Roof rack help

Hey TW!
Anyone seen a rack system for a double cab that will align with the height of racks on a tall shell like a leer 180?
Thanks!

 

Prinsu

 

I don't think Prinsu has tall enough feet for what he's using.

 

@zscott

 

I don't think there is one because it wouldn't look too good IMO. The cab rack would have to be 6 inches above the actual cab to be even with the shell rack.

 

Utility racks are made for other things than looking good.

 

I have a 13ft kayak that I want to be able to not hang off the end of the truck 4-5ft, I'm about to buy a ARE camper shell that is another half a foot taller than the cab and want a rack system on the cab so I can scoot the kayak all the way to the front need some suggestions

 

Have you considered frontrunner or bajarack? They might not offer something off the shelf that would suit your needs, but they can be easily modified to sit at a higher level because of the way they mount to the truck. The only other thing I can think of would be a full custom rack if you have a local fabricator. I've made a few roof racks for very specific needs that aren't addressed by companies out there. If you're only intending to use the rack to balance the kayaks, I might even suggest a single or dual crossbars that mount to the factory locations instead of a full rack. Similar to the OEM "roof rack", but in a sturdier design and at your desired height.

 

If the curve of the kayak is enough, the height difference might work out good. I have a regular height shell, and the prinsu rack has worked out well for me. I've had 2 14 ft kayaks on mine a few times.

 

The way my racks work it would make the rack very unstable to lift the rack on the cab that high. You would probably need to have something custom fabbed.

 

Those rack systems are really cool but the shell I am getting has the Yakima racks on it so I kind of want to match those as much as I can. The crossbars you are talking about,
are the high crossbars on the market? or would I have to DIY or get them custom made?

 

OP - you'll be fine with just the rack on your cap. I haul my 15' canoe around on my Leer 180 with Yakima rack with no issues.

 

How is loading and unloading? And I also want to put a bike up there

 

Loading and unloading is a piece of cake. If I'm solo, I simply slide it on & off from the back. If there's two of us we lift it up on/off parallel to the truck.

There's plenty of room on the outer ends of the bars for a bike mount.

 

You'd have to DIY or have something custom fabricated. The issue is most roof racks are designed to fit as close to the cab roof as possible to not hinder vertical clearance as much as possible. In your case, the higher shell (with added Yakima racks) add several inches to the rear of your truck and there aren't that many manufacturers that would take that specific combination of components into consideration when designing something for the aftermarket. Because you have a very specific need, having something custom made would most likely be your best bet and might actually be the most cost effective if you consider buying a rack that costs anywhere from $500-800 and then still having to customize it once purchased. TBH, making something to fit that need would not be that difficult. Where you would be paying the money would be to have someone with an eye for design make something that doesn't look like is was glued together out of leftover plumbing parts in a Home Depot parking lot. Out of curiosity, where are you located? I'm sure there are a number of members here that have the means and ability to build something like that for you.

 

Sub

 

I just got the shell! Woo! I am going to try to tie up the kayak on the Yakima racks and see how far it sticks off, might eventually get the front runner or the prinsu rack

 

You'll be just fine...especially with the LB.

 

Looking at that....your rack on your truck is low. If you needed a rack/bar on your cab, you could try the tall Yakima 1A towers and a bar. That may end up be similar in height to what's on your cap.

If there's a Yakima dealer nearby, they should let you do a test/dry fit.

 

It wasn't that hard at all to load and unload and it sticks off the back about 3-4ft, so I might keep this set up for now, I have bikes too so I am debating a hitch rack that folds down so I can still open up the tailgate or a roof rack