DiamondBack bed cover and rack

I saw a few posts on the Diamondback bed cover (great cover) but nothing covering the rack system they offer so here is my story.


I bought my SE smooth cover about a year ago with plans to use it to secure items in the bed, put a rack on it for hauling my bikes and mounting a roof top tent. I ordered the rack system from Diamondback about 6 months after I bought the cover. The rack system is made by Front Runner and consists of tracks that bolt onto the cover, support arms and cross bars.


Since the Diamondback cover is a 3 piece folder the tracks are split into 3 pieces per side to fit onto each part of the cover. The hardest part is lining up the individual tracks so they are parallel, which I thought all I needed to do was measure in from the edges of the cover by 2" all the way down the track and I would be good to go. Not so the Tacoma bed is not square and tapers to the rear with it being wider near the cab. I ended up using a long level to keep the tracks together then moved each side until I had the 50" I wanted between the two sides. Then you have to check under the cover for any obstructions (cross brace, lock mechanism, etc). Mark and drill the holes, install the rubber gasket, some silicone sealer, bolts and the end caps.


Once the tracks are installed the Rack installs easily with a few bolts. I was concerned about security since only 8 bolts hold the rack down. I purchased some security bolts/nuts and replaced one bolt/nut on each rack support arm. Not 100% theft proof but hopefully enough to make a bad guy move on.


Last item, the Diamondback rack uses a custom made Front Runner kit with support arms that place the cross bar about 7" above the cover. This works fine as it will put most RTT at or below the cab roof. But I want a few more inches of height so I didn't have to duck under the tent when it was deployed, I could use and tents annex more effectively, I could see better out the back (rearview) and I could fit larger items under the rack. After Contacting Front Runner I was able to get support arms that were 3" taller putting the crossbar about 10" high, which is just about perfect for my application.


Tracks

3 pieces per side

Drill holes watch out for any obstructions. Rivet nuts used when the cross brace gets in the way.

Silicone used to help keep water out.

Using long level to keep everything straight and parallel.

Support arm and crossbar installed.

With Thule bike mount attached.

 

More pictures.


Bike loaded up.

Crossbar sits about 7" high.

Standard and longer support arms compared.

With longer supports arms crossbar sits about 9.5" high

10" tall rack.

 

Thanks for sharing. I was very happy with the quality of the Front Runner/Diamondback collar and put it to use real quick... after reading your post, I was able to pinpoint what was so annoying during my past few camping trips. I did choose low profile for a reason, but there were 2 drawbacks that you mentioned...
-Visibility out of your rear (if you have a choice it is a safer option)
-Ducking under my RTT while using the tailgate for various reasons.

I just emailed them and update. Since you didn't mention cost, I hope its not too expensive of a replacement/swap.

 

I paid about $60 per set and had to get them directly from Front Runner.

 

I've been thinking about this cover. Whats the height from the bottom of the bed to the bottom of the cover? I.e. whats the tallest thing that can fit under it. My cooler tops out completely flush with the bed rails.

 

Very helpful post as I'm probably going to put the Frontrunner rack on too. Good to know about using a long level and 7" vs. 10" .

Thanks!

 

From the top of the ribbed part of the bed to the bottom edge of the cover it is about 19". From the bottom edge of the cover to the very top there is another 2" of clearance but this is filled with cross bracing, the center support and locking hardware which would get in the way of sliding anything into the bed.

 

I was considering the KB Voodoo rack because you don't have to drill into the Diamondback cover. But the downside is you can't open the cover with the KB Voodoo rack support arms attached.

 

I've got the Cross bin 8 under the front cover, so I'd for sure want to be able to usually open it.

I currently have a small roof top tent (currently on a trailer, the Tepui Ayer that is 95#s). I was thinking about mounting the tent on the back half (so supports would be in the center and back cover?). It would need to hang over the tailgate a bit but from measuring, I think I could still open the front cover. I really like having the Cross bin!