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Need Cap/Cover/Rack Advise - Fitting skis/bikes/etc.

Discussion in 'Tonneau Covers, Caps and Shells' started by ikellen, May 26, 2019.

  1. May 26, 2019 at 9:27 AM
    #1
    ikellen

    ikellen [OP] Active Member

    Joined:
    May 7, 2019
    Member:
    #292515
    Messages:
    32
    Gender:
    Male
    PNW (Seattle)
    Vehicle:
    19 TRD Off Road DCLB
    Apologies in advance if this gets long winded, I've been googling/searching on this for weeks now and haven't come up with much...

    I have a 19 TRDOR DCLB that I'm looking to setup with the best possible storage solution for a variety of outdoor pursuits, while also being versatile enough for day to day driving/uses. I live in the Seattle area and ski in the winter, and then mountain bike, hike and camp in the summer. This presents a variety of situations/scenarios that I'm trying to factor in. Below I'm going to layout what I'm hoping to be able to carry/do with the truck, and also the various options I've weighed the pros and cons on. I'm hoping there are others out there in a similar situation to me that could offer some firsthand experience on what works and what doesn't work.

    First off, here are the goals:

    In the winter, I want to be able to store skis (right now it would be around 2-3 pairs, but could be more in the future) in the bed and have some sort of barrier between them and other gear (so that the skis aren't getting other stuff wet with snow at the end of the day). I also want to have some sort of cover over the bed so the bed isn't filling with snow on storm days. Winter is a big priority for me, as I bought this truck partially to have a full winter ready vehicle that can get to the ski resort / through the mountains in any condition, and I want to be able to carry the gear for that.

    In the summer, I'd like to be able to somehow carry at least 2 mountain bikes, but also fit camping/hiking gear. For the bikes, I'm about 98% set on a hitch rack (Kuat NV 2.0), but I'm open to others thoughts considering the other factors. For camping, most of the time we'd be carrying a standard tent, but the ability to crash for one night in the truck (i.e with a shell) would be a nice bonus and would provide dry storage for gear. Any sleeping setup in the bed would still need to have a storage solution so that we don't have to empty the truck bed to sleep in it.

    Possible Solutions I've considered:

    Shell + DIY sleeping platform/drawer setup + Bike Hitch rack
    Pros:
    Would handle most all the needs I have (including sleeping in bed)
    Cons: Expensive, DIY platform/drawers would take a while to build and I have concerns about how it might hold up to a wet environment in winter over time. Having Shell on top also somewhat limits bed flexibility for around home tasks (hauling tall/awkward objects, building materials, etc.).

    Shell + Decked Drawer System + Bike Hitch rack
    Pros:
    Would handle most all the needs and would be a little more weather proof due to Decked system being made from plastic.
    Cons: Even more expensive than option 1, and skis couldn't fit under decked platform. Could potentially put dry gear in decked drawers, but would worry about drainage into drawers from above. Same camper shell downsides (limitations on carrying ability in bed).

    Shell + Rack on top of shell + drawer/platform system (either DIY or Decked)
    Pros:
    Same pros as above, but could put skis/bikes on top of shell (no hitch rack = unencumbered access to bed area) which keeps wet/dirty gear out of the bed area.
    Cons: Gas mileage will take a hit on longer trips due to drag from stuff on top of shell, harder to get gear on top of cap due to height (I'm 5'8-5'9, Fiancee is even shorter). Cost is also higher due to adding roof rack cost.

    Tonneau Cover + KB Voodoo Rack + Drawer System + RTT
    Pros:
    Lots of flexibility as Tonneau and/or KB rack could be removed as needed to open up bed.. Cheaper than shell combos, lots of modularity with KB rack for ski and/or Bike racks as well as possible expandability (cargo box on top of rack?). KB Rack also would allow for a RTT for sleeping.
    Cons: No (covered) sleeping option in bed (could remove tonneau and sleep open air in good weather), drawer system under tonneau wouldn't leave much storage above drawers. Less storage overall under tonneau as compared to shell. RTT adds cost, although less cost than a shell.

    As you can see, I've weighed a lot of different scenarios (and probably overthought this a bit, but hey, don't we all?).

    I welcome thoughts/opinions on the setups listed below, or suggestions for other possible setups. What would help me more though is first hand experience from any one who also skis/bikes/camps, as I could justify any of the setups above in my head, but I've never used any of these products/setups myself and hearing from those that have would be helpful.
     
  2. Jun 1, 2019 at 3:21 AM
    #2
    Ainapo

    Ainapo Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 2, 2018
    Member:
    #264937
    Messages:
    315
    Gender:
    Male
    SW WI
    Vehicle:
    MT+LB=sport
    20190523_111354.jpg 20190531_124525.jpg I got the long bed so I can fit some gear, esp bikes, in the bed. Also, so that I can sleep in it. I chose a mid-rise topper (snugtop hi-liner) so that I can just remove the front wheel and stand up my bikes using a fork mount. I didn't want to mess with lowering the seat every time. Plus, you'll want the extra head room for camping, esp if you do a platform. I got a frontrunner tray for versatility on top. Mostly I'll use it for canoes, but might put the rocket box on for skis in winter.
    I think all toppers are almost impossible to get fully sealed against rain and dust. I did a bunch of stuff before topper install and still have some more work to do, like sealing the cubbies and around the tailgate. I want to build a half-platform out of plywood, but not until I get the bed sealed better. Plan on some water intrusion, esp in PNW.
     
    Last edited: Jun 1, 2019
    doublethebass likes this.

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