Roof Rack Build

[Wildcat77]

I have a 1998 Toyota Tacoma I would like to build a roof rack bed rack combo (kinda like a ladder rack) and after alot of googling I haven't seen it done this way often. Is there a reason other than center of gravity concerns that denies people from having a vehicle length roof rack of same height over a pickup?

 

[systemdelete]

Aerodynamics with a RTT mounted below the roofline are better, which equates to better fuel mileage. So that could be one reason.

 

[tundraconvert]

I have a Tacoma with a shell, currently running the Thule roof rack system with RTT on top. Unfortunately my RTT is 6” above the top of the campershell. I want to lower this center if gravity to about 2.5-3”. I have been doing a ton of research and I am getting close.
Fortunately, I have only noticed about 1mpg loss running a hard shell RTT.

 

[Wildcat77]

So other than obvious problems of high center of gravity and fuel economy this isn't like a crazy idea? The reason I'm looking into making it the same height over the entire truck is just ease of build.

 

[v_man]

Other than the possibility that people will mistake you for a landscaper/gardener instead of an overlander, I see no issues with a full vehicle length roof rack.

 

[Plasmajab]

Part 1

Part 2

I know that his back part was flat.. But the theory should be the same. Just with uprights and crossbars.

 

[Wildcat77]

Other than the possibility that people will mistake you for a landscaper/gardener instead of an overlander, I see no issues with a full vehicle length roof rack.

Well the truck isn't much of a looker anyways so that's fine I guess. I would like to have the ability to carry a canoe or kayak so even if I don't extend the rack over the cab it would have to be level with the cab.

 

[TronYota]

here’s the rack I designed and my buddy built for me.

 

[Wildcat77]

View attachment 80213 here’s the rack I designed and my buddy built for me.

That is almost exactly what I was thinking! Thank you. Is there anything you would change if you did it again?

 

[TronYota]

That is almost exactly what I was thinking! Thank you. Is there anything you would change if you did it again?

Hmmmm. The only thing I think I would add would be to have 2 rails on each side as opposed to the one so I have more mounting options.

 

[RangeDrive]

I

Hmmmm. The only thing I think I would add would be to have 2 rails on each side as opposed to the one so I have more mounting options.

How much in materiel did it cost? Can it fit OVER a camper shell?

 

[HeliSniper]

I would also say, "Triangulation is your friend". I would put some small gussets on some of the 90 degrees connections.
There is a lady that spends much of her time off road and she snapped a factory rack due to the constant shifting weight.
Even if you're not off road that much it would still add to the rigidity of the rack.

 

[SubeeBen]

View attachment 80213 here’s the rack I designed and my buddy built for me.

Hey nice rack ha ha. Couldn’t resist. But seriously nice looking rack good looking craftmanship.

 

[TronYota]

Hey nice rack ha ha. Couldn’t resist. But seriously nice looking rack good looking craftmanship.

My buddy is definitely talented. Whole thing was fabbed in a day and a half

 

[Graeman]

View attachment 80213 here’s the rack I designed and my buddy built for me.

That looks great. What a good friend you have there.

 

[Graeman]

I

How much in materiel did it cost? Can it fit OVER a camper shell?

It looks like TronYota's rack would also work with a shell. The picture shows the rack about 3" past the railing of where the shell would sit on the truck bed.

 

[Marine7]

View attachment 80213 here’s the rack I designed and my buddy built for me.

Looks VERY good. The only thing I would want is for it to go all the way over the cab. To me, stopping at the middle of the cab looks weird, but that’s just me! Again... GREAT JOB!

 

[TronYota]

Looks VERY good. The only thing I would want is for it to go all the way over the cab. To me, stopping at the middle of the cab looks weird, but that’s just me! Again... GREAT JOB!

That is purposeful. I didn’t want to have to drill into the roof to support the extra length. As it is now the rack can flex with the bed. If it was attached it can destroy your roof when going over rough terrain.

 

[Marine7]

That is purposeful. I didn’t want to have to drill into the roof to support the extra length. As it is now the rack can flex with the bed. If it was attached it can destroy your roof when going over rough terrain.

Understood! Again... great job! How many people have seen you at different places, and said “Hey... Nice Rack”?! Lol... sorry, I couldn’t resist!

 

[TronYota]

Understood! Again... great job! How many people have seen you at different places, and said “Hey... Nice Rack”?! Lol... sorry, I couldn’t resist!

All the time!