Shell Rack Advice

I’m debating a rack for the top of my new to me shell. The Yakima’s and thules and rhinos all look nice but clock a heftier price tag than something like a van tech. Is this one of those things where I should bite the bullet and buy the more expensive but reputable brand? Or will the van tech holdup just fine? Since I’ll be drilling into the shell I don’t want to skimp to save a couple hundred if a couple years down the line I’ll be regretting it.

 

I’m not familiar with those racks specifically. All cap racks I’ve seen mount into tracks that are drilled into the cap, and you can remove and adjust the rack as needed.

I had a prinsu cap rack on mine and was very happy with it, until I went softopper.

 

When you say rack do you mean just some cross bars, or a full rack? What do you plan on carrying up there?

You can’t beat the looks and versatility of a full cab/cap rack. Just my opinion, but I don’t like the contractor/maintenance van look the Van Tech gives your truck.


Victory 4x4 just dropped a new cap rack this week if you’re looking to go full rack
https://www.victory4x4.com/product/VRKCAP.html

 

I should have been more specific, by bad. I just want crossbars. Will be mounting my kayaks and or a SUP if I ever buy one down the line. There’s currently nothing (no tracks) on my cap. I also have the OEM rail swivel crossbars over my cab, and would love an option that is lower profile so that all 4 crossbars could be utilized.

 

That’s a sweet looking rack, given an infinite budget I’d go full rack but it’s overkill for what I’d need.

 

Just bite it somewhat. Install some Yakima /Thule rails. Then you’ll have options for what ever you want to put up there. I’ve had Yakima equipment since 1986. I’ve got a handful of different mounts. I’ve carried bikes, all kinds of boats, storage boxes, etc. If you pick a popular brand they’re always available on CL for a fraction of original price. I’ll pick up what I need, if not using it I’ll throw it on CL for what I paid, and get my latest adventure equipment.
As for brand names, I stick to them, since I buy used, paying a fraction of original price this allows me to do this. And when I decide to sell it it goes fast because it is brand name.

 

That’s what I was thinking, bite the bullet and install some tracks. Good tip on using CL to trade for whatever you need at the time.

 

Shoot, I’ve been meaning to link a write up to tracks that are half the cost. One second.

 

Start reading here.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/subway4x3-shameless-copycat-build.459570/page-58#post-17294597

 

Thanks!!! Have you ordered these yourself? Can’t decide if my cap roof qualifies as curved or not. The site says there’s a 1-2” bow in the center, but my roof only indicates a 1/2” gap on either end of my 48” level.

 

I have not, no. When I had my cap and prinsu I drilled straight into the cap. Partially out of laziness, partially out of the fact I wasn’t carrying anything heavy, and it was also a reinforced contractor cap so it could handle it.

I would recommend the tracks because it helps distribute the forces at play.

 

Considering these inexpensive tracks I’m def going that route for versatility down the line, load distribution is a good point too.

 

I dont know about the others but ive benn using same yakima cross bars and towers for over 20 years. As long as the topper will hold it the racks can hold as many kayaks as you can fit. They are more expensive than they used to be

 

Wound up getting the rails suggested and scored some used Yakima Skyline towers, round bars, and landing pads from @dziner . My old man had some yakima cradles / rollers he wasn't using anymore and gave me those as well, all in for 300 bucks. Super happy with the setup so far.

 

Right on man! Nice to see you putting them to good use!