Best Rack Placement - On Cab or Shell?

I'm wondering where is the best place to mount a rack. Should I mount it on top of the cab or on top of the camper shell? I might want to take the shell off at some point so I'm tempted to mount it on the cab. However if that would make the truck less stable or if the cab has less weight bearing capacity than a camper shell, I want to consider whatever these types of things.

Any suggestions? I have a 2nd Gen Tacoma with a 6' bed. I haven't purchased the camper shell yet, but I'm looking at getting something that can support about 300 pounds on top.

Thanks!

 

Well, the cab is a steel structure, so it should theoretically be able to support more weight. However, 300 pounds should be OK even on a camper shell. Install bed stiffeners.

That said, I put the Prinsu on my camper shell simply because I didn't want to drill holes in my new Access Cab. (To be sure of not hitting the air bags, you'd have to drop the headliner.)

Wind noise will be less of an annoyance if it's farther back on the truck.

 

OK thanks for the input

 

I have a factory Tacoma rack on my Double Cab, and a Thule rack on my cap. I have never used the factory rack since getting the cap rack. Much quieter then over the cab. I have had the indoor mounts from Thule before, and eventually they always mess up your paint.

 

@RustedTacos - nice thread topic!

I have a DCLB with 6’ topper and I too am looking into getting some roof mounted storage options going.

Based off of the idea from the thread - Cheap DIY Shell Roof Rack - I just picked up some cheap ($20) Ford Windstar tracks in decent condition from the local junkyard/Pick n Pull in Daytona to install on my topper. They need a new coat of paint but were way less expensive than paying like $79 or more + shipping for new ones. I was debating on whether to install a Prinsu-type topper/cap rack or a Thule/Yakima/Rhino-Rack setup...

However, I ended up ordering this Rhino-Rack setup from eTrailer since I like the quick release feature that the towers have and it seemed to be the more affordable/versatile option which would still leave me the option of going for a Prinsu type rack later. Just have to quick release my Rhino-Rack roof racks from the tracks installed on the topper/cap and can install the other rack. They arrive on Friday!

I’m still looking into cab roof rack options too though - primarily the imitation OEM Tacoma roof racks and the Rhino-Rack RTS 547 tracks. And then I could have a more versatile cab track system for more roof rack options...