Headache Rack + Bestop?

Since my Taco is used as my DD, and I carry a backpack with my laptop I'm thinking I need a headache rack with a hook to hold it. Now that isn't the issue, I also want to have a Bestop canopy for when I go camping (Both for the wife and I's air bed,but hauling). Can both live together? I don't like shells as I would have to open the hatch to get the backpack out (I'm way lazy) but I also want better strapping to the front of the bed (To haul the bike and other crap). Any ideas?

 

You're gonna haul your backpack outside the truck ? Am I misunderstanding ?

 

im a little curious... headache rack for a backpack/laptop?

Since the bestop mounts in pretty close to the inside edge of the bed rails, I think a custom fabbed rack can probably be made to fit with the bestop. I think it would be something that the truck with the bestop would be needed for design purposes on the rack dimensions.

 

I can't wrap my head around needing a headache rack to carry a backpack with a laptop in it.

 

I live really close to work, but I also drop my Son off at school. Usually if he's not with me I just throw the backpack on his car seat. If he is with me I throw it in the bed. And sometimes, when I drive like a jackass, the backpack ends up in the middle if the bed. So if I had a dedicated place to hang it it wouldn't move. Plus, with the rack I could also put my chainsaw, shovel or anything else I wanted without taking up too much space. The bestop would be used for hauling stuff that can't be getting wet. Usually my wife's thrift store finds or luggage during road trips.

 

i assume you have a regular cab? cant it fit behind the seat or in the floor infront of the passenger seat? or hang it off the headrest behind the seat

 

Double Cab.

This isn't so much about the backpack (other than having a handy place to hang it) but more about the fit of a headache rack + Bestop.

 

OK well if you really want a rack to fit with the bestop, I'm sure I could make something and I'm right in reno/sparks...

 

Trust me, you were on the short list of people to talk to about the fabrication. Just need to figure out size and style I want first.

 

Wait wait. Lets go back. Why cant you just throw the backpack on one of the other seats? You'd rather hang it on top of your truck? This is making my head hurt...

 

You will not be able to hang anything from a head ache rack and have the bestop up at the same time.

 

I could, but when my Son is in the truck I have to put it on the passenger seat. Which I don't really like since I either have to pull it across the console, or walk around. I wouldn't hang it on the top, just inside the bed and above the bed floor.

I would rather provide too much detail than not enough! How many questions have been asked with info such as "Well when I turn it a little bit to the right or left it makes kind of a noise..." at least everyone KNOWS why I want it.

And?

Fair enough. But from what I've gathered (between digs at my backpack) has been a resounding "Yes, they'll both fit with some tinkering. But you're still "

So I guess my question has been answered!

 

May be you just can wear the backpack when you are in the truck. This way you don't have to think where to put it before you get in, and don't have to search for it when you get out. What kind of laptop do you carry in the backpack ?

 

Yes, they will both fit but you will not be able to hang anything other than a flat object from the headache rack. The Bestop is really close to the back of the cab without a headache rack.

 

I thought about that...Was going to remove the back of the drivers seat so it doesn't get in the way too. But then I figured my son would be able to hide the crappy lunches my wife gives him. And if he won't eat it, I won't eat it. So that plan was out. I carry a MacBook Air so really the headache rack could be made out of twigs and cardboard to do the job. But then I think the wife would leave me. Although...THAT would take care of the crappy lunch situation!

If I wear the backpack while driving, am I also required to wear a matching helmet? If so I'll have to use my daughter's pink Hello Kitty bag as the only helmet I could use is pink. Safety laws and all.

 

I'm still curious if the rack would be utilized for the backpack while the Supertop was up. My supertop, well any cap really, is a pain for getting stuff all the way to the front, meaning will the headache rack be under cover of supertop or sandwiched between?

If it is to be sammied, do you drive with/plan to drive with your supertop down more than up? I think I've put 10 miles on my truck with my Supertop folded. Usually if it's on the truck it's up simply because it's bulky and cumberson folded down, unless I'm folding mine wrong.

My suggestion is the bed extender and a supertop. I use my extender for a particition near the gate more than anything. Work gear, gallons of milk, kid crap, whatever stays right near the tail gate and it hidden from site and kept dry under the top.

Just my .02 and not trying to discourage you from fabbing up a slick rack.

 

Put a lock on the zipper - your son won't be able to open it. Problem solved. But then not having a back of the seat is probably illegal, so what you can do - rip a hole in the back for the backpack to fit, shouldn't be hard since its a macbook. And if you keep laptop running it will be like a heated seat. Wearing a helmet is an overkill imho.

 

No, the rack would only be used when it is down/off.

The top would really only be used on long trips (visiting family in Washington, Wyoming or Texas), camping or hauling things that can't get wet. Although it doesn't rain/snow that much here there are times when it does.

I've thought about the bed extender, but if I went that route I'd just get a soft bed cover which would remove some of my useable hight. Still thinking through how I want it to look, but once I get some type of an idea I'll throw it into Google Sketchup and see where it goes. Thanks for the ideas.

Good point! Although he did just figure out how to open the wife and I's bedroom door even with the child lock thing on it. Let the emotional scaring begin! The MacBook shuts itself off when you close the lid and pull power, plus it doesn't put off enough heat to even warm your hands by, so that wouldn't work. Guess I'll just go back to strapping the helmet on the kid then.