DiamondBack Covers | Modifications

@AndresJulian great write up!

Would have been nice to know about the 3 hole thing before I drilled 5 lol.

I used plenty of black silicone so even with my extra holes I'm confident she won't leak. I also have the smooth finish vs the diamond plate pattern so that helps.

I think the rack system is a really good addition to the Diamondback cover.

 

I know front runner is the main stream go to rack system. Here is a alternative and more functional in my opinion for those wanting something else (better).

Yakima HD set up with Thule tracks. With this set up is more low profile compared to front runner and the whole system can be detached quickly and or length adjusted with one tool, no need to unscrew or anything. I ll have more photos to follow when my ikamper mini gets in, this currently system should also fit the ikamper mini with a Yakima high roller bike mount, hope this opens up more options for Diamond back users

 

That looks really cool. But still I like the clearance I get under the front runner to put stuff. Everything from your rack is a lot more functional though.

 

Why did you go with Thule tracks and not Yakima?

 

it was just what was available at rack attack. Their recommendation was the thule tracks regardless, everything fitted perfectly and there is no proprietary hiccups. I did some minor research and it seem thule tracks may go thru more testing? i think either way it should be no issues, both tracks has to be cut to be perfectly aligned with the diamondback anyways.

More break down of the set up with cost if interested:
2 x Yakima landing pad (1) $126
1 x Yakima skyline (set of 4) $225
1 x Yakima HD bar SL adapter $30
1 x Yakima HD bar Large $249
1 x Thule track $149
this is a little more expensive than front runner, you can also run this set up without the track and it would be roughly the same cost as front runner but it would be a fixed point landing pad mount. I think for the quick detach function(use your diamond back without any racks within a min) and easily adjusting the positions opens up more options for mounting other things.

 

Thank you for this breakdown! Some more questions if you don’t mind me asking (this is an awesome looking setup!)

1. How far do those 68” Large HD bars extend over the sides? The DB FR setup uses only 58” bars... :head scratch:
2. ~~Are landing pads required? I was under the impression you need the bar, skyline towers, and sl adapters...~~ never mind, I see it now

My biggest concerns with the front runner setup was it not being low profile, and those cross bars being way too wide to accommodate my Yakima skybox.

 

1. I originally went with the medium bars for a perfect fit but i wanted a ikamper mini with a full bike and the medium would not have been able to accommodate. the large HD bars does not extend much over if you look closely ( i will have better pictures when my ikamper comes in), the benefits of the large is im able to slide the bars more to the left or right and really extend it if needed where the medium cannot be slided.

2. the landing pads are needed for mounting on the diamond back if you want QD (quick detach). With fixed points i don't think you need it. With the track system like i have you do need the pad to slide up and down and quick detach.

with the Yakima HD it pretty much works with all Yakima parts and most thule as well. i know someone mentioned the clearance space in between the diamond back and the bars being smaller than front runner but realistically i still have enough room to stuff cloth, shoes, small items etc... and i don't think the front runner clearances allows a cooler or box to be fit in between either. with an roof top tent i believe it should not exceed the top of my vehicle with this currently set up so its as sleek as its going to get. Also, i think the weight bearing load is higher on the Yakima HD bars then front runner as well, not that most ppl will ever utilize all of it but is nice have a higher buffer.

all prices were quoted as brand new, i know you can probably find most of these items at rei yard sales or other sources in decent condition for a much cheaper price as well.

let me know if you have any other questions as well, i know i been looking for a sleek modular do it all type of set up that still has the diamondback functioning by itself as needed.

 

Yakima Diamond back rtt

 

Any chance you could do a quick walk around vid?

 

Yea I might make a video I suppose, give me a few weeks to hone in my iPhone skills

 

Here’s some pictures to show how the quick detach works, essentially once is off it would just be a fully functional Diamond back within 1min, also showing the space between the racks able to stack a gallon water and small bags or folded up chairs compared to front runner

 

Took the rig off the beaten path last weekend with the RTT mounted. First time doing that on trails more aggressive than just gravel FS roads and was a little concerned how the cover would hold up with load. No longer concerned at all - this thing is a TANK!

 

How many people would be interested in a fully modular system that is a direct bolt on to the diamondback cover (no drilling needed)?

 

Make it happen, now I think the market will always be niche due to the cost, not everyone is going to drop 10k for a camping set up. But overland at the end of the day is pay to play. If you can make a modular setup that comes off easy and doesn’t need professional grade assembly, my wallet is open , the front runner is great but it just doesn’t come off and makes the diamondback functions essentially useless.

 

I know what you mean I have owned bed cages prior to the diamondback cover. I first got the SE and now the HD. After years of looking I could never find something that would fit the way I use my cover so I decided to work with a company to have one made from the ground up. Happy to say first prototype goes in for powder coating this week. I am looking to see who would be interested in a new system and if you would be more interested in crossbars or full cage? and what would you look for as far as accessories for the diamondback cover?

 

I'd definitely be interested. Main thing I'm looking for is something to mount a RTT on and have that easy to take on/off from the bars but also have the bars easy to take off in needed.

I'm still in the early research phase but I'm not seeing much options for the medium height offset options that will still allow the Diamondback panels to open when a RTT isn't mounted. Basically want my rear window view to not be blocked by the shorter bars. @xkyo23 's setup looks really nice, just looks like it sits lower than I'd like. But if we could do something without having to drill holes that's be ideal.

Can you give us a sneak peak of what your setup should look like?

 

I think I have what you are looking for, I posted it earlier that I have been working with a local company to manufacture a custom system for my diamondback cover. I use the top of my cover pretty frequently so I needed something I could take on and off pretty easily myself if needed and could configure it in multiple ways depending on how I needed to use it that day/week. Goal was to make a truly modular system that provides additional functionality to my cover without any permanent modifications and can be adapted to multiple vehicles with the same cover. I’ll be able to mount just about anything to it. I just finalized the prototype and it is getting sent to powdercoat this week. I am also working with the company to produce a limited run (hopefully more) depending on interest.

 

Do you have any pictures or sketches of what you are working on? I am interested in something that is easily removable from the Diamondback.

 

Unfortunately not at the moment, the fabricator has the mock up for the prototype. I am hoping to have it back for testing by next week. If everything goes well I’ll post updates when I get it back.

 

Yes