DiamondBack Covers | Modifications

The tape works fine for me, I have no leaks from those corners ever since I put it in (so far over 2 years ago).
I have leaks from other areas I haven't addressed because I got too lazy.

 

One of you in Vegas right now?

Twinning!

 

I've actually stumbled upon some 3D prints for that spot to take up most of the gap. I may whip some up this spring.

 

Anyone have experience using something besides the OEM clamps to keep the cover on? I've found I like to take the cover on and off a fair bit for things like home depot runs or using a tailgate pad for bikes, and I've been getting annoyed with the clamps. They tend to stick in such a way I have to almost completely unscrew them so they fall apart before I can take them off.

 

mine hold so well, I ended up just buying a battery powered 90 degree electric wrench to take them off. It helps when I have to take off my front runner bars too.

 

An excuse to get a new tool I guess

 

Hello all, long time lurker of this forum.
Here is my pretty dumb question that I cannot stop thinking about for modifying my Diamondback SE. For whatever reason, I continue to believe that I could macGyver a bed rack system on the sides of the cover with some heavy duty brackets to allow for full cover opening and access of the bed. I found some random photos off Google images (see below) that capture a general concept but with a ladder rack, but looking at them further, it really appears the bracket hardware is probably inadequate of holding any substantial load. Any thoughts on this? Or am I looney tunes.

 

You are right, its may not be able to hold heavy loads like that, but at least hold some weight. The main reason being, instead of the load being directly on the bedsides or the diamondback, it is offset to the outside (obviously). So all the weight being on the outside would mean that the weight bearing point is the brackets holding the tubes up over the outside of the bed.

You can do what I did if you do want to be able to load heavy items onto it. I got a short bed version of the Chassis Unlimited rack for my long bed. Drilled some new holes for the brackets, and I can then open up one side fully without interference. Unfortunately I cannot open both at the same time, but that is one of the sacrifices I made in doing so.

 

I’m debating between the front runner rack and the kb voodoo bars. I have the Diamondback SE & I eventually want to run a rooftop tent, it’s what I would primarily want the rack for. I would also want to carry bikes when I go biking. I like the idea of the kb voodoo bars because not only are they cheaper, they have the bike mounts and they have the cargo trays to possibly hold something like an ice chest as well. I also like the fact that they sit on the bed rails, which I think would help with the weight if I threw on the RTT because the SE is only rated for 400 pounds (it would be my girlfriend and I). I just don’t like the fact that I wouldn’t be able to open the cover if I wanted to.

On the other hand, the front runner rack system has the same options (for hauling bikes & tent) and it would be able to open if the rack was on. The front runner is more expensive, and I would have to drill into the cover itself.

What is everyone else’s opinion?

 

If you want something that can do it all, I would suggest custom setup stuff.
@Agem_89 did the best one: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/diamondback-covers-modifications.553966/page-74#post-25891123
If you do that, you can also put bike mounts on the extruded aluminum, and even a custom cargo tray.

Otherwise if you worry about price and weight on the cover, go with the KB Voodoo. If price isn't a huge concern, I would go with the front runner system as they do have the partnership with DB.

 

The price I can justify. I was always leaning towards the front runner rack but I was just always worried about the weight over the SE.

 

So I’ve noticed that the seal on my gasket of the cab panels isn’t as tight as I want it to be. I’ve tightened the brackets while have weights on top in order to get the seal as tight as possible and the seal will look good with the weights on top but as soon as I take them off, it’s back to how it was. Any ideas?

I’m planning on calling DB tomorrow to see if have any ideas or tips.

I’ll include a photo as well.

 

That's incredible and looks like the most versatile config I've seen. Did you design your own side plates like he did or are they available some where? Anyway, love the truck and the rack system turned out great, congrats.

 

Well, looking at where the frontrunner system sits on the DB covers, being closer to the edge (and directly over the bed rails) it should have plenty of support for the weight.
Keep in mind the wording DB has in the site, it say HAULING capacity is 400lbs, so more than likely that is a dynamic load. Static capacity should be more if that is the case.
Also, when you look at the Front Runner spec page on the DB website, it notes a hauling capacity of 660lbs with the compatibility on both the SE and the HD, so it should be fine.

How much weight are you putting on there? I would suggest at least 100 lbs to be on the safe side. That and make sure when you put the locking bars in the tracks, they are near the top of the T-track, that way you know at the lowest point, the bars will be pressing against the top.

That was a one-off made based on another users design. That other user also made their own one off.

 

Just wanted to check in and report on my Diamond back SE....installed in Aug 2022, didn't do the silicone cuz I'm lazy and figured if leaks were an issue I would do it.

Its seriously amazing. Even without the silicone there is really no water getting in at all...it has to be a SERIOUSLY heavy rain and then if there is water its about a 2" puddle up by the front....expected b/c I didn't follow directions and the water usually comes in when it is sitting (I don't have a garage), NOT when driving even in heavy downpours.

I live in the UP so get a ton of snow.....the times I have left 4-6" on the bed b/c temps would melt it in a day or two....still no leaks.

I really really really really really really really really really really love this cover. So much.

Here is my post after I got it installed: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/diamondback-covers-modifications.553966/page-92#post-27667835



Also, here are some more northern lights pics FROM MY YARD for attention: https://imgur.com/a/fwyJWFS

I did get the show March 23/24 but haven't processed the pics yet...I love living UP here

(my profile pic is from 03/13/2021 in between Munising and Marquette)

 

Hey guys,
I’m considering DiamondBack for 23 Tundra Crewmax 5.5/5.6 bed. What should i look out for?

As of now, i’m thinking:

DB HD Cover $2299
13” deep cross bin $399
Front Runner × DB Rack System $849
Base Track Installation $89
Shipping $50
Estimated tax $306
Total $3,992.40

It really adds up so may remove below:
Cross Bin $399
Front Runner $849
Track Installation $89
Total $1337

 

See if there are any outlet ones. Save big bucks.

 

Has anyone stored their cover for a long period of time? I’m thinking of purchasing a softopper for the summer and rotating them out. My db would be for the cooler months and the softopper would be for the warmer months.

 

Are you still there?

 

Check into Rustoleum Truck Bed Paint