Looking for the right rack and tonneau cover combo

I mainly use my 2018 TRD Sport to carry tools and lumber for construction/carpentry. I generally have a bed full of tools and when I need to get lumber in a hurry, I’ll slide it through the rear window (up to 16’ isn’t a problem). I currently have a cheap soft roll up cover, which works because I can leave it partially rolled when I need lumber, as in this picture. What I’d like is a hard cover that locks and doesn’t block the rear window when open. I assume a hard roll up would block it. Alternatively, I’m thinking about a rack that is the same height as the factory roof rack so I can just put lumber across the top, in which case any hard cover that accepts a rack would work. Looking for ideas, as I’m just beginning to research my options.

 

Pace Edwards tonneau. Yakima HD height adjustable racks.

 

That looks like a great setup. Which retractable cover is that? I see quite a few on their site.

 

I think it’s the ultra groove before they add electronics. I have the bonded vinyl version

 

@Windmill, I've been looking for the same setup... just replaced my totaled Tacoma that had a Bakflip CS1 with ladder rack... They are not available anymore. Thank you for the question.

@TacoManOne, looks like a great setup! Thanks for the information.... I was considering a Lomax and then adding the Adarac system, but I am not quick to start drilling into the new Taco. I appreciate your help!

 

I ended up taking TacoManOne’s advice. I just installed a Retrax OneXR yesterday. The Overhaul HD will go on tomorrow. Now I realize I’d like to replace the oem roof rack with Yakima towers and HD bars, or maybe add Yakima towers to the factory rack. Quite an expensive route, but it’ll do what I need it to do for work purposes, so at least I can justify it to myself, kind of.

 

Yes that sounds like a great setup, and sounds like a tax write off for you at least! (work related ). Congratulations on finding a good combo.

I was just looking at the Retrax site and my only concern is the space the canister will take up on a SB. I used to keep a toolbox under my last tri-fold cover, but it seemed to always be taking up valuable space when I needed to transport stuff for work. I honestly rarely used the racks I had from the Bakflip, but it's sure nice to know they are available/installable when necessary. Thanks for the information.

 

The space it takes up is a big drawback for me. Without that canister, I could get a rolling Packout tool chest, several smaller Packout boxes, table saw, miter saw, 6’6” level set, stands, and still have a little space. The level set isn’t even close now; it’ll have to go on the rack, which is fine unless I’m stopped in a parking lot for a while. I haven’t figured everything else out yet, but my guess is the rolling chest will have to stay home and use smaller containers for the tools in that now. Also, the miter saw is too tall with the stand brackets, so I’m looking into quick connect hardware to pop those off. Not small complaints, but there’s no other way to have secure, accessible tool storage and a rack. So I have some work to do to make this work.

 

Sounds like you are getting it all figured out which is great. I just requested a quote for a Retrax One XR. I really need the most lockable storage under the cover though, and only occasionally need the use of a rack. I loved the Bakflip CS1 because it was tri-fold, went all the way against the back window when necessary, and had a rail for ladder racks when needed. I lost the cover in the accident but still have the ladder racks. I might try the Lomax Stance which people seem happy with, and then fabricate brackets to accommodate the racks when needed... Though I was trying to avoid "fabrication" this time around lol

Good luck with your system

 

@Windmill, I just bought my first Tacoma, and your search was also my biggest dilemma. I've had BakFlips in my previous Frontiers, and loved their sturdiness as well as whole bed access when needed. I also needed a ladder rack for longer lumber and ladder transportation, and wanted an adjustable one that I could easily slide forward, take off, and adjust vertically. After many YouTube reviews and comparisons, I determined that the best adjustable rack, though pricey, was the Yakima Outpost, and the best reviewed hard tonneau that would work with that, was the Retrax.

I bought the Overhaul posts and crossbars on Marketplace to save some cash, but was convinced by a ReTrax dealer to get the upgraded aluminum version, the Retrax Pro XR. I installed both last week, and the next mod will be to install the pop-and-lock tailgate lock, so I don't have to worry about manually locking the truck bed every time I park to safeguard my tools. The space that the Retrax canister takes up in my 5' bed was a big mental deterrent to adding this system, but now that it's in, I'm sure I'll get used to the available space quickly. I'm convincing myself that I added storage space to the top of the truck, which offsets the loss somewhat. The Retrax also just glides so smoothly and is a joy to open. No regrets so far.

 

Looks great. Do you tie down lumber on the single overhaul and the basket attached to the factory racks? I still only have bare factory racks and I’m debating what to add up there to better hold lumber. I’ve considered removing the oem rack and adding the Yakima towers that bolt on, or using Yakima timberline towers strapped to the factory rack.
I have the pop and lock installed because I never remembered to lock the gate anyways.

 

Yes, I wish Yakima sold pairs of the Overhaul instead of just a package of 4, because with the roof rack or basket, it seems unnecessary to me that you need 4 towers. I now have an extra pair, and will see if there is a need to add them in the future.

I really like the look of the cargo basket; it's great for holding extra cargo or tools, and also has many tie down points for lumber or ladders. When I started attaching it to the oem racks, I was worried that the moonroof might not clear when opening. It does just barely clear though, with no problem.

I'm also adding the load stops to the HD crossbars, to make longer loads more stable. Excited to see how your build turns out.

 

I have load stops being delivered tomorrow, and will have them on both rails. Anything to worry less when I have big loads of lumber tied down. Tying down to the factory rails up front isn’t ideal, I just can’t decide what direction to go. What basket do you have?

I also think Yakima rails or a basket would be a more cohesive look. The oe rails don’t match great with the hd overhaul.

 

Going to go with a rack eventually myself, so I have been watching these threads to get ideas. I often find myself hauling lumber for house projects, and kayaks. I have a trailer, but sometimes you are out running around, and it would be convenient to just throw long stuff up on a rack, rather than have to run home to grab trailer and drive back. Handy when you only are getting a couple things and don't need capacity of whole trailer. Thanks for posting up pictures, they are very helpful!