GFC SuperLite

I was just checking out Leitner and CBI cab height racks so the Superlite can clear the roof and antenna. CBI makes a cab height and a taller roof rack height version.

https://cbioffroadfab.com/product/2nd-and-3rd-gen-tacoma-roof-rack-height-bedrack-2005-2020-2/

https://www.leitnerdesigns.com/pages/toyota

GFC is also making a topper shell to work with the Superlite... no details on pricing yet.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CHwOTnKn2ue/

 

Just ordered one. Been eyeing a hard shell for a while. Had a CVT and a Smittybilt, but didn’t like the deployment time/hassle and weight of putting it on alone. I’m gonna run it with uptop truss adjustable rack so some of it will hang over the cab and not off the back end.

https://www.uptopoverland.com/products/uptop-truss-tacoma-soft-top-2005-2020

 

Hmm that Leitner rack looks pretty sweet to me! A little pricey thu lol. Might try making one of my own instead at that cost.


Still got a few months to figure it out thu ☹️

 

Still TBD on ordering a Superlite. But talked to ARE and they said their CX shell can support 250lbs dynamic, and "much more" static. Does anyone have experience running a RTT on a standard (ARE/LEER/etc) shell with Thule/Yakima racks?

 

Wondering this too, I ordered a CX classic back in November. Looking back I wish I would’ve went with A.R.E.’s HD line of shells which support 550lbs. So now here I am looking at the superlite. Wish there was more reviews to push me over the edge to buy it

 

Im in the same boat with my V series. I think the superlite shouldn’t damage our shells, even out on trails. What mounting system are yall considering if you do purchase the superlite?

@CoastalTRD @Ljpartida

 

I have square Thule bars on my topper now and saw in a Q&A that the tent can mount to Thule/Yakima style racks

 

Have you gotten any updates on your arrival?

For those asking about the mounting rails on the superlite, I’m pretty sure it’s just 2 standard aluminum track rails like on any RTT. I don’t think they’ll have a proprietary mounting solution at that price point

 

Yup, two track rails with clamp brackets that tightens around your roof racks (see Photo). Sounds like their quick release system is still being configured...no updates on the GFC superlite forum yet on this.

 

From what I can tell, it doesn't look or sound like this system is capable of carrying much on the top other than a surfboard. As someone that drives a truck with a baby bed, I need to be able to mount a ski rack or cargo box on top. It still looks like a nice product for the right customer.

Picture swiped from GFC's Instagram

 

I’m considering mounting it directly to my prinsu roof rack but don’t think I’ll have access to tighten the rails.

Really trying to avoid spending $1k on a bed rack just to mount it. Bought mine without a ladder or mattress. Would like to use the truck bed as a step platform to get in

 

The ARE dealer I spoke to said 250lbs dynamic and much more static, buuuut I spoke to ARE directly today and they said their non-HD shells (including the V series @boston23 ) can only withstand 200 lbs static. The ARE tech also said they have not tested their non-HD shells for load capacity (very strange) and the 200 lbs number is not "recommended" to exceed. So according to ARE, the SuperLite would only work with 1-person that weighs 120lbs...ARE also said the composite Tacoma bed (2005+) is only rated for 500 lbs. Still conflicted on what ARE shells are actually rated for.

Also spoke directly with Thule and their square racks are rated at 165 lbs dynamic, and 495 lbs static...no issue there.

 

Emailed ARE and here's what they said:
"1. A.R.E. does not have a published weight rating or warranty any weight rating except on the HD Series (550lbs). NON-HD units we do not recommend over 200lbs evenly distributed.

2.All A.R.E. fiberglass caps can withhold the weight that the rack and/or truck is rated for. “How much can your product hold?” “Please consult your truck manufacturer’s center of gravity as well as the weight rating of the rack you will be using in conjunction with our cap.”
a.Essentially, our caps can hold what any rack supplier will rate

3.All A.R.E. aluminum caps have a 200lb weight rating.

Again, A.R.E. has no written warranty on weight ratings – any added weight to the top of our products is always the customer’s liability."

I emailed them to clarify:
"Thank you for your response. A couple follow up questions:

1. Is the 200 lbs (for non-HD caps) for static or dynamic loads?
2. I spoke with Thule and their square bars (2) have a dynamic load of 165 lbs, and a static load of 495 lbs (3x the dynamic load). So can your caps hold that amount?"

Their response:
"Yes, they will hold that amount"

I emailed them back:
"So yes, they can hold a static load of 495lbs?"

ARE's response:
"YES"

 

Another in depth superlite FAQ video

https://youtu.be/t4Bg39SoOmw

 

Im getting dangerously close to ordering the Superlite

Since I’ve got the ARE v series, I’m concerned the shell might crack now that i have read the post above saying it is only rated for 200lb. I contacted ARE months ago and they said it depends on the rating of the roof rack and that they do not test their non HD shells. Im not sure what to think...

What mounting solution do yall think would distribute weight the best and reduce the risk of cracking the shell?

I’d like to go with yakima cross bars because they are less expensive, but maybe a topper rack like Victory’s (see pic) would be safer. What do yall think?





This thread was encouraging:
https://www.tundras.com/threads/bed-cap-with-rtt.37432/

Also I've been sailing my whole life and have stood and jumped on a hell of a lot of fiberglass so my gut is telling me it should be fine

 

Going to order mine today. Based on ARE's email response and other posts from TacomaWorld users, I think it will be fine.

 

Mine is on order supposed to be here by early May

 

This is the best footage I've seen of the Superlite so far.
The Superlite segment starts at 27:28

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

 

Order #9640 wish i pulled the trigger last month, wont be here till August

 

Good news is that GFC installed the first SuperLite on a customer's car yesterday. Should be seeing more of them out in the wild soon. I ordered last week and I'm looking at a late July delivery date.