DiamondBack Covers | Modifications

Why does the front runner bar system make the Diamondback useless?

 

It doesn’t make it useless. The front runner just doesn’t dis mount easily... so if I needed to mount a table or some type of items on top of it it would be a pain. Also the cover wouldn’t flip open all the because of the bars, even the Yakima which is low profile doesn’t open all the way.

 

Just saw this post and was thinking about it also. Did you end up using this for your sled? I need to do it also for my kids sled as i only bought a 2 sled trailer.

 

i never did. looks like it would work. carefull loading it!

 

Did a test fit today for the bracket on my diamondback bracket. The complete build will be completely modular that can convert from heavy duty cage to crossbars.

 

Is it necessary for 3 load bar for a RTT or is 2 enough?

 

I see you went with the new smooth cover and opted for the cleats to come loose and not pre drilled or installed. I was thinking about doing the same just because of the looks. I am going to be install the front runner two bar system also like you did. Do you know if you can add tie down rings on the front runner tracks?

 

It depends how you set up the crossbars on the tracks, but the front cover panel can open up like it does with my setup. The rear cover panel doesn’t need to open for me to access the bed because ...tailgate.

Reference: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/3rd-gen-quicksand-thread.391326/page-419#post-21037159

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/diamondback-covers-modifications.553966/page-29#post-22606348

It’s just not everyone’s style. The taller FRO legs can help with increasing visibility out the rear window and allow for more storage capacity of taller objects under the crossbars/bedrack. If you want a full on bed cage, then that’ll be custom made. It looks like someone’s got that in the works.

A camper shell or bed cage style that takes up / mounts up over the rear half of the DB cover may be interesting to put on the cover. It could be set up to allow for the front cover panel to open, but provide a small split storage space above the cover. It would be cool to see if GFC, Alu-Cab, RLD or some fabricator can make such a thing.

 

I’m no structural engineer, but my common sense tells me that the heavier the rtt and the occupants are, then the more support will be needed. A smaller 2 person backpacking sized rtt like the Tepui Ayer 2 that my wife and I have been using continue to be fine on a two crossbar setup. However, the setup I went with includes the bedrack frame with added slats for more rigidity. It’s been on the truck 24/7 as a daily driver, light off-roading and overlanding use since July of 2018. The setup has been solid. No professional installation, so it ain’t perfect. I think I just installed great products good enough. Note: There was no instruction manual like they have now with this DB cover and FRO combo. I was basically making the manual as I did the installation. Lol... It was an expensive experimental design that I was hopeful of it being successful. The R&D and test use was definitely rewarding.

 

Soooooo anyone have a quick detach tho. (For the cross bars) or am I the only crazy person who doesn’t want run bars 24/7

 

Looks like you found the quickest detach cross bars system already. Are you looking for something faster to take off?
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/diamondback-covers-modifications.553966/page-47#post-24405437

From what I understand, with a properly set up pulley system that can handle the weight of an rtt or an rtt while still attached to a bed rack or set of crossbars, it should only take some hand tools, possibly a small impact tool for quicker work, and a few minutes to disconnect most racks and crossbars from the DB cover. Like some, perhaps, I live in an apartment building with no storage for that kind of gear, so no chance of me having that kind of system right now.

 

I was really digging hard to find a mainstream or industry standard quick detach but seems there is none and no one is interested in it... my current set up is quick but is to my knowledge 1/1 so it is not very accessible for most ppl, so was really confused on why there isn’t bigger companies trying to invent somthing.

 

My guess is that, while convenient, a QD system for a bed rack or crossbars carrying heavy and expensive cargo may not be as secure as a bolt on or weld on attaching method. ...secure in the sense of off-road/car accident type of abuse and theft.

 

Well, that was my concern too. I just recently took a trip and going 100mph against roughly 20mile winds the set up held up no problems

 

I wish either Yakima made a taller tower like Front Runner or Front Runner made a quick disconnect. There aren’t many options out there right now.

 

Agreed, that's basically exactly what I'm looking for

 

It should be possible as long as the D rings use the M8 bolt setup. These racks don’t use your typical T-bolt. I was able to fit my favorite surf rack by using M6 bolts with thick washers.

 

Well, there isn’t a dramatic amount of space difference when side to side. I wanted the streamline and less bulk. I will be adjusting my bars to the left to attempt and fit a full size bike with wheels and see if it works out

 

Yakima does have these bed rack systems with their “overlanding” accessories available as add-ons for gear:
https://yakima.com/products/overhau...7.1260434954.1604188975-1597718368.1604188975

Not sure if this can be modded to work on the DB cover somehow:
https://yakima.com/products/outpost...2.1260434954.1604188975-1597718368.1604188975

Just didn’t like the look and how high they were. I gotta clear a 6’8” clearance to park in the garage. Already got the passenger window broken into when parked on the street during the Rona season. Gotta keep the setup low enough to fit inside the garage.

 

How long did it take everyone to install the diamondback?