DiamondBack Covers | Modifications

Thought I would check back in on this thread. I learned a lot about the cover and did really enjoy it while I had it. I got as far as mounting the Front Runner track and bars on it. I have since moved away from the cover went with something that will work a little easier with load and unloading mountain bikes. I saw this set up and thought I would share with ya'll.

https://chassisunlimited.com/thorax-bed-rack-system-diamond-back-cover-2005-2020-tacoma.html

They make a rack to work specifically with the holes from the cleats, no more making new holes in your fancy new cover.

 

No I wouldn’t be doing a tent- more for a cargo box or similar which could be handled similar to how you do the tent.

Mileage and noise may be negligible- my only experience is with roof racks on top of cars that are significantly more aerodynamic than my truck and impacted more by noise and drag.

 

Is there anything that would keep you from mounting the 1-up racks directly to the channels rather than on top of the load bars? Bikes would go across the truck rather than front to back, but this would allow for a lower profile overall if it works out.

 

MPG’s? Just the bars on? No noticeable change in mileage.

Noise? I haven’t noticed an increase. I’ve got two kids though so it’s rarely a quiet peaceful ride to begin with. I’d be surprised if they created much noise, maybe if you left the rail end caps out I could see it.

 

Very Nice! Only downfall I see id that you loose the opening access of the cover.

 

Yeah, if you're mounting stuff to the rack you would lose access to opening it up. But if you have just the bars on you have that optional middle plate to leave off. Thought it was pretty cool someone took the time to engineer an actual rack for the cover. I would have gone this route if I still had my cover for sure.

 

Most definitely,, too bad i already have the Frontrunner rack in the garage waiting to be installed!

 

Yeah, that rack design was made by @Delta139 in collaboration with them.
I got that one myself, but without the center pieces and spaced for the short bed (I have a long bed).
That way, even though I need to drill holes for it to mount, I am still able to open it up. I will probably need some heavier shocks for it though.

 

What was the cost without the center piece? Where did you buy it?

 

Full height without center pieces came up to about 900 or so

 

I modified a yakima 4 bike hitch mount rack and mounted it to the voodoo fabrication cross bars over my diamondback cover.
We did this as we pull our Tacoma behind our RV and I didn't like how far the bikes hung out behind the Tacoma.
We will be taking this on a 2000 mile trip in a couple weeks. It will be nice to secure all the families beach gear in the truck bed, and be able to lock all the bikes when not in use.

 

People keep asking for pics of the non-diamond texture. Bonus pic of Frontrunner thru axle bike attachments.

 

Wondered if anyone is using the front runner system for mountain bikes and can provide feedback? I am weighing up this option vs a regular Thule hitch.

 

mine arrives this week. I was feeling a little apprehensive over choosing non diamond plate... but after seeing yours... just awesome. Thanks for posting.

 

I prefer the non-diamond finish but the diamond plate can be a good look as well depending on the rest of the mods on the truck. It’s nice to have the choice.

 

@CttAznRanger

Do you have pics of your setup? I have a long bed as well. I contacted Chassis Unlimited and they said they could make a long bed version. Since I have an SE DB cover I'd need to buy the extra cleats and drill anyway. If I stick with the short bed version that would leave more room in the middle and give me more clearance to open up the cover. You mentioned this is what you did. When you say center pieces were you talking about the metal panels? The only sucky part is i wouldn't be able to utilize the middle panels later when I get a RTT since they will be short. I'm sure it will be ok without it though. Also did yours also come with the bottom cross bars?? I didn't see it on the site.

@Delta139 Were those bottom crossbars custom from Bart as well?

 

So I haven't actually put mine on yet (cold weather and no garage).
You probably don't NEED the extra cleats. I plan on drilling through and bolting them on as is, no extra cleats.
Yes, having the short bed version would probably give enough room to open it up all the way.
Yes, I am referring to the metal panels, so I didn't order those. It should honestly be fine without them.
No, I did not order the bottom cross bars. Yes, he made those with Bart as well. It was an entire setup, but not necessary. You could order the bottom bars at LB length, and still have the covers open, that would also make your RTT sit lower, but still works functionally.

 

Awesome! Thanks for the quick response. I'll hit up Bart about the bottom bars!

 

Found some time to mock up the cab side rack today:

 

I worked with @Nimble9 on this over the last few months. Joel is amazing to deal with from a communications standpoint, asks questions and confirms measurements, and the quality of the resulting product far exceeded my expectations. These are a custom design based on his SideRide bike mounts, and attach directly to the Diamondback HD cover using the existing cleats.