Bed Rack Alternative - Thule Crossroad Foot Pack #450

Like most of you desiring an affordable and simple bed rack, I searched TW and applied my best Google-Fu to come up with a solution; I found some really great bed-rack ideas but most were a little more than I wanted to spend (I'm on a one-mod-at-a-time budget and trying to justify an Odyssey group 31 battery and Pelfreybilt cage). So naturally I did what any budget-conscious Tacoma owner would do: turn to what I had on hand first!

Going through various vehicles over the years, I've collected a number of Thule roof-mount foot systems and always reused the old-school Thule crossbars every time. Sitting in the bed of my Tacoma, I laid out all the different types of feet and tried to find one that would work with as little modification as possible. Utilizing the OEM adjustable cleats, I found that the Thule Crossroad #450 fit perfectly! And not only did it work, but it was extremely sturdy and still allowed me to turn the cleat's locking knob for quick adjustment forwards or backwards.

So for all of you that have a set of these collecting dust, they'll work perfectly for a strong bed-rack. Additionally, you can sometimes find a used set of four for under $80 if you already have a crossbar. Now, time to order that Deep Cycle battery!

 

Nice work man, inventive. I like the ingenuity.

-Side note: I lived in Parma for a little over a year. I was right behind Padua High School at the corner of Fruitland Dr. & Riester

 

Thanks! We're right near Padua!
To finish off this little project, an el-cheapo roof basket from Walmart, currently on sale for $79

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Reese-Carrypower-UVenture-Rooftop-Cargo-Basket/24087297