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Topper Clamps - Do you need bed rails?

Discussion in 'Tonneau Covers, Caps and Shells' started by To'Yoda, Apr 16, 2019.

  1. Apr 16, 2019 at 7:44 AM
    #1
    To'Yoda

    To'Yoda [OP] Member

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    So I picked up my topper yesterday, and my 18' Taco does not have a bed rail system. They said that in order to install the topper I needed to have those. They ended up coming up with this alternative that does not require the use of rails, however, they highly recommend that I get them and then they can re-adjust the topper for me with proper clamps. The rails are not cheap so before I invest in them I wanted to see what everyone's thoughts are on this setup? They said it should be pretty secure, but could not guarantee it. I'll be taking it into the mountains quite often, which can get bumpy. It's an A.R.E Overland topper on a short bed for context

    IMG_20190416_080719.jpg
    IMG_20190416_080737.jpg
     
  2. Apr 16, 2019 at 8:40 AM
    #2
    Lunabird

    Lunabird Well-Known Member

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    what model truck do you have that it doesn't come with rails?
     
  3. Apr 16, 2019 at 9:14 AM
    #3
    To'Yoda

    To'Yoda [OP] Member

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    It's a 2018 TRD Off-Road, I bought it used so maybe the original owner removed them
     
  4. Apr 16, 2019 at 9:34 AM
    #4
    bagleboy

    bagleboy Well-Known Member

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    Snug top Rebel, Thule tracks, ditch tracks, Bagged rear suspension, F/R anytime camera, intermittent wiper switch...
    The bed rails are attached in several places spreading the stress rather than just the single bolt through the composite bed for each clamp. Probably ok for street use if you don’t add a rack but I’d recommend adding the rails for more security. Those were ok for steel bed walls but I’d rather the cap fail than the bed. eBay or dismantlers will save a lot over dealer pricing.
     
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  5. Apr 16, 2019 at 11:04 AM
    #5
    To'Yoda

    To'Yoda [OP] Member

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    The dealer just quoted me $430 for the side rails, which is absolutely insane for something that should have come with the truck. I found this part on Amazon, it's significantly cheaper, but from my research, it looks like it's for 2015 and older. Would anyone know if I would be able to make it work in a 2018? Or know anywhere I can find the part for cheap? I only need the bed side rails and bolts
     
  6. Apr 16, 2019 at 12:15 PM
    #6
    Lunabird

    Lunabird Well-Known Member

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    should be the same. I bought a second gen front rail and it fit perfectly.
     
  7. Apr 16, 2019 at 12:17 PM
    #7
    _Rhoades

    _Rhoades Well-Known Member

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    Side bar.. my 2014 didn’t come with the front rail, where did you find yours?
     
  8. Apr 16, 2019 at 12:17 PM
    #8
    uhplifted

    uhplifted The Hopfather

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    They will work for the 3rd gens as well. I wanted to get the cab side rail for my truck a while back and went through the same research.
     
  9. Apr 16, 2019 at 12:19 PM
    #9
    anthony250f

    anthony250f Well-Known Member

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    I would certainly not trust the topper installed like that.

    Need the side rails for sure
     
  10. Apr 16, 2019 at 12:19 PM
    #10
    ATXtacoJay

    ATXtacoJay Well-Known Member

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    Yeah I had this same issue when I bought my 2017 used. unless if you can find some off a totaled truck you're kinda screwed...
     
  11. Apr 16, 2019 at 12:36 PM
    #11
    To'Yoda

    To'Yoda [OP] Member

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    uhplifted, were you able to successfully put part #PT278-35100-SB on a third gen Taco? I need to be super sure before I buy them because the topper dealer is going to install them when they switch everything out so I will not be able to check ahead of time if they fit It's a long drive out to the dealer so I'm trying to make sure I get this right on the first try
     
  12. Apr 16, 2019 at 12:40 PM
    #12
    Lunabird

    Lunabird Well-Known Member

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    I found it from a guy on craigs list that rebuilds tacomas, but you can find it on Amazon.
     
  13. Apr 16, 2019 at 1:02 PM
    #13
    uhplifted

    uhplifted The Hopfather

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    I never ended up ordering the front one. Mine had the side rails already. I don’t want to tell you yes because I don’t have 100% confidence in my answer as I don’t have personal experience.

    I do know that the 2nd gen front rail (closest to the cab) will fit 3rd hens though because I know someone who took their 2nd gen rail and put it on their new 3rd.
     
  14. Apr 17, 2019 at 12:08 PM
    #14
    To'Yoda

    To'Yoda [OP] Member

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    I measured the rails on my buddy's 07' and everything looks like it will line up correctly so I ordered the parts. Once they come in and I get a chance to get them installed I will post an update for everyone, hopefully with good news.
     
    crazy joker and uhplifted like this.
  15. Apr 28, 2019 at 11:39 AM
    #15
    To'Yoda

    To'Yoda [OP] Member

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    So as promised, the final update. The parts came in and fit no problem, so if anyone else runs into this issue, you can definitely use bars from a 2nd gen on a 3rd gen. Once we got it all secured nicely we immediately took it out for a maiden voyage camping trip

    IMG_20190427_191943.jpg
     
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  16. Apr 28, 2019 at 1:05 PM
    #16
    uhplifted

    uhplifted The Hopfather

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    Glad it worked out.

    Off topic, but how do you like your camper shell? It’s the overland from ARE, right? I’ve been debating about getting one for the last 6 months. Between the overland series and another from them but can’t recall the model name.
     
  17. Apr 29, 2019 at 7:45 AM
    #17
    To'Yoda

    To'Yoda [OP] Member

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    I really like it so far! The protective coating is really nice in person and looks great with a little two-tone action going on. I've also blacked out everything on my truck so it matches really well. I was chatting with the guy at the topper dealership and he said it looks best on the non-standard color trucks (black, white, grey), so if you are still driving the taco in quicksand I think it would look really nice. In terms of insulation, it was great, I took it camping in Colorado at 10,000 feet, and the wind was brutal this weekend, but nothing crept in.
     
    uhplifted[QUOTED] likes this.

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