camper shell with racks..

Hey everyone I new here. I just pick up a crewcab and was going to put a shell on it with rack. Question I have is how hard is it to put a bike up on the top roof rack? So do you keep a step stool with you are just stand on the running boards?

Another quick question, if you have just the channels installed on the shell for a rack will Thule and Yakima work? OR are the brand specific?

 

i cant really speak for either because i dont have a rack, but i can say it would probably be a pain over the shell. when i wash my truck i have a hell of a time scrubbing the roof of my shell. over the cab i just stand on my sliders but for the top of the shell i have to stand on top of my wheel. i am 6'6" so its not because im a little guy either...

 

Contact these guys. There are a few different options besides the roof.

http://www.orsracksdirect.com

 

I have one of these, but I rarely use it. I usually just step on top of the rear tire to put the bike on the rack.

 

i have a rack on my shell. a yakima. now i just run a canoe up there, or lumber.

bikes, i hated. i have the bike racks that i take off my front tire and lock the front fork into the not so quick release. balancing on a tire, lifting a bike, getting the front fork into the release, tightening/loosening the damn thing..you will eventually need two hands working the bike issue.

forget it. i put i on my wife subaru. with feet planted on terra firma..i still barely like it. i am going to get a hitch mount.

for now, i roll the subaru.

 

Thule & Takima feet/towers will both work with the tracks (channels). The tracks are actually identical and made by the same company.

 

Hitch mount for bike is great unless you are towing something. The roof if fine for a boat since you can lead one end at a time can be awkward for a bike.


Beware of scratching gate if bike hitch or kayak telegraph pole is in the hitch.

 

Thanks everyone for the info. I was hoping more would chime in who have bike racks on the roof. I'll still up in the air on what I'm going to do. I thought of going with a tonneau but worried I wont have much space and if being a shirt bed that the bike rack would come close to hitting the rear glass..