Headache Rack Mounting Options (Alternative to Bed Rail System)

Hi All,

So I am looking to install a Back Rack headache rack on my Taco. It's a 2007 Access Cab if that makes much of a difference. I have been looking into this for a bit, and it seems as though most headache racks (including Back Rack) offer a mounting bracket that allows their racks to mount directly into the Tacoma's bed rail system. Unfortunately, this is not what I am looking for.

I am hoping to install a tonneau cover as well as this back rack, and many tonneau covers use the bed rail system to mount as well. As such, I was looking to bolt the headache rack directly into the top of the bed rail caps. I plan on installing a set of bed rail cap reinforcements from one of the vendors here on TacomaWorld (haven't decided yet), so I'd likely have to drill through the reinforcement caps as well. I did this on my friend's 1st-gen, and the bed rack is very secure. My only question is how will I secure the bolts from the inside? If I remove the composite bed system, will that give me access to the undersides of the bed? That way I could put a nut under there or something to secure the bolts. Here's a picture of what I mean (sorry for my rough paint skills). The red dots are where I am thinking of bolting the back-rack to the bed.




This is how we mounted the Back Rack on my friend's 1st Gen. This was just a mock-up before installation, but we basically just bolted it in place as shown. In the 1st Gen we were able to secure the hardware underneath the bed rails, as they are easily accessible.




Here is a picture of the typical mounting system. As you can see, it would prevent the installation of a tonneau cover.



What are your thoughts?

Thanks,

John

 

Did you ever get around to doing this mount? If so hows it holding up? I'm looking at doing the same thing and am wondering how to access the inside of the rails, possibly through the wheel wells. Also wondering if adding a plate on the inside would help stiffen the rails up.

Thanks.

 

I haven't yet. Currently my back rack is mounted to the adjustable rail system, although I am looking at some alternatives currently. I will keep you posted!

 

I'm curious if you ever did this... I'm kind of contemplating mounting some L-Track to the bed rail caps like this for some additional tie downs... I just don't know how strong it would be...

 

I ended up using the track system and not using a tonneau for some time, but surprisingly I just installed a tonneau and am now back looking into options to install my back rack with other brackets like above. Were you able to come across anything?

 

Wondering if you got around to doing this? I need to do the same with a modified TracRac in order to use a tonneau cover. My concerns are how to attach with bolts through the metal rail frame, and how strong that is.
Thoughts?