Short Rack vs. Mid-level Bed Rack

These are affordable

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2005-Toyot...cycle-Bike-Universal-/183795046929?nav=SEARCH

 

@Onwarrds @polloloco81 @Johnny77

Can a resurrect this discussion, please? I'm in the same boat now and have been dead set on buying the RCI rack discussed for quite a while. I never did though, because I dont have an RTT and I decided my HiLift and Treds would be just fine tied down in the bed vs the extra $600 rack. Now I'm looking at an RTT and trying to decide if the whole setup is worth it, but then I stumbled on the C4 bed bars. Then found the BAMF bed bars, etc.

OP what did you end up doing?

Does anyone have anymore insight after these last 6 months on their bed bars vs bed racks? A couple things: I want to ignore price because I just want a comparision of utility. Also I'm a stout 6'2", 210 lb and am totally comfortable moving a 70lb rack on and off my truck if I have to.

But any more advice is appreciated. Looking to pull the trigger on one today or tomorrow. Thanks guys!

 

I had an ALLPRO cab high rack but the second i put RTT on it sucked ass on the road was killing power and MPG's. Changed to BAMF expo bed bars. They work great keeps tent cab high and gives many mounting options on the sides. You can get them really cheap with the 25% off sale going on right now.The best thing about them i can still fit into garage on 34's

 

I wanted the short rack initially and at the last minute switched to the mid rack. No regrets!

 

Nice bumper Pelfrybilt!

 

Mobtown! Got away from Pelfrybilt before the fall.

 

From that Photo kinda looks like the Pelfrybilt HC.

 

For anyone not using a RTT....

I had my aluminum bed rack custom built by SOS Offroad Concepts. I wanted to maintain visibility as well as be able to load the bed so mine is near the top rear brake light. I never intend to get an RTT and actually designed the rack and basket (one-piece Smittybilt Defender 45454) to be level with the oem roof bars so kayaks and canoes could be placed up there.

 

Uuuuugh okay fine I ordered the BAMF rack just now. They're running a great deal I bet they're hammered with sales. The rack looks great and you (@TWTaco) look like you wheel your truck so I feel confident in it's ability to hold up. I was worried about the bouncing up and down of the heavy tent on the rack while offroad, and how the rack would hold up. This one looks solid.

EDIT: @TWTaco is that the Demello front bumper? I've been looking at it but it's SO much more expensive than say, CBI or Victory4x4

 

I have the BAMF low profile rack and its a good compromise. I have usable bed space and the tent isn't sky high. Also, with how I mounted my cans the height allows me access them without having to crawl into the bed.

Its a SOLID rack. I bet you could put a Tacoma on it.

 

Wish I had gone mid level with high level adjustment. I went with the high option for hauling lumber, kayaks, ladders but still wanted a rack I could use as a platform for tent/chairs/hunting/etc. Wanted to have as much versatility in a rack to match the capabilities of my truck.

I went with the Thule TracOne Ladder rack. They have a model that adjusts from mid to high, but I wasn't thinking RTT’s at the time.

 

It holds up great no issues been on the truck about 2 years its solid! Yes it's the new Demello Baja hoop bumper with 30" LED cut out i got the first one sold. Installed by Demello this thing is double tough. Try Eric with @state48overland they have an awesome deal with Demello check them out ! They have the best customer service i have ever worked with!

 

@TWTaco I seriously love their design, much better than CBI, but CBI's aluminum is about $800 less. Im hijacking this thread a bit...but is yours steel or aluminum? Also as a guy who's new to all this, have you ever wished you bought a bumper with full bullbars all around instead? Such as ARB or CBI's triple hoop?

 

My bumper is steel. As far as full bars or other hoop style bumpers I think is really personal choice. I always wanted the single hoop style. I actually had SSO slimline winch bumper with winch mount. I wanted more tire clearance and approach clearance. So I switched out to the Demello baja hoop bumper.

 

My vote is get it above the glass so you don’t block your view. It won’t be that high that a rtt is that bad for noise, plus it’s not on all the time anyway. Plus the gear is perfect height on the sides and you can access the bed easier

 

Same.

Do you have a winch mounted? I bought the Smittybilt X20 today. It weighs 100lb, and I figure the steel bumper weighs about 100-140. I've got aftermarket coilovers so I can adjust preload for the weight, but other than that have you noticed any issues with the extra poundage? And yes, I will be using the search function to read other opinions, too, haha but figured Id ask while I got you here.

I'm digging the spoiler xD

 

I have Icon 700lb coils up front never felt it no change in driving. I have the X20 upfront yes

 

For me the tent being above the cab caused to much wind drag zapped the power and MPG's. Thats why i switched to the BAMF expo bars.

 

I'm on Fox with 600lb Eibachs. Might need the heavier springs. Either way that's weird. We're gonna have matching trucks. Except mine is the grey.

 

I cant give opinion on the Aluminum weight but if you go steel and winch you will need to bump up your springs. You will have a badass looking truck!