Alternative use for bed rails? Can I mount them on the exterior of my shell?

Hello All,
I just bought a 2013 double can Tacoma. I've built a bed into the back for my wife and I to camp in and had a hi-liner shell out on.
The bed rails don't seem to be of much use inside. I'm wondering if the can be taken off and mounted to the roof of the shell and maybe work with a rack system? Does anyone know if this is possible?
Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

I mean if you put take the rails out of the bed and put them on the topper they will work the same. I don't think the rails or cleats really care where they are.

 

They sell rails that can be bolted to the roof of your camper. Leave your bed rails alone.

 

I've never owned a shell...

Shells mount to bed rails?

 

Yes

 

Do you lose all access/utilization of bed rails when you have a shell?

 

Nope

 

Nope

 

ok

got it

thanks

understood

 

You can mount L track anywhere. Inside the bed, on the canopy, on the hood, fenders and quarterpanels, wherever there is enough structural strength or where you can locate a backing plate. And it's far more useful and universal than the limited POS system Toyota uses. Go tie down wild! http://www.uscargocontrol.com/Ratchet-Straps-Tie-Downs/L-Track-Tie-Down-Rails

 

My hope was that I could find a rack system (Thule or something) that would work with the rail if I somehow attached it to the top of the shell. sounds like just forking out the money and buying racks is the best bet.

 

Nope