DiamondBack Covers | Modifications

I got it last year in June when I picked up their lo-pro roof rack. Maybe, they stopped selling it a la carte since then... also, I bought them locally in their shop in Agoura Hills, CA. It’s possible that they only sell them in person. You can try calling their customer service to see if they’ll sell via phone order and reference the sku number in my pic below.

The tall legs are about 8” H and the short legs are about 6” H. Trying to find a good lower profile rtt like those Roofnest Sparrows or Falcons so that I can use the tall legs again and clear the apartment garage gate.

 

I plan on getting a small RTT next year and hope that I can put it across the rear two and still allow the front leaf of the Diamondback to open slightly. If I have to, I'll place it across all three bars. I saw (earlier in this thread I think) someone did the same.

I was looking at the Thule Tepui Explorer Ayer 2
https://tepui.com/products/thule-tepui-explorer-ayer-2

Actually, look about 2 posts before yours and you'll see a similar setup. As for why 3, I'll be carrying plywood at times and if I can have 3 instead of 2, then yeah. I can always remove, but I can't add what I don't have access to.

 

@Delta139 just a thought, what do you think the weight limit is for the rack?

 

I remember seeing a post somewhere of people swapping out the gas struts on their diamondbacks for some longer travel ones. I’m finishing up an 11 day road trip and I’m realizing I’d really like to do that. My only concern is that I’d like to keep the safety catch mechanism. Anyone know have I can have both?

 

You can leave the bar there and just not connect it, that’s what I did when I added longer springs. I just don’t use the safety catch...need to tape it off. also the 90 degrees is well worth it

 

3 of the main supports were tested at 1,000lb of static weight with no issues. I haven’t done a full test with 4 of the supports yet but I am confident it is on par with the diamond back HD cover.

 

I ended up ordering the 4 supports today, full height, plates on the front and rear section, but no middle ones, also the short version that you have. I will be drilling into the diamondback, that way I can still have the functionality of opening it all the way.

 

I would like to add a rail on the top. Does anyone know of a source for a rail similar to the one on this toolbox?

 

Awesome can’t wait to see how you configured it. I would recommend upgrading the gas shocks as well to support the extra weight. Also if you are interested there is a couple of companies that make grade 8 replacement bolts for the cleats price was under 25 bucks I think.

 

Pretty much exactly as you have it, just no middle plates, no rear window protectors, and no lower bars. If you could link me to good gas shocks and replacement bolts/nuts, that would be super helpful.

 

Curious as to how much space you have between the ikamper overhand and the roof and shark fin.

 

Originally 1/2” and it would touch the fin on rough trails, so I put in a 1” square tube under the tent mounts and it no longer touches. Yet it’s still low profile.

 

Got my CVT Mt. Rainier tent all mounted up to my Front Runner load bars. Very happy that the tent and the roof rack sit at the same height (I'd be lying if I said I planned it that way).

I'm curious what everyone is doing with the space between the top of the cover and the bottom of the load bars? I thought about mounting my hi-lift jack under the bars on one side, but now I'm thinking about trying to find some storage cases that I could slide in there instead. Something that could hold recovery gear, tools, trail spares, or other equipment. I searched the forum pretty good, but can't find any examples of anyone running cases in that location.

It looks like the Plano rifle cases (such as the Plano 42) would almost be a perfect fit. They could sit on top of the hinges and still clear the bottoms of the bolts that attach the RTT to the load bars. I'm just not sure how I would fasten/attach them to the cover (maybe just bungee/strap them using the tie down cleats?), and I'm also wondering how I could get them to sit nice and flat while also preventing them from marking up the finish on the Diamondback cover.

Any ideas or examples would be much appreciated!

 

SideRide Bike Mounts for the DB cover are dialed!

Group buy interest thread is here:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...deride-group-buy-thread.692905/#post-24484745

 

Do it up! Let's get these things made!

 

I added 4 ft LED strip lights under both panels of the cover to help see in the bed at night. I considered putting lights under the bed rail but I think this method directs the light into the bed much better.

I also installed push button switches on each panel so the lights can be turned on from either panel. The switches are wired into a timer relay so the lights will turn off automatically after a certain time in case I forget to shut them off. I used Weatherpack connectors to connect the wiring harness to the panels so I can quickly unplug each panel if I need to remove them.







Light Strips:
Marine Flexible LED Light Strip 12V 4ft White

$17 4ft White Marine Flexible LED Light Strip 12V

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XQLNHSC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_Py6a3M9VUWnJp

Switches:
(Pack of 2) 19mm High Round Cap Waterproof Momentary Stainless Steel Metal Push Button Switch High Flush Screw Terminals 250V 5A 1NO SPST

$10 APIELE 19mm Momentary Push Button Switch High Round Cap Waterproof Stainless Steel Metal High Flush Screw Terminals 250V 5A 1NO SPST (Pack of 2)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079HTQ7XD/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_nNT.FbBKAJ5R5?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Timer Relay:
http://timers.shop/6V-28V-10-Amp-Timer-POSITIVE-OUTPUT_p_13.html

Weatherpack Connectors:
Delphi Packard 2 Completed Set (4 Circuits) Weatherpack, Waterproof, Terminal Kit 14, 16 AWG

Aptiv 4 Pin Weatherpack, 20 Amp Terminal Kit 10-20 ((2 Set) 4-Pin 14 16 GA)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075LZGX4T/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_HngEamCzRQBKN

 

Looks awesome. Curious if you beefed up the adhesive on the LED strips. I've stuck things to the underside of the diamondback, but the florida heat pulls them down after a season. Like the idea of the timer.

 

Very cool! I've been thinking over doing something similar. Seeing yours and reading the input about the bedrail vs the bed cover placement also saves some trial and error.

Did you tap into the outlet in the bed or have you run power up to the engine bay...or something completely different?

 

Has anyone installed a KBVoodoo bed rack under the diamond back? Would this work? I’ve got this set up with a soft cover but I like the idea of the extra security.

 

I just used the adhesive on the light strips. They had 3M adhesive if I remember right. If it doesn’t hold up I’ll rivet some fasteners to the gussets where the strip is attached.