Bed Racks and RTT Recommendations

KBVoodoo mid-height rack with an ARB RTT. Since I took this picture, I've mounted some MaxTrax to the right side and added a Bedslide for some future goodies.

 

Sure you do! We're going to Big Bend Ranch next month or so, basically as soon as you get to Texas.

 

With a tent on you'd have to make some drop brackets. With no tent, yea just flip the bracket and you'd be good.

 

You know damn well I'm stealing this picture for the website.

 

Go right ahead, the rack really makes the truck!

 

The all-in-one setup is what I'm looking for. I don't plan on doing any serious crawling, but probably intermediate stuff. I like the idea of the shell because if offers protection from the elements and security.
My only concerns about it on the top are:
MPG
Center of Gravity/Top-Heavy
Convenience (Tent setup and tear down at that height)
and clearance for road trips that involve some city driving.

Did you do anything with your suspension to accommodate the extra weight?

 

I hear ya.

When I took mine off for the winter, it felt like I had a hole in my heart (plus I hate winter).

 

My truck is a completely stock 3rd gen TRD OffRoad. And I put in all of the 15K miles with the RTT mounted before getting the transmission TSB Anyway, the higher CG was only slightly noticeable, and my driving included lots of western mountain roads and some mild off-roading in Moab and Death Valley. Maybe I subconsciously slowed down in the mountains or heavy winds which helped mpg. Tent setup was pretty easy; tear down less so, and a lower height would certainly help. It was OK for me, but my wife at 5'5" really couldn't reach all the sides. On the other hand, with a 5' bed, having the front of the tent above the cab probably made access to the front zipper and prop rods easier rather than if the tent were up against the back of the cab, as it would be with a mid-height rack.

 

I know this is a beat up topic.......BUT

I can't decide on Bed bars from Voodoo or the Mid height bed rack from Voodoo or RCI. I really want to keep the OEM tonneau but was hoping to be able to open at least one panel of the factory tonneau. From the research that I have been doing it doesn't look like there is anything out that that will let you open part of the tonneau? If that is the case it almost seems pointless to get the rack (unless mounting stuff to the side).

 

With our Hi Rise Crossbars, you can open the first fold of the factory trifold cover.

 

Hmmmm.... nice to know, was hoping for an excuse to buy the rack lol but being able to open part of the tonneau is nice. Just wont be able to use a Go Rhino canopy.

 

The only catch, is that you can't open it all the way without popping the back crossbar off. That would be difficult if you have a tent installed.

 

Could look into Rhino Rack and Frontrunner racks for the bed. For tent I'm going with ARB Simpson

 

I had plans to run my all pro ott over my soft topper and take my tent off when not in use. But as im waiting on the ott to arrive im likeing my current setup more and more. Low pro and mpg is not affected so i can basically leave tent on all week. Also when the tailgate is locked it helps prevent larger items like my yeti or camping gear from being stolen out of the bed may cut the all pro ott short when it arrives. Make a canvas cover for it and install the tent on top of the canvas cover useing eyelets so the mounting bolts can stick through.
Also another advantage of a mid height rack and rtt is when hauling a canoe it allows for a resting place and easy to secure

 

Do the risers still allow for the tonneau to seal well? And are you still able to lock the cover with the tail gate?

 

It's a decent seal, and yes you can still secure the factory cover (it takes a bit more force to lock it down with the bracket under it).

 

I love your racks but I have a Truxedo Lo Pro QT tonneau cover and it probably won't fit. You guys should make some bracers like Voodoo to accommodate tonneau covers!

 

Bay Area Metal Fabrication - BAMF mid height bed rack. Sits 13" off the bed rails.

 

I've had both and I prefer the cap and rack setup I have now:

BEFORE:



NOW:

 

What tonneau cover do you have? Did you have to modify the rails? I have a Truxedo Lo Pro QT and trying to find a bed rack that works