New owner, what should I do?

I am the proud new owner of an 01 Prerunner double cab with a camper top. I need to add a rack to transport construction equipment. any ideas?

 

nice truck and welcome! Seems like theres always some construction/raft racks floatin around craigslist. Keep a close eye there. If your lucky you'll find one that has an extended base so you can keep the shell.

 

I would look into having one custom made. It shouldn't cost too much more (if any) than buying one off the shelf. (~$600+/-)

OR.....

Buy one for your truck (craigslist?) that doesn't fit the camper shell, then have a local fabricator extend its width to fit the shell... All you'd need is an extra 2-3" on each side. Cut it down the middle, and insert new tubing and weld up. Use 1/4" or thicker steel plate for the bed mount extension. You shouldn't need to worry about the height, they extend over the cab anyway.

just some ideas...

 

I think I understand, you are suggesting using a tradional rack, but extended wider to go around the cap. good idea. does anybody have any pictures?

 

^ I think that's what everyone is suggesting. A stand-off rack that is supported by the rails not the camper shell. If it is not a contractor/commercial shell, it will probably only support a minimum weight because it is not reinforced to support heavy loads. Certainly not enough for routine construction/carpentry equipment and materials. I'm sure someone has one on here... just can't recall seeing one. Welcome to TW!

 

Here's what we had on my old truck (my dad's tacoma) that was identical to yours. If you want more details on what we had just ask.

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more for rec. use but may fit your needs

 

OP, how much weight are you thinking you'll carry?

 

Just checked the Leer site for example. The regular caps generally can support no more than 150 pounds and that's on their optional Thule rack system. Their commercial versions can support 400lbs. May make a big difference to you depending on your needs.