The perfect bed rack bar height...?

I have a 2014 tacoma with the bed still fully stock. I have a roof tent I owned previously that I want to mount but I'm torn - do I get a taller, more traditional set of racks (15-20") and have the tent up high which would increase wind drag? Or do I want some lower bars like Billiebars (5-8") so that the tent is easier to access and there is less drag?

Taller Racks
Pros: full bed access, full visibility out back window,
Cons: wind drag from sitting above cab, tougher to access/setup RTT
Biggest concern: wind drag, also high center of gravity for tent and truck

Shorter racks
Pros: tent sits lower/no wind drag, easier to access
Cons: visibility through rear window compromised, harder to access parts of bed
Biggest concern: not being able to easily access/load my bed

Are there any pros and cons i'm missing? Is there a happy medium rack option that I may not have seen? What are your favorite, simple bed racks? Any input is appreciated, I attached two photos of the two styles of RTT height.

 

If you're going to mount off road accessories (gas cans, hi lift jack, traction boards, etc) to the rack, go for something a little taller (14" to 18").

Tons of choices here: https://www.max-modular.com/

If you're not going to carry that stuff, this is literally all you need: https://www.kbvoodoo.com/all-prox-crossbars/prox-tacoma-crossbars-2016-and-up

 

I took off my rago mid height for a cbi roof rack height bed rack. I love it

 

Im in the same boat right now. I think im gona go with a lower profile one like the 8" billie bars for the reasons you listed

One other that im not sure will apply to you is that, for me i want to be able to back my bed up into my garage and use a hoist to keep my RTT up on the ceiling for storage. If i go any higher i wont clear my garage

 

If i was going the bed rack route i would want it so the top of my rtt is level with the cab

 

I have a Leitner ACS, and it allows you to put bikes under it with the rack loaded up. The extra drag and weight up high is noticeable though. A buddy has the Thule adjustable racks and drives with his tent low, then raises it when camping to access his stuff underneath/makes a nice height for his awning. He uses a hitch rack for his bikes.

 

We probably won't do an 8" version. They look kind of weird, and you lose stability when you go taller.

After years of experience, we believe that 6" is the perfect height.

We have tons of customers using our bars with Diamondback covers.

 

Are you still honoring free shipping? I tried to order yesterday and I was getting a 170$ shipping fee

 

Yep, we still have free shipping.

You have to select FedEx as the carrier and our website will automatically deduct the shipping charge.

 

It’s half a year later…is the free shipping still a thing? I’ve entered CC info, selected fedex ($109), but I’m not seeing the price be deducted.

 

Yes, we still have free shipping. It will be deducted when you place the order.