DiamondBack Covers | Modifications

This is exactly the arrangement I’m looking for. Can you tell me what size the Frontrunner bed rack is on your Taco? Does Frontrunner have those mounts that you have bolted on your Diamondback? Thanks BattlecryTaco!

 

Sure thing. The post linked below has the details for the bed rack.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/diamondback-modification-thread.553966/#post-18181511

Front Runner recommends the tray system for stability when using the "Tall Legs", which I believe are these guys: https://frontrunner.thirdlight.com/file/42480616747. They say that using just the load bar system isn't very stable. However, Mike of LLOD on YouTube is using 3 sets of load bars on the FRO track system for a prototype iKamper hardshell rtt. So far, that system seems to be working out for him. Front Runner used to list the variety of load bar legs of different heights on their website, but I don't see them listed anymore. I believe there are other heights even taller than the one I'm currently using that can be used to get a higher clearance between the DB cover and the bed rack. However, I'm not sure how stable a higher setup would be for off-roading(or even daily driving) or how aesthetically pleasing to the eyes those would be. I'm thinking more legs under the bed rack would be safer and more stable.

To see the legs(or any of the FRO individual parts) in detail, you'd need to pick a load bar or bed rack kit for sale on their website. Then, look into the "Installation" tab to see a pdf of the load bar leg like the one above. If you don't want to cut the longer length tracks, it looks like they now offer another length for a shorter pre-cut track. They used to only have the 140mm, but now they also have a 200mm. https://www.frontrunneroutfitters.com/en/us/load-bars/load-bar-components.html. I'm thinking they could cut them to any length they please, but only what the market demands. I don't think they're into regularly taking custom orders, which our builds for the DB covers are.

As always, I recommend discussing your build with FRO's customer service reps to help you with your bed rack/load bars build for the DB cover.

 

Thanks, this is quite helpful!

 

Nice work!

 

I just ordered the DB Cover and what you did is exactly what I am looking for to mount bikes and a thule cargo box. Awesome Job! Did you powder coat the hardware?

Do you find that you use all of the crossbars or certain ones?

 

The crossbars and brackets are sprayed with Raptor. I wanted to be able to easily repair them as needed without having to pull them off since I can open the lids with them left on.

I typically use all the bars at one time, especially when I want to spread the load out. I have a custom made steel flat rack that spans all four bars and has an area where a flat panel can be dropped in. Works great for mounting my RTT or hauling other items. However, i could see easily being able to just use the 1st and 4th or 1st and 3rd If you were mounting a bike.

 

If you used a flat rack in conjunction with the 4 bars, your mounting options would be endless. I didn’t want to drop a grand on a bolt together flat rack so I just made my own out of steel. Heavy yes, but I prefer steel in cases where there will be a dynamic load. I Only mount it when i need it. Otherwise it sits in my shop.

 

To mount the flat rack to the bars I use some 1/4 inch steel shackle straps and grade 8 bolts I had laying around with some 1/8 rubber to avoid steel on steel.

 

For those of you that have this topper, how practical is it if you have to put tall items in the bed? I do haul a lot of boxes and sometime I just need some more height. Previously I had an extang solidfold and it was easy to just fold it up and snap it into place and didnt' have to remove it.

I'm just thinking this through. Or I could see myself going down to costco one weekend and make an impulse buy on something big and would be SOL if the cover was in the way. I'm starting to see the trade offs with this badass cover.

 

The front and rear panels come off in seconds, comes off completely in <5min. Goes back on in 5-10 or so depending on how long it takes you to get it all lined up.

 

Like @deadpocketss said below, exactly like that. Or, you can just chuck whatever it is up top because that's what these covers can do.

 

Forgot about the throwing it up top part.

 

Friends may want to ask for help transporting a basketball arcade game, a popcorn machine, and a cotton candy machine after a Fall Festival at church. No problem.

No pics, but I've loaded dishwashers and stoves on top of the DB tonneau cover for transport. Once, I helped some friends transport a new-to-them fridge on the bed with the tailgate down and the back panel unhinged & opened 180*.

With the rtt and bed rack set on there, it's more limited. However, I was able to stack a conference table (still in the package/box) on top of the rtt extending toward the roof of the cab. I believe I was able to squeeze a dishwasher (in box) between the bed rack and the cab. Obviously, strap down all these things well, use a blanket or something to protect corners or finishes on stuff, and place a red flag/rag or something if an object sticks out too far from the truck.

 

I've removed my panel and left the center section and carried a square dining table and the 4 chairs. Just takes some creative positioning. Also, you can hinge a panel 180 degrees in less than a minute if a box is tall, but less than the depth of the panel.

It's a fairly flexible system. Just carry a ratchet set if you have to remove the center section in a pinch.

 

Who can coordinate another group buy on these? I almost would want to wait a month for black friday but it seems like they DB never puts a special on these anyway.

 

@kyle.realtruck

 

Has anyone come up with a replacement for the cleats other than the d ring inserts posted a few pages back? Looking for ideas of something a little more stealth.

 

What do you mean by "more stealth"? Is there a particular way of mounting or a specific strap/hook device you're trying to use? Or you'd just like for them to look more streamlined? While I don't like the look of the cleats, I've found them to be very useful for dog leashes, tie down straps, standing up a snowboard to rest on them, or use them as a fulcrum when trying to put up/take down heavy objects on the cover.

After a quick search, I found these folding/hide-away cleats.
http://schnullerkette.info/folding-dock-cleats/
You could try to see if any of them fit on yours. The parts for the hinges just gotta be maintained and inspected throughout their life. I don't have experience with these, so I don't know how well they hold up or how strong they are. If they're for boat applications, then there should be some rust resistance.

 

I don't have the tonneau yet as I just started doing my research this past week.(putting together a list for Black Friday sales no sure if Diamondback does those?)I agree their cleat is very functional but looking for options that are more streamlined. That's the kind of cleat I was thinking of that is recessed.

Great thread!

 

I ended up ordering the SE tonight and used a 10% off code. Had to pay tax which almost made the discount a wash. Oh well now the wait begins