you receive it? I ordered the aluminum half rack about 4 weeks ago and apparently have 4-8 more weeks according to RCI.

Thanks,

Mine took about 6 weeks to deliver.. Ordered it June 29th

 

[ecidiego]

I haven’t found a perfect solution, but this is what I’ve done. I needed a cover but I also needed extra storage - all while being somewhat removable. I really like the Upper Decker, but it’s too heavy for me to remove without help.

I should mention that the reason I went this route in the first place was in preparation for a 3-week camping road trip. Had that not been in the cards, the back would probably still be empty. And when I get home, perhaps I’ll hang it from the garage ceiling.

But I do like having a bed cover so I can pop off the freedom panels whenever and wherever I want.

EDIT: To clarify, I (probably) wouldn’t drive with the basket up. That’s intended as a convenience feature for loading and unloading. But for short hauls of big loads, I guess I could string a ratchet strap through the back windows to hold it up.

That's rad. Can a new guy get a BOM ( Bill of Materials ) for this setup?

 

[mx5red]

I run a yakima adjustable rack and I really like it. I can adjust it for over the cab when needed and lower if I want to get a tent out of the wind. I've found my rack very handy as my hobbies/projects are varied as heck. I like that it gives me easy versatility. I ran a camper shell for a while but found that It was too much of a pain to take off when I didn't need it. Therefore, I just left it on and gave up some versatility. The rack gave me the ability to carry long kayaks, rafts, tents, rod vaults, etc and still be removed without a lot of trouble. Plus, with these small beds space can become and issue. This allows me to still use my bed for things that dont fit on a rack (or need one). There will be trade offs for whichever way you go. Totally depends on your mission profile. And as others have said, it's your money... I can say I don't like about 50% of the rigs i see on this very forum. But they are not my rig and it's none of my business what other people like. If it makes them happy then go for it.

IMO, the best setup I had was when I had the retrax pro bed cover with the grooves in it for my yakima rack (prior truck). STILL waiting for retrax or somebody to make that for the gladiator.

There is an active member on here, @DrJ who uses truck covers USA rack that has rails and has a RTT on HD Yakima bars. Very slick build and setup.

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