Canopy/Shell Side Rack System

Hopefully I can achieve explaining this without any photos (just kidding, I added one), but here's what I have:

Problem: Longboards (surfboards) can't fit on roof due to space (RTT + short bed).
Solution: A mounting solution on the side of the canopy/shell.

Idea:
Yakima has a 'fixed point' mounting solution that is fiberglass friendly and would allow me to choose where the towers (for the bars) would attach to. This mounting solution also allows you to disconnect the rack system when not in use, and replace with a cap (nice and clean!).
https://www.yakima.com/landing-pad-6?_ga=2.83634134.1385965975.1520014621-1616754772.1509663899

Essentially, I would use these fixed point mounting pads to then install a small rack system on to the side of the canopy/shell - like a normal roof rack, but sideways. Then, my idea would be able to use classic ratcheting straps to mount the board(s) to the bars, carrying them vertically.

I'm posting this here to see if anyone can see any potential issues with this, or suggestions based on what I provided!

This is a side rack on a sprinter van for inspiration!

 

Just had to say it....




But seriously, I have a 12' Canoe, and thankfully it sits on the roof just fine, not overhanging over the front too much, and not past the end of the box.

 

I know, I know! I added an inspiration pic!

Yeah, my longboard is a 9 footer, but I'm sure I'll get a longer one this summer. My tent is on the canopy, so if I mount the board over the cab, it sticks out a good 4-5 feet over the windshield/hood.

 

Exoskeleton style rack maybe? A long board on the side is going to block your passenger side door though.

ETA: If it were me I'd carry them on the tent like in the Jeep picture. Either that or go with longer bars on the roof rack and consider a vertical carrier on the side the tent opens away from (assuming your tent is positioned to open on one side or the other). I've never seen a board carried on it's edge though; I imagine it'd be no big deal with a short stick but I think I'd want some way to provide extra support to a long board.

 

In the before time, I had a Jeep LJ with a RTT and carried surfboards on top of the tent with rachet straps. Unfortunately, I put a number of dents and holes in the tent baseboard while offroad going to a surfspot.

Your idea seems like it’ll work, I had a similar idea for the jeep, except it would block the doors. Is there enough length on the truck it wouldn’t? I then thought about doing it at an angle just off the side of the tent on top of the roof still. You would either have to have it low enough to still open the tent, or take off the boards first. To hold it, I had planned to make a ski rack nice contraption that opened on one end. I’ll try to find a pic I’ve seen a few like that. Or could you put longer crossbars on, and offset the tent to make surfboard room?

 

Thanks for all of these awesome suggestions!

My fabricated idea would indeed block one of the rear doors, but it's not much of a worry to me.

I think I need to give it a shot on top of the tent - it doesn't look too bad in your photo. I'll have to buy some foam or dig out my Dakine pads...the last thing I'd want is the ladder to puncture or dent any of my boards!