Bed Racks and RTT Recommendations

Thanks to all the great info in this thread I found a solution thats right for me. My requirement was to have a cross bar system that allowed me to leave my Bakflip Revolver X2 tonneau cover system on while the bars are in place while using the shoulders for support so I could mount a roof top tent on the cross bars.

I went with the Yakima Track system (54") which I bought online as a kit from Amazon.com along with their matching round bars. I chose Yakima because I liked the idea of their SKS lock system and I'm leaning towards a Yakima Skyline rtt.

Installation on Youtube looked quite simple, and indeed it was.. but being new to working on my truck it was a bit nerve wrecking drilling through metal and I found myself measuring and checking alignment after every hole LOL.

Took me two weekends, because the Florida heat warped the plastic base of the track rail and I had to send the tracks back and get a replacement from Amazon. It all worked out in the end. Here are some photos.

Left photo is the track with the removable base for the control towers; right photos include the control tower and the cross bars.

 

Thanks for this post as I've been researching this very topic.

I happened onto the Demello site and saw their version. It incorporates a half roof basket so that's cool. The only thing I would change in this design for my needs would be to have the RTT closer to being flush to the roof.

 

It does block the view some, but not as bad as you would think.

 

I'm liking the mid height the more and more I see it. Really leaning towards this rather than the Hot Metal Fab rack that I was watching on eBay. Thanks for the pic!

 

The view isnt that good on my truck. I can see some but only when cars are getting close to me. I cant see any kind of distance through the rear view and have to rely on my side mirrors. I'm just happy I have some view out the back and my RTT isnt up above the cab taking the wind head on. If I wasnt going to use the rack to mount anything to, I would have gone full height for a better rear view sight.

 

I have the cargo basket under my mid height rack, and I can't see good at all, but I installed one of those backup camera all the time mods, and it helps!!

 

I have been planning on doing the backup camera anytime mod along with adding a switch to run a front camera when needed. That would solve all my sight problems. I'd finally be able to see whats behind me while going forward on the rare occasion I need when the side mirrors arent enough and also be able to see where the road is going when offroad and cresting a steep hill.

 

Mine came stock, only problem with it is the rain likes to stick around. Put a little rain x on it and seems to clear things up.

 

My truck came with a back up camera that activates when in reverse(think all do). There is a mod that allows you to turn it on anytime while in any gear(park/drive/neutral) with a switch at anytime. No Tacoma comes stock with a front camera. I do understand what your saying about the rain sticking around. The Rainx is a pretty good ideal, i may have to try that out.

 

Hi All,

Hopefully you'll be able to give me the perfect solution! My DCLB will be arriving in the near future and I'm looking for the best rack solution. I've got a RTT and a 17' kayak that will be carried with me, but never on the same trip. I was looking at the Thule Xsporter Rack as I like the adjustable heights, but if I ever want to put a tonneau on, then I can't use the Thule.

I was looking at the KB Voodoo Bed Rack, which looks way better than the Thule, it will work with a tonneau, but it isn't adjustable in height. To carry the kayak, I would have to get the higher version, but then I have to carry the RTT at the higher level.

I want it all, but I'm not sure how to get it! I'd love to hear your thoughts on which way to go!

Scott

 

2016 Toyota Tacoma by Grant Wilson, on Flickr
2016 Toyota Tacoma by Grant Wilson, on Flickr

QUITE happy with my James Baroud and homemade rack

 

I'm faced with the same thing . I'm doing a prinsu rack for the kayaks with a mid height voodoo. That way my kayaks will clear the top of the rtt. Also, voodoo says they have a mid to high conversion kit that I emailed them about today. I might get that to out the yaks on the full height bed rack when the rtt is off.

 

KB VooDoo is coming out with a new version of their rack with a "ladder" attachment as an option. Let's see how that one come out

 

This is what it looks like.

There will be a tall and short version of the extension. You would use the tall extension with the mid height rack, and the short one with the tall rack.

Parts are being cut now.

 

im just going to get a prinsu roof rack and a kbvoodoo mid height...stick the tent on there. put the kayak on top.

 

Sounds like a good plan. My KB mid rack is great and I also plan on doing the Prinsu after i get fill skids. KB mid rack and a ~12" RTT should be about level with the Prinsu.

 

This ladder is for kayaks?

 

The ladder extension is mostly for ladders, but you could throw a lot of stuff in there.

 

Anyone have other good photos of kayaks on voodoo racks and how they mounted them? Need to be ready to explore options for my truck.