sometimes the most basic obvious answer escapes me. lol.Just paint them black, you'll hardly notice they're there...
That's a nice, clean-looking rack!I’m real happy with my Putco rack. I like the smooth lines. Aluminum too!
I added some Thule quick disconnect feet I already had for our kayak rack.
Dependent on your # of tent occupants -- but, some of the Newest of New Clam shell designs, opening from the SIDE are getting Thinner & Lighter . . . do I need to mention brands or you good ? You can easily sell the one you have . Just a thought . I've ALWAYS got my eyes & ears "open" till I actually BUY Something . . . It's how I came across RSI -- I was leaning AluCab -- the Full Version Cap-Camper ( more than I wanted to pay + dealing with THAT attachment FULL TIME, ugh . Wouldn't fit in garage either. Happy trails . . .Yep, almost exactly my dilemma as well. I have a hardshell Roofnest tent which is quite a bit longer than the truck bed so I am debating both the topper and rack/tonneau options as well as considering getting the iKamper mini instead which is 5ft long and can mount over the bed basically even with the cab. That would obviously require a shorter bed rack than if I kept my current tent, so that is yet another rabbit hole of choices.
I do like the idea of a topper and like both the Alu-Cab and the RLD options, although they each have advantages and disadvantages which make them hard to decide between. That option would allow a lot of gear storage in the bed (I hike, climb, bike, etc a lot) which is appealing but would also be harder to take on and off if I wanted to run without it. Still doable but just wouldn't be done on a whim quite like some of the rack/tonneau options.
I tend to over analyze and like to get a solution that is as close to perfect as possible, so I have been debating all of this with myself quite a lot lately. I am getting ready to order my JTR and would like to have settled on a solution by the time I order if possible
I am also not opposed to waiting some, but I would hate to settle on the RLD or Alu-Cab and then miss having the topper for half of summer while I wait for it to ship!
If that doesn't work you may have a promising second gig . . . as a stand up comedian, ha ! Then you could have it both ways !?.Well due to all the forum helpers here I just cashed in my life insurance policy to buy an Alu-Cab Explorer Canopy.......figured once my wife sees the CC bill she's going to kill me anyways. At least she won't get rich in the process.
I'm not sure if this answers your question, but I just installed the Elevate TS rails with Yakima landing pads for my bike racks. I plan to add the Rough Country tonneau cover when it arrives next week. The rails come off in about 2 minutes.Has anyone tried an elevated rack system from Truck Hero? I kinda want to do their track system (part # 1118414) with a Yakima Outpost HD. Yakima says they haven't tested it before but it might work. Would reduce the weight limits to 300/180 when you utilize the Tonneau kit1 from Yakima.
https://www.autoanything.com/tonneau-covers/truck-hero-elevate-rack-system
Features
Description
- Fixed Rack: 28” height allows for cab clearance
- Telescoping Rack: 18” to 28” height for versatility
- Load Rating: maximum on road of 750 lbs. and maximum off road of 250 lbs.
- Robust aluminum construction
- Durable, textured powder-coat finish
- Can be installed, adjusted or removed in minutes
- 30 min installation for racks
- 60 min installation for rack & truck bed cover combo
- Work or Play: strong enough to carry bikes, kayaks, rooftop tents, baskets, ladders and more
- Compatible with most inside mount truck bed covers (when installed with ELEVATE TS RAILS)
- Integrated T-Slot channels engineered to accept various tie downs, mounts and cargo accessories
- Limited Lifetime Warranty
- Made in the USA
That’s right, the ELEVATE RACK SYSTEM by Truck Hero will help plan your next adventure with ease. Maybe you’re a true weekend warrior with a passion for kayaking or biking. Perhaps you’re planning your next family vacation to the mountains or lake. Wherever you’re going, whatever you’re doing, the ELEVATE RACK SYSTEM by Truck Hero delivers more storage options and overall cargo space to your pickup truck. Helping ensure your next journey provides maximum fun & adventure.
Yes that does. I went ahead and did the Yakima Overhaul HD with bedrail kit. Not going to worry about covering my bed for now as I've come to the conclusion that if theres anything of real value I'll lock down with a python cable. I'm confident that it would have work to put the Tonneau Kit on your rails but the offroad weight limit was too low for my needs. Thanks for sharing.I'm not sure if this answers your question, but I just installed the Elevate TS rails with Yakima landing pads for my bike racks. I plan to add the Rough Country tonneau cover when it arrives next week. The rails come off in about 2 minutes.
Really digging your setup. Seen this setup on a Tacoma before and wanted to do this to my Jt.. glad I came across your postJust installed my Datin Fabrication canopy rack yesterday. The quality is pretty good and it seems very sturdy. I believe I’m the first to have a rack installed over top of a Softopper on the Gladiator. Should make for a very usable space
Thanks man. I’m in love with the setup so far. The biggest drawback is weight. It’s a heavy rack and you can tell it’s there. I do a lot of rock crawling, so time will tell if I stay with this setup. Being top heavy isn’t a great option for me haha
could you give me some dimensions of the top area? front to back and side to side ?Installed the Access Bed Cover
Top of Rack is 51" long x 48" across
