RCI bed rack GB Closed

Looks great man! What wheels are those? They look very similar to the VTX Terras that I am looking into.

I have a long bed too, and I find it hard to decide on wheels that look the best on long beds,

 

Love the setup!

It really is just a coin flip as to which side to have the ladder. I have seen it both ways, but I am def not a fan of having it come off the back.

 

Question for those that have the tents mounted already: @omegaman2 @thinbluebowman @DATZ WEAKSAUCE

Have you been able to figure something out for the one rain fly pole located in the middle near the back windows? I can't get mine to stay very well, so I bent the pole a bit to accommodate, but it still doesn't permanently fix it.

 

FN BFD And not sure about the rain fly pole I haven't used my tent yet

 

My tent ships tomorrow so I too am not sure about that one yet. Ill let you know as soon as I do. I have heard people say on some tens you can't use the window awning on the cab side if your rack is below it. Not sure tho.

 

yeah - this cab roof interference with one of the forward facing spring rods bummed me out a bit...
but, like i've mentioned, i'll spend more time out of the tent than in...and less drag / center of gravity is more important for my needs - really did not want a full height / above the cab rack. i think rci nailed it on the height.
didn't think to bend the rod to miss the cab roof - i'll have to take a look...but i did take a quick look at installing just the one rod that would fit - that opens the window part way for added ventilation.
currently planning a mid to late august trip from socal to seattle & back with my son...like 2 weeks in the tent straight...looking to get an anti-condensation mat pronto!
cheers - dave

 

I agree with you on the rack. I love the lower profile of it to help with drag, etc. The rod isn't a huge deal, but my inner OCD hates it a lot. I really may not even use that window much anyway.

That trip from SoCal to Seattle sounds amazing. I would love to see pics from that. My next trip might be to the FJ Summit in Colorado from SLC. I hear it's a ton of fun out there.

 

Agreed on the rack too. I like it lower and out of the wind with a lower center of gravity. I can live with it. But I'll see what I can come up with to make it work.

 

Here's my question. My tent is at FedEx ready for pickup, today. Were you able to throw it in your bed with the rack still on the truck? Or do I need to remove my rack to go get it? Thanks!

 

i waited to put the rack on until picking up the tent box at rei just to make it easier...but there should not be a problem putting the box up on the rack...just use tiedowns or ratchet straps over the box and fasten to the rack & cinch down tight...bring a strong buddy or two too!
check the box for damage...mine was really beat to hell & there was actually an 1/8" deep gouge in the floor.
rei manager said take it...use it...return if you like or keep it for 15% off - it's not really structural so i'm taking the discount...

 

ps...to answer your question - no, the box will not fit in the bed with the rack installed...

 

Just strapped her on top which worked fine. Now for all this installing. Hahaha

 

Someone correct me if I am wrong but I'm thinking I'm going to have to drill to fit the rotopax and the treds, nothing is lining up with the bed rack.

 

Well I got no weather cover in my box. I am pretty mad about that. So now I have to drive around with it exposed. Super frustrating

 

Whelp install took way longer than expected. I was fuming about the cover. Called Freespirit and they are going to try and overnight one to me. I have a tarp over it meanwhile. Got the pax and trax mounted too. Here she is.

 

bravo mike...setup looks great!
those tents are heavy huh?
everything always takes way longer than expected...but if you're doing something you like...bonus!!!
so no drilling for the rotopax mounting??

 

Truth be told I should have drilled for both. We ended up mounting the rotopax with only two bolts each instead of the 4 self tightening bolts it comes with. Also the treds were just made work and secure just not as structurely sound as they should be. I'll add pictures when I can because i can't explain it.

 

Alright guys here's the low down. I am not a fan of the tent being up on the rack. The wind drag is destroying my gas mileage. It's hard to load the tent on and off and frankly I don't like how bad everything stands out. So I'm selling the RCI rack (nothing against the rack it's great) and doing crossbars that will allow me use of my tonneau cover. Which I absolutely love and miss. So if anyone knows of someone in need of a rack I'll sell it at the deal we got. It's still perfect. Thanks guys.

 

And here's how it all looks.

 

hmmm....driving around with it on i didn't really notice drag while at freeway speeds. maybe i'm oblivious...
i may be mistaken, but i thought i saw rci racks being used with a tonneau on the rci rack thread??