Rack systems that don't interfere with bed cover.

I've used Thule for my rack needs throughout the years, but I'm faced with a small problem for my Tacoma...

I want to carry 10+ longboards on my shortbed so I was thinking of installing a Thule Xsporter rack to allow me to put the boards high enough so that hover over the cabin.

For those unfamiliar, the Xsporter looks like this (photo found right here on TW):



The problem is, with this setup you cannot install a bed cover because the rack comes up from the bottom of the bed itself.

So I started looking around and found a company called TracRac (http://www.tracrac.com/) that sells a rack called the TracRac G2... and from the looks of it, the rack's base goes on the top of the bed frame edges, allowing the installation of an optional tonneau cover. However, it seems the only tonneau cover that fits is theirs, and I'm not sure if it is lockable. Doesn't look like it is.

Here's an example:



Now, what I want to know is if you guys know of any other solutions available for racks this high that also work with some sort of tonneau cover.

Yes, I'm ware I could buy a camper shell and put racks on it, but I'm seeing if there is an alternate solution

Thanks, Danny

 

Danny
I have the same rack on its way to me, I also stopped a order for a tonneau cover with the same issue in mind, I'm looking into a direct mount into the side rail myself once it arrives if the slider mount is not available, but then the second issue is will the covers fold without interfering with the rack itself.

I guess I will have for the items to show up to see.

 

Well, keep me updated. Really looking forward to the results. Big thanks.

 

I just started shopping for a rack to carry my canoe, kayak, ladder or whatever and liked the look of the TracRac G2 but have not found a dealer nearby to look at up close. I thought I read somewhere that Thule bought-out TracRac but I could be wrong. I am very interested in a also buying a retractable tonneau cover that will be compatible with whatever rack I get.

Please update what you end up with and how well it works. Thanks!

 

Hi all!

Kiteboarder - Did you ever decide on a rack solution?

*If so I would be very interested in hearing what you ended up settling on.

*If not maybe this could help -

I'm looking to purchase that TracRac G2 for myself right now because it doesn't interfere with the tonneau cover. I have the BakFlip F1 tonneau installed right now (which I could not find a direct reference to on TracRac's website) but is confirmed to work with the TracRac G2 (spoke to BakFlip tech).
http://www.bakflip.com/p-202-bakflip-f1-tonneau-cover.aspx

Combined with an aftermarket tailgate lock the F1 is a viable bed/tailgate secure system and will integrate with the G2.

-Dave

 

Hey Dave,

Did the G2 end up working with the backflip?

Thanks,
Josh

 

I think the example picture you have is Tracrac's rail system rack and not the G2 ..I could be wrong, but I think that is how they accommodate some tonneau covers, at least that's what I've been told. If I'm wrong, that'd be great as the G2 is what I want since I won't often move the towers - plus it's cheaper. Did you end up finding a cover/rack solution?

 

Aloha Goldengate,

I ended up purchasing the Bakflip CS rack to go with my Bakflip F1. It worked really well and was a great system unfortunately my cover and rails got damaged in a high winds situation.

Check out my profile if you would like to see the setup on my truck.

R/
Dave

 

That’s crazy what happened to your cover!!! - my worst fear loosing a load and killing someone. So would you say that was a Backflip design issue? I know bolts loosen, but I’ve seen at least one other review discussing how their rack would loosen and sway side to side with a kayak. Makes me not trust getting their rack system. Not sure if it’s related to your cover blowing off, but I will be using this in the Bay Area w/ some pretty high winds. Also I’ll admit I’m pretty lazy and once I put a rack on, it’ll stay on even during seasons I’m not using it.

 

Yeah man, I was thankful the cover didn't smoke another car on the highway.

My post-incident investigation determined it was loose bolts on the port side rail. I should have checked the bolts after it had been on a couple years but it didn't cross my mind. I don't think it was a design flaw, just make sure you tighten the bolts periodically! Never had a problem with the rack and used it to carry multiple kayaks for long distance road trips.

 

Yup, I've asked this question a few times here. No good suggestions. The bakflip racks are just too flimsy and ugly for me.