DiamondBack Covers | Modifications

Thanks for the kind words! The whole setup on your truck is awesome!

 

Rear rack on...







My plan is to live with it for a week or so and make sure I don't need any design changes before I send the side plates off to powder coating...

 

That's super slick!

That design isn't the one that was shipped out, was it? Either one would still be awesome.

That's shaping up really good!

 

@Delta139 looks like UpTop came out with something similar...

https://www.uptopoverland.com/products/tacoma-diamonback-truss-bed-rack-2018-2021

 

Why does the bike have to overhang off the edge of the bed? Wouldn’t it be a stronger design if it sat on top of the cover?

 

Nope, you have the original design that is mounted to the truck

The bike outside the bed means full use of bedspace and the ability to open the cover with a bike attached still

 

In addition to @Nimble9's comments, I did not want to be carrying a bike on a rack on top of the bed - the added height would be too high for comfort.

 

That's a really nice set-up you have there
Where did you get the mounting bars for the ikamper? They're the perfect size

 

I created mounts to attach my hi-lift jack to the side of my Diamondback cover. I used the method that Mike from Last Line of Defense showcased on a YouTube walkaround video of his rig. It just uses longer bolts that stick up through a few of the tie down cleats. I used three M8 x 80mm bolts, and it feels REALLY strong. I also used large knobs to secure it in place, where his version used wingnuts. I was worried about how far the setup would stick out from the truck, but it doesn't even stick out further than the fender flare or the wheel/tire. I also have some home made brackets that allow me to mount a shovel to the hi-lift. Side note - I only intend to keep this on the rig during off-road trips. It will be removed and stored in the garage while in daily driver mode.

 

Hey everybody! I have been on the fence for a year about trading my trusty 2013 DCSB for a 4Runner TRD Pro, but I've owned a Tacoma since 2006 now and just couldn't do it. So I decided to do a few mods including a Diamondback HD. Probably the biggest issue with the Gen 2 is no locking tailgate, and we all know about QC/durability issues with Pop-N-Lock kits.

I researched and read a bunch and never found a solution I quite liked. The key sync'ed lock seemed slick but not in the mood to run wires everywhere yet. With the DB already having an external lock, I realized the best solution was an internal lock that also eliminates having to carry an extra key. I saw a solution very similar to this which inspired the idea, but it was executed different with pad locks. Here was my solution to what kept me on the fence about getting a DB cover on my old Gen 2.

I added D-rings to the 2nd screw in from the corners of the tailgate. The bore size of what I bought were a bit small but fixed in minutes with a Dremel.



I grabbed an existing motorcycle pull-style strap and in this pic, you can see it in unlocked storage mode.



I put 2 cleats near the back of the rail, and in under a minute, I can hook the strap up and pull it very snug. Someone would have to really wreck the tailgate to open it and if they want in that bad, they are going to get in.



Now the tailgate is internally locked, without requiring a key, and takes 10-15 seconds to undo and re-stow onto itself, while the DB cover serves as the external locking mechanism.

 

Hello man, I know this super old post but, how is it holding the rail? Any bending when pulling it out with full food filled? Sick set up

 

i have a detailed breakdown somewhere in this thread if u search. Is a mix of Yakima HD bar and Thule rails. With the ikamper and Yakima Quick detach. I can on and off the kamper within 2mins and just be barless and use the truck as a truck. No offensive to others but I did not want a set up where u can’t dismount easily and your bed becomes a full time Overland Park unable to haul crap.

 

Here’s an simple example how the mounts are set up. And the QD is lockable.

 

Do you happen to remember which (#) landing pads you used?

 

@The Pirate is landing pad 1

 

@xkyo23 - I used your plans to install mine a couple weeks ago. Really happy with how it turned out. Appreciate you doing the leg work for me

 

Haha not a problem, glad u enjoy the set up!

 

@xkyo23 I'm guessing you just ordered 2 long tracks and cut them. For a short bed would you recommend getting 54" or 60"?

 

Spoke with Bart last week and earlier this week! I ended up ordering without the center panels. I ordered full 18" height with additional lower crossbars,rear window screen and additional mounts to run the full setup without the diamondback! Bart was cool to work with and got me squared away. He asked for pics of the setup as he's curious how the rack would work on the LB diamondback and how the extra space would help with clearance and opening up the cover. I'll report back when it's arrived and installed! Thanks for the help @CttAznRanger and @Delta139

 

Lol, I should really get to that on mine...