To Tonneau or not to Tonneau

Ok, I need TW help/wisdom. My Tacoma came with a tri-fold Tonneau cover and I've come to love it for camping. It keeps all the dust and rain off of my gear and keeps everything concealed and safe.

My problem is, I need to add more storage space for camping with my family of five... I'm not ready financially for a camper, as that would be the best solution. So, I'm looking at adding a rack - considering roof and bed but leaning towards a bed rack. I need to carry bikes and I'm afraid the roof rack would add too much drag/noise.

So my question to TW is: With camping in mind, is it better to keep the tonneau cover on and place a rack on top or to remove the cover and just have a rack? I see pro's and con's to both and I'm having a hard time deciding. I would love to hear your thought and experiences on what is most practical. Oh, and it being an epic set-up is also a factor in this decision...

FYI, I'm considering the Voodoo uprights with cross bars with a Yakima cargo basket over the Tonneau, or a Front Runner Slimline II with no Tonneau, or a C4 Fab high clearance rack and adding cross bars on top to make for a more solid platform above (also, maybe modifying the Toneau as well, using @TorconTRD old set-up as inspiration)! see pics below...Thoughts?

 

I guess another way to ask the question is this. Is it more important to have your gear protected and out of the elements or is accessibility of the gear more important? thx!

 

I have a hard cover Tri Fold and I love it about 50% of the time and take it off 50% of the time. Only takes 5 minutes. Leave it on when I need it. Take it off when I don’t.

 

What is over the bed in the second picture?

 

Both. Then when your you get there you have the tonneau to cover gear. Of course I don’t like them at all but I think versatility when camping is handy.

 

Go with DiamondBack cover!! They are the best!! I love mine!!

 

I got rid of my tonneau cover. I loved it on my fullsize truck with a fullsize bed. But the factory tonneau wasn't the best for what I used it for.

What about a shell?

 

Honestly, if storage is an issue continue to save up for a shell. The price will hurt in the beginning, but you'll be glad you went with it down the road. I think you can get basic Leer Legends for like $1500.

 

@Pella It's another style Tonneau cover.

 

I like mine too. Plus you can put stuff on it (I think 400lbs pounds) depending on which model.

 

protect your stuff! get a shell and build a cool drawer system to stay organized!

 

Nice build! Yeah, I'm building the drawer system currently, almost done.

 

Ok, I'm curious how you like your setup. It looks like you cant open your cover with the rack on top. How do you like it? Is it a hassle to get your stuff out of the back of the bed?

 

I second this. Earlier today I was wondering about exactly this setup.

 

Yep same here! I have this rack already and want to get the tonneua. Hoping for some pics of it open and how well it functions while the rack is on.

 

I only use the rack when I put the RTT on (save on gas) When I don’t have the RTT I also stack and strap a bunch of crap on the cover.

I have the short bed and When I go camping with the RTT I have the stuff I don’t need (tools, hi lift,etc) in the bed towards the back and the camping essentials closer to the tailgate. I also have the Ammo crates, chairs, and table put them in between the cover and tent The crates keep them clean and dry. I like this setup as it works very well for me. Although, it is a pain in the ass if I need something towards the back and I have to go crawl in it but I usually have my stuff in boxes/crates. I was going to get this but I feel so don’t need it https://suncityoutdoors.com/collections/bedslide

 

x2 on this option.
With a large family like you have, you will need to maximize the space. Mount the bikes and toys on top and stow all the gear inside.
I have looked at the realistic options for a tonneau with a bed rack and the only options (in my opinion) are the retractable type which aren't cheep and take up more room at the front of the bed so you are giving up space.
The other possibility is to just install the bed rack and then use leak proof/resistant boxes for the gear. A basket over the bed (at low height) will aid in security if done right.
When I was married (no kids) the bed would be full with camping gear, chairs, a small camp table, water, cooler and firewood. Still the same as a single but I could condense it down a bit.

 

Thanks for the detailed info! Yeah, I’m considering building my own type of slide system...

 

+1 in a similar situation trying to tonneau and rack.
My kicker is I got a bakflip system with the relocated rails.

May try to revert back to the OEM to mount voodoos.....but the bakflip is so nice!

 

You’re all making me really think about a shell sooner than later - I did say that it’s the ultimate solution. I also said that it being epic is a factor. I got to be honest, I’m not a fan of a shell on a stock Tacoma without a lift. It just looks to grampa, sorry. But, a lift changes everything for me and I love the way it looks. So, when I say I’m not ready financially, what I really mean is, I can’t afford a lift, tires and a shell...

However, a practical setup can becomes epic because it brings ease and order, and a cool looking setup that doesn’t make since just becomes worthless... I’m working through my issues... trying to find the happy medium...

I would do a box system if I took off the tonneau for sure!