Shell Advice

Looking for some advice on a shell. I want a shell with racks to carry surfboards. I also need a rack above the cab, something like a Thule or Yakima, since the distance between the racks on the shell alone won't provide enough stability for a long board. Can I get a shell with racks that are the same height as a rack above the cab? I've looked through the forum, but haven't really seen anything ideal. I have a double cab and the 5 foot bed.

I'm open to just about anything that works, but I don't really need a heavy-duty overland-style rack since I'll just be carrying surfboards.

 

I had a Yakima rack on my cap (also 5' bed) and frequently carried a 16' canoe with no issues. You should be fine.

 

I would need a rack close to the front of the board though. 70mph wind catching the first 4 feet of the board is bound to snap it in half. I figure putting one rail above the cab would do the trick. I've seen that I can get a shell with racks (Thule I think with Lear), but will they be the same height as the one bar I'm going to put over the cab? Maybe I just need to call a dealer.

 

Most don't recommend doing it like that cause the bed and cab flex separately.
You might be able to come up with a long mount for the boards that attaches to the rack on the shell.

 

^^ THIS ^^

 

Here's a thread with some trucks with racks and shells.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/show-us-your-camper-shell-for-dclb.467777/

 

Curious if anyone has an opinion on a canopy. I am looking for something for a 6ft bed 2021 tacoma off road. Something I can sleep in that is preferably different from the fiberglass looking leer snugtops... Looking at a RLD but they come uninsulated and windows are smaller. I like how strong the RLD is. Has anyone insulated their own canopy?

 

I didn't even think of that. I could see how that could be a disaster. Thanks for the advice. Maybe I can get a shell and rack and then have something welded to the forward part of the rack, making it longer but not attached to the cab.