DiamondBack Covers | Modifications

Dang it, I kinda figured.

 

I have quite the horror story.... I got a Diamond Back SE for Christmas but waited until the warm weather to install it. It didn't fit right and it turns out that my wife ordered one for a 2nd generation Tacoma. When I called I found out that with shipping and restocking fees I would lose more than $500.... Unfortunately I don't have the post count to put it up for sale on here. Offer up has had no success. If someone in the western Washington area is looking for a smoking deal on a brand new Diamond Back I know a guy.

 

So I solved the clamp-wiggle-loose problem with overkill. Had a local auto body shop install 4 big bolts (2 per side) with locking washers and loctite and a steel flat bar sandwich top and bottom - inside the bed under the cover. I can still unbolt the top in 10 minutes like with the clamps and if I take the top off permanently (not gonna but) I can put 4 plug caps in the holes on top of the bed rails. They pre-rust proofed the drilled holes, the hardware and the steel flat bars. And since its so easy to un-bolt I can check for rust and touch up on my own. The bolts are mostly hidden inside and I can't see them unless I crane my neck under. So for $200 bucks I've got peace of mind that sucker aint going anywhere. One of the clamps threading was already showing some shear according to the mechanic. I torqued them to the recommended 20 lbs.

 

pics?

 

A pretty cool new mod on the HD cover on Canadian Prepper's DCLB Tacoma (I believe I first learned about the DiamondBack covers from his channel).

 

I used to check mine all the time, but when the center section weather stripping compresses fully with time it doesn’t come loose anymore

 

Thanks for the input, it seems like is getting better. I thought about adding locking nuts on top of the screws for more security. Perhaps stainless steel to prevent rust.

 

Thanks for posting this info on 80/20! I’d never heard of them!!
Their catalog seems crazy and I can’t wait to pull it up on my laptop.

 

Always stainless for anything, or M8

 

Extruded aluminum is AWESOME. 80/20, T Nutz etc. Grown up erector set! I am building a new drawer to go under my DB cover

General plan


Coming together, Dometic HOB sink/burner combo


Closed, missing panels still


Fully opened to reveal the cook space


Version 1.0 (wood) that fights under my DB cover, btw I run @KB Voodoo AluMax over my cover, it’s awesome

 

I dig that!! I'd buy that set up.

 

Neat setup there. If you don’t mind telling me, what gallon size Fuelpax are you sporting there?

Im also interested in the MaxTraxx mount setup too if you have the info.

 

Happy First Day of Summer!

Question: Has anyone ever tried setting up a hammock (possibly w/ shelter setup for the elements) on their DiamondBack cover somehow? Like a rtt, I think a hammock setup could be broken down and packed away. However, unlike a rtt, it should also be possible to drive around (at relatively slow speeds; perhaps, on off road trails or private property, but not on public roads / highways) with the hammock while it's still assembled. ...it'd just look like a "sailtruck".

 

I am looking to make the investment into a RTT and rack system but can't get myself to pull the trigger on the DB cover just yet...

Does anyone have any recommendations for crossbars that can hold me over until I purchase the cover and then mount them to it?? Thanks!!

 

I suggest finding a one that will fit once you buy your cover. KBvoodoo is a nice choice.

 

Something like this might help you. Perhaps longer and taller.

 

Have you done any hammock camping?

I camp along the local rivers a few times a year with fishing buddies and we all got into hammock camping a few years ago. In my experience, if your anchor points aren't at least ten feet apart you've gonna be really uncomfortable (think, laying in a U shape with your feet and head up in the air and butt down low).

I have hung a hammock off of the cleats on on the Diamondback on one and and another to a tree and that worked great though.

Good luck!

 

These can be used both with and without the Diamondback:

https://mobtownoffroad.com/product/2005-2020-toyota-tacoma-low-rise-bed-bars/

 

Thanks for the input! I have not tried hammock camping, but would like to in the future. I'm guessing Summer time would be best. Although, I've seen videos of people doing that during winter in the snow.

 

I don't have a roof rack, but that setup in the picture looks like it could be a good way to go. Thanks for sharing!