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Over Camper Racks

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by nocturne, Jul 18, 2017.

  1. Jul 18, 2017 at 9:10 PM
    #1
    nocturne

    nocturne [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I just purchased a camper shell for my 2015 DCSB and would like a rack for my ladders, canoe, and cartop carrier (not all at the same time). I have done some searching and found one site that sells them for only Gen1s. http://www.workvanequipment.com/PRO...Medium-Size-Truck-with-Camper-Shell_p_26.html

    When I first started looking I found one site that custom built them, but can no longer find the site. Anyone that has one of these for their Gen2?

    This Tacoma I saw on Craigslist is what started my search.
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     
  2. Jul 18, 2017 at 9:13 PM
    #2
    deog

    deog Well-Known Member

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  3. Jul 18, 2017 at 9:17 PM
    #3
    nocturne

    nocturne [OP] Well-Known Member

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  4. Jul 18, 2017 at 10:57 PM
    #4
    TxFireman

    TxFireman Factory Pilot

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  5. Jul 19, 2017 at 8:31 AM
    #5
    Bajatacoma

    Bajatacoma Well-Known Member

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    The issue you're going to run into is that most of the shells for the newer Tacomas have lips that extend over the bed rails to help prevent leaks. I have seen where folks had a bracket that sat on the bed side then came down enough to clear the extended part of the shell and allow mounting the rack. Your other option would be to notch the shell but then you run the risk of leaking.

    After I bought my truck I bought one of those over shell racks with the idea that I would just notch the shell. After looking at it further I sold the rack (I think someone on here bought it); I just use the Yakima tracks/rack now. If you do go with one of those I would highly suggest putting silicon or some sort of sealer on the joints and bolt holes as they all seem to rust. You can pick up large diameter shrink tubing that should help as well.
     
  6. Jul 27, 2017 at 8:55 AM
    #6
    nocturne

    nocturne [OP] Well-Known Member

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    As I was about to make a 375 mile trek to pickup a Rackit over camper rack, I found out they do not fit with the lipped camper shells. Thanks for bringing that to my attention @Bajatacoma

    The search continues. Either that or I'm going to have to replace my camper with one built into it.
     
  7. Jul 27, 2017 at 9:17 AM
    #7
    EatSleepTacos

    EatSleepTacos Well-Known Member

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    Why not just get the tracks installed, then add cross bars to the shell as well as the cab of the truck? Like this, plus on the cab.

    [​IMG]
     
  8. Jul 27, 2017 at 10:02 AM
    #8
    Slvr14tacoma

    Slvr14tacoma Well-Known Member

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    i see a bunch if tacomas with the alurack around my area. I almost went with it and may still. Obviously limited by the strength of your shell but its aluminum so won't rust and only like 65lbs i believe. Has roller on the back. Easily wide enough for plywood ect. Ive seen some in yakima type tracks but I believe thats only because tracks were already there so not actually attached to rail system but still bolted through shellIMG_3222.jpg
     
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  9. Jul 27, 2017 at 11:26 AM
    #9
    nocturne

    nocturne [OP] Well-Known Member

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    The weight limit on this is 165lbs. My canoe is 150lbs.

    Looking into these, it will depend on the weight limit.
     
  10. Jul 27, 2017 at 11:28 AM
    #10
    EatSleepTacos

    EatSleepTacos Well-Known Member

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    :notsure: 150 is less than 165, so you'd be good. Plus some of the weight would be on the roof of the cab.
     
  11. Jul 27, 2017 at 11:45 AM
    #11
    stickyTaco

    stickyTaco Fuck Cancer

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    The weight of your canoe is distributed across the bars. I run 2 bars on the shell and add a 3rd crossbar on the cab as needed for longer or heavier loads. You'll get more wind noise from lumber racks which is why I went this route. The distance from the rear bar to the front bar is between 6.5ft and about 9 ft depending on how far forward I mount the front bar. I can also use bike, kayak, ski and all the other common rack accessories from Yakama and Thule (ski attachments on in the pic below).

    [​IMG]
     
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  12. Jul 27, 2017 at 12:11 PM
    #12
    Slvr14tacoma

    Slvr14tacoma Well-Known Member

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    Didnt even see canoe. Just assumed lumber because of lumber rack example. Nevermind
     
  13. Sep 18, 2017 at 7:18 PM
    #13
    nocturne

    nocturne [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I took my canoe to the lake this weekend and we scratched the roof (I was using foam blocks for carrying a canoe on a bare roof) taking down the canoe. Where did you get your bars? I've tried contacting rackoutfitters 3x with no reply from them, I'm ready to try an alternative.
     
  14. Sep 18, 2017 at 7:33 PM
    #14
    stickyTaco

    stickyTaco Fuck Cancer

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    It can all be ordered directly from Thule. You'll need tracks for the shell, towers (the ones for the tracks on the shell are different than the towers that go on the cab), a fit kit for the towers, and the cross bars. Other options would be REI or a local bike shop that carries Thule.
     
  15. Sep 18, 2017 at 7:37 PM
    #15
    nocturne

    nocturne [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Does thule make towers that mount the same way the OEM rack system mounts? It looks like yours is a direct mount and not one that clamps onto the roof via rain gutters and door jamb. I had a system like that one my Avalon that I did not like.

    I was looking at the prinsu stuff, but I just want 1-2 bars on the roof and 2 on the camper.
     
  16. Sep 18, 2017 at 8:58 PM
    #16
    Bumpr1080

    Bumpr1080 Well-Known Member

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    You can also look into Rhino Racks, they have much higher weight limits than Thule/Yakima rack systems. My Rhino Rack is rated at 450 lbs.
     
  17. Sep 18, 2017 at 9:31 PM
    #17
    stickyTaco

    stickyTaco Fuck Cancer

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    My setup clamps in the doorframe. Easier to remove since I don't run it unless I need to and it doesn't mess up the plastic trim piece (gotta drill holes through it to use the mounting holes on the double cab).
     
  18. Sep 19, 2017 at 5:13 AM
    #18
    nocturne

    nocturne [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I have been looking at Rhino. They are how I am leaning right now.
     
  19. Sep 19, 2017 at 9:07 AM
    #19
    dbrfan

    dbrfan Well-Known Member

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    I had the same issue and couldn't find what I was looking for. I fabricated my own and it turned out ok. The brackets were a pain to make though.

    IMG_0249.jpg
     
  20. Sep 19, 2017 at 11:46 AM
    #20
    nocturne

    nocturne [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Do the brackets dip under the camper? Or straight out?
     

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