Mod to increase weight capacity?

Hey everyone! Took a look in the search bar but didn't quite see the answer I was looking for. I bought a Tacoma that already was equipped with an A.R.E. cap from the previous owner. It isn't equipped with the HD Roof Rack to get to the 550lbs rating but is equipped with the Thule roof tracks on the roof and the same interal aluminum skeleton frame that HD Roof Rack setup has just not the parts that go through the roof to the crossbars. The rep at A.R.E. said that my current setup would support 200lbs evenly distributed. Initially, a RTT was the plan however since the current setup isn't really going to support the weight, I am looking to match the prinsu rack that is currently over the cab of the truck for storage, awning, etc.

Does anyone have the same type of cap and looked at making something to bridge the gap between the aluminum frame inside to reinforce the bottom of the topper? I would prefer not to drill thru the roof as it already has the side tracks but more or less find a way or something that can work with the t-slots to fill the gap between the rails and inner roof. I could measure out and cut some wood to reinforce the bottom of the roof but just looking to see if anyone has found anything that works too. Thanks in advance!

 

I have never see that topper or internal frame. Looks pretty nice. Seems like it would be simple enough to fill the gap between the frame and roof panel. If you wanted to get fancy the part could go all the way out to the thule track holes.

 

I'm just a guy on the internet, with no will or desire to seek out the evidence, BUT, it would be fine for a RTT as is; in fact, more capable than some of the other toppers around here with no internal frame.

The important rabbit hole to jump into is "static" vs "dynamic" weight. The 200 lb limit is for while in motion, and you probably won't find a rating for static, although its probably more than sufficient for a rtt and a few people.

 

I had to look on ARE to see this topper. There is a picture in the gallery showing the parts I think you are talking about. I think you could find some off the shelf 80/20 parts and bolt them to the frame T slots with them tight up against the ceiling to provide a similar function.

ARE



80 20 parts?

 

Thanks for the response! Well aware of the rabbit hole as I definitely wouldn't want to exceed weight limitations while in motion. Been in a few vehicles with a lot of weight up high and it is tons of fun to drive lol j/k. More concerned about the static load as I wouldnt want to cause any cracking to the topper. Even with a light weight RTT still have to consider people weight and that is 250lbs for me alone.

Thanks for the input! That is the HD internal setup that has the posts that go thru the topper and attach to the crossbar assembly outside. With the Thule setup the topper has now they are more the channels down the sides versus just four posts sticking out of the top for the bars however the inner frame isnt' attached to the underside of the top. I was thinking of something like the screw type feet pieces you find on tables or chairs that can be extended or shortened when you turn them and try to figure out how to work those with the T-slot of the frame. Trying to see if anyone has done it before.