CBI Overland Bed rack vs. Shell

I just purchased a 2022 TRD Offroad Tacoma (Extended Cab, 6 ft. bed, Lunar Rock).

I have a RTT (Thule Tepui 2 Person) was originally for my Jeep which was totaled. Would love some advice on the following three options:

1) Return my RTT and get a Shell.

OR

2)Get the CBI overland bed rack and mount the RTT.

OR

3) Keep the RTT, and mount it on a shell.(Is this possible?)

Pictures below of the new Taco rolling off the lot.

 

Welcome Nice Rig.

 

Congrats on your new rig! You definitely have options. Use case will determine which way you proceed, cost and lead times too.

With my truck (a TRD OR-P DCLB) we with @DiamondBack Covers HD and will be running the Front Runner bed rack system on it. It allows us to keep the iKamper mounted on the truck bed and still have lockable storage.

Of course you can also find shells that'll accommodate a tent, but they tend to be spendy! AluCab Canopy is $3,950 whereas the AluCab Canopy Camper is $9,499 – your GFC platform campers start at $6,950 with about an 8-10 week lead time.

 

You can get the alu cab explorer shell for $3k

 

I got my RTT mounted on my rack and rack is mounted to my shell. Shell holds it up fine no problems.

 

i would get a ARE contractor high roof 48” aluminum shell with wedge, windoors, barn doors on the rear and just sleep in ther

 

Congrats on the new rig.

Anyone have experience with RLD canopy (vs. Alucab?)

 

I owned a RLD for almost two years after replacing a Alu-Cab Explorer canopy. The RLD was definitely built better and you can also get them color matched to your rig from the factory which I think definitely looks better than having a black canopy on a truck that isn’t black.

If I get another Tacoma I would definitely choose a RLD over an Alu-Cab.

 

I have been running the Alu-Cab now for a while and I'm very happy with it, we have installed a couple of the RSI ones and they are for sure heavier (306 SB taco) and a pain to assemble where the Alu-Cab (125LB) comes assembled since its a fully welded toper

have not had any experience with the RLD in person

I've put this Alu-Cab though the ringer and it defiantly holds up well

 

I'm going to go against popular opinion here and suggest you just return your RTT, get a simple shell and pick up a nice 3.5 season ground tent. Lol I know this is "heresy against doctrine" for the Instalanders here on TW but I'm going to give you the unpopular opinion for the sake of perspective.

Not sure how much you've actually used an RTT in real life but I'm of the opinion that they're not worth the hassle unless you're literally driving across Africa or Australia. The biggest issue for my buddies who have them being you can't drive your vehicle once you're set up (IE - an emergency) or it can be a PITA finding a level spot for your vehicle. Here's another dude's opinion on them after years of ownership.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCVavqvwYvw

So, again, just get a simple ARE or Leer shell. Having a place to keep your stuff dry is nice and a simple shell is quite a bit easier to remove than x-bars & an RTT if you ever decide use your truck bed for truck shit. $0.02 of opinion.

 

I think you meant to say a RSI which is definitely inferior to a RLD. They are heavier and do have some other drawbacks also. The RLD is fully welded like the Alu-Cab but is made of stainless steel instead of aluminum.

 

you are correct good catch

 

So, again, just get a simple ARE or Leer shell. Having a place to keep your stuff dry is nice and a simple shell is quite a bit easier to remove than x-bars & an RTT if you ever decide use your truck bed for truck shit. $0.02 of opinion.[/QUOTE]

A fiberglass canopy is definitely inferior to any aluminum or stainless steel canopy. They quit using fiberglass for car parts many years ago and in only the states will you see canopies made with fiberglass. They are brittle and much heavier than a comparable aluminum or steel canopy. Also much easier to remove a metal canopy as they don't flex and bend like a fiberglass canopy can so you can grab it anywhere and pull it off the truck without worrying about damaging it. Would never own a fiberglass canopy again and anyone who is an advocate for one obviously hasn't owned a aluminum or stainless steel canopy as you really can't compare the two. Yeah, fiberglass tops can look good but that's about all they go going for them. But do agree that roof top tents are highly overrated. Have owned 3 different one's in the past seven years and have enjoyed them all but tent camping is fine as well. The only advantage that I really like with the RTT's is when overlanding you can just stop just about anywhere day or night and be in you sleeping bag sleeping in a matter of minutes. Rain or shine it doesn't matter. That is actually why we got our first RTT. Was on a trip in Moab and there was a downpour and had to wait for the rain to stop before we could set up camp. Then the ground was a mess so it took us forever to get a ground tent set up properly where we could actually get in it and go to sleep. Was in Moab last fall and was in the same situation but had our RTT on our canopy. Just undid two latches and was in our tent and out of the rain in seconds. That is where I think the biggest advantage of a RTT comes into play. But yeah, ground tenting can work in most cases.