Camper Shell and roof racks

I need help in deciding between these two options. Option 1 is more expensive , but I'm willing to go that route if there's a decent benefit.

Option 1: camper shell plus Thule roof rack system (Leer 100 XQ). I don't know if it's worth it


Options 2: OEM roof rack installed on top of the cab. It's cheaper and looks decent

Is there a benefit to have a roof rack system on top of a camper shell as opposed to having it on top of the cab? (I have a double cab)

 

The big benefit is having the locking storage of the cap! We needed the bikes secured and out of the elements in back while we transport the kayaks on top.

 

Best to determine your carry and weight requirements first, then decide. My OEM roof rack is limited to 100 lbs = why mine is being replaced soon.

 

Not sure what you plan to haul on top, but most standard FG shells have a max weight carrying capacity of 200lbs. Anymore than that you need to have a reinforced cap or external frame.

 

Make sure you understand the difference between static and dynamic weight ratings...

 

Don't waste your time with the OEM rack. It isn't very strong, isn't very versatile, and the crossbars aren't even flat. They are curved. The thule crossbars on the shell aren't bad but for the price you still are only getting two crossbars. Look at a platform rack like PRINSU, Front Runner, or Baja Rack. You can get one for your cab or your shell and they all are going to be much better than the OEM rack or the Thule bars.

 

I got just the tracks for the roof rack on my Leer cap. I added my own Yakima racks to the tracks and then got an additional Yakima crossbar for the cab which I was able to line up perfectly (height wise) with the crossbars on the cap.

I'm a carpenter so I carry a lot of long lumber and ladders.

 

Ok i think i'm going with just the track and keep my options open and may consider Prinsu in the future.

RichVT: Do you have a picture of your setup?

 

This is the only picture I could find. Also shows a bed extender in a front hitch for those really long loads.

 

That's pretty neat. Can you provide any context (manufacturer/make/model)?

I didn't even realize you could do a front hitch.

 

Why not a bed rack?

 

You don't recall offhand what 'clip number' you needed for the cab mounted yakima do you? I had one on joy 2008 and need to research to see if it will fit 2017 without new clips.

 

Any info on the front hitch? Did you put it on? Make? Price? Modifications to what is existing on the truck to put it on? Thank you.

 

Yakima High Towers with 58" Yakima roll bars. Had 'em on my 2002 and now my 2017. Bomb proof for hauling lumber, ladders, surfboards and a scull boat that weighed 150 pounds! Bars never bent and the Yakima re-enforced gutter mounts work great.

 

I've mulled these options over for a long time now, and I'll be going with a prinsu toprac on the shell when time comes, FWIW.

I have no real experience with roof racks, so I have no answers on what might be best for a given lifestyle.

 

The Prinsu will be the best all around rack in my opinion. Nice low profile rack, powder coated steel side rails, aluminum crossbars. You can add and move the cross bars to your souls desire. I have seen people mount Kakima round cross bars to this rack and still make use kakima's accessory mounting kits (I may be doing this myself)

@zscott

 

Here is the info on the front hitch:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/front-trailer-hitch.417327/#post-11856199

 

I've seen many pickups driving around with bent Thule bars. I've never bent a Yakima bar despite some pretty heavy loads.

 

Nice setup!

 

Baseline towers with BC145 clips. I think the Baseline towers are a fairly new design.