Bed Rack Delima, looking for opinions??

Hello, to the most knowledgeable 1st Gen Group Online. I know one of y'all have the right answer for me. I have a 00 Prerunner I've restored, well almost completed.

I bought a RTT and now need a bed rack, while I know Dan's (Adventure Taco) bed rack is the best, just out of my price range right now.

So I've narrowed my search down to these 2 and I'll share my problem with each of them and below are the pics.

Both are 300lbs dynamic & 800lbs static weight limits. One is a maximum height of 9.5 inches from top of bed, other is 15 inches. My RTT is 11.5 inches closed. From top of bed to top of cab is approx 21 inches. So the 9" one would fit under cab height, but I wouldn't be able to use rearview mirror. The 15" one would sit approx 6" above cab, not sure how good rearview mirror would be, has to be better than the 9", but will the wind resistance be a lot & reduce gas mileage drastically? The 9" is $249, the 15" is $359. Is the visibility worth the extra $110, coupled with the possible reduction to gas mileage?

Anybody who has any thoughts it would be much appreciated. See pics below.

 

I did and we exchanged emails, but the fully assembled one would be over $800 shipped, the DIY one would be in this price range, but in his estimates 3 hours of welding, I don't have a welder nor can I weld, I checked around and $100/hr is the best rate I found. Just out of my price range right now, one day I'll buy one.

 

Have you looked into the other types of bedrack like from RCI? That's the one I got and it's beefy but very functional. The only issue is that I waited 11 weeks to get it.

 

For what it is worth I never use the inside mirror most times my truck gets used I have cargo blocking the view.

So even when empty I never look at it.

Though I know people scared to death to not be able to see out that mirror and are OK with off setting the load so the truck hangs a few inches to the side.

It comes down to what works for you.

 

Thanks you guys for the time and your opinions, I'm going to get the short ones put them on drive around and see if I like it or not, if not I'll return them and get the longer ones.

 

I wouldn't worry about the MPG impact of the taller ones. Mine sticks above the roof of the cab and there was no noticable change in gas mileage from before I put it on.

 

Thanks for that input, I'm going on a long trip and that was a concern for me. I get about 18 miles to gallon so I was thinking it would only reduce it by 10 to 20% at the most.

 

If it does end up getting in the way of the mirror, add one of these digital rearview mirros:

$120 WOLFBOX G840S 12" 4K Mirror Dash Cam Backup Camera, 2160P Full HD Smart Rearview Mirror for Cars & Trucks, Front and Rear View Dual Cameras, Night Vision, Parking Assistance, Free 32GB Card & GPS

https://smile.amazon.com/WOLFBOX-Mi...279&ref=&adgrpid=79288771195&sa-no-redirect=1

Awesome products and it doubles as a front dash cam!

 

That is an awesome idea! Never thought of that, I have a backup camera, but it only comes on in reverse. Thanks a bunch Tyler!