Roof rack advice

i see it as the third place to pack stuff. 1. Inside the cab , 2. In the bed, 3. Roof rack. I wouldnt use the roof rack unless i needed to. Its always nice to have the option.

 

Great choice of aluminum. It rusts like everything else, but is way more durable than steel in regards to deterioration (just can't bend stuff back). I would like to suggest you check out Demello. I used to run their aluminum bumpers on my FJ and they were great (they have a no winch option, but not sure if they do for tacos). Also, may I suggest you add a gasket to prevent the steel frame from sacrificing itself to the nobler metal (aluminum). It'll prevent rust on the frame!
I actually used my winch countless times for numerous things, but it all depends on your needs. I was fortunate for instance to have it available to pull my boat off a sand bar that was close to the boat ramp. No way I was gonna do that any other way!

 

Agreed. Honestly my roof rack has been used to haul sheet sized products from the hardware store more than anything. I know I can use the bed, but I'm not a huge fan of things hanging out 4 to 10 feet depending on the item. Roof rack let me bring home 16 foot deck boards without stressing in traffic.

 

exactly why i got my rack. the 12' lumber i hauled in the back (when i didnt have a rack) had me a little worried.

 

Because each of us has different things that bother us and would rather eliminate as concerns. Threads like this always go well beyond just the OP’s concerns and give us the opportunity to see different outlooks and solutions.

 

No argument there. Seeing the different builds, reasons, and justifications are amazing. I especially enjoy the DIY types who think outside the box in their creations. All of those have value. It's the "I don't like it, don't do it" chain of comments that I will never understand. The equivalent of certain paint colors showing scratches more, so they shouldn't off-road. Statements with no value.

 

Yeah that's great for construction as well. I carried a quote few things on there for construction. Such as vinyl siding, plywood, drywall, etc. (just few pieces, not whole house set if you were thinking) If I want lot of drywall or plywood, then the store can deliver them to us at the jobsite.

I have had construction people coming up to me and telling me that they like my Prinsu racks.

 

I'm biased of course, but I will always think that the Prinsu racks looks the best.

 

If you are wanting a good rack comparison, I would definitely check out Tacomabeast YT vid when they did rack comparisons on the top brands that are on the market. Thought it would be a good starting point for OP and anyone else that is looking to purchase a roof rack.

(For anyone that just wants the quick rundown, they picked the Front Runner Slimsport rack due to the wide array of accessories you can put on the rack)

Hope this helps!

 

I guess I’m the odd ball. 25 years in the mil as an operator and now a contractor I go camping for a week and take next to nothing. Shit I still carry MRE’s so I don’t have to tote around a lot of crap. But I don’t go camping to chill out drink beer and have a good time. I go to deal with issues, be by myself away from the a-hole of the world, enjoy nature and the quiet. My Tacoma gets me away from society.

That being said I do like the setups a lot have come up with. If you need it or want it the decision is ultimately yours and no one else’s.

With the stuff I’ve seen some of these trucks carrying for camping and off-roading I could literally live on my own for a very long time. I’m used to living out of a rucksack for extended periods.

 

I'd like to hear what kind of camp setup you're running. I'm always looking to improve mine.

 

I don’t know if my setup will improve yours or make you wish you had more. I’ve slept outside for years without even a tent in all corners of the globe. Send me a pm if you want with questions and I’ll be happy to answer.

 

OP what did you do?

 

What Roof Rack is this? It looks beautiful!

 

Thank you. It's the RCI Roof Rack.

 

My prinsu is the most utilized part of my truck especially when it comes to camping. Holds my home made water tank, 100w solar panel and a pelican case with tons of tools and supplies. Using a few quick fist clamps, one holds the camp shower nozzle, the other a small led lantern, these are on the side rails.

 

You only live once!

 

I'm a contractor and I use the roof rack and bed rack to haul big lumber all the time. It hold up really well.

 

How much water does your tank hold?

 

Exactly 4.5 gallons.