Tonneau cover and kayak racks

[Triathletedave]

I've been looking far and wide for a combination system that allows me to have a lockable, retracting tonneau cover AND a set of kayak racks on my truck at the same time that don't interfere with each other.

I need the ability to store and lock up camping materials in the box of the truck, and carry two kayaks at the same time. I would also like to avoid drilling holes or otherwise modifying a brand new truck.

I tried Retrax, but they don't have a system that does both. Roll N Lock is the same. Pace Edwards has a system, but it looks very 'industrial'. TracRac has a system too, but it is a soft tonneau that is not lockable.

Has anyone found a good system that works and looks good too? I'd like to find a solution before the camping season starts here in Calgary in May!

[campdohbrew]

I own a TracRac. I have had it for years. I recently purchased a new truck and have not relocated the TracRac to it as of yet. When I had it on the Dodge, I carried 2 bicycles using the bicycle carriers and carried a canoe on top. I have the tonneau cover too. I like the TracRac.

[Gkconfer]

Can you post some pics? I have been trying to solve the problem of transporting the bikes and kayaks (10'6") at reasonable or, preferably, no cost. I haven't tried it yet, but we could probably fit them into the TT. I would prefer not to have to resort to that method.

[Coops1]

Pace-Edwards looks like a solid product.

[Triathletedave]

Originally Posted by campdohbrew

I own a TracRac. I have had it for years. I recently purchased a new truck and have not relocated the TracRac to it as of yet. When I had it on the Dodge, I carried 2 bicycles using the bicycle carriers and carried a canoe on top. I have the tonneau cover too. I like the TracRac.

Thanks for the feedback. I looked at Tracrac yesterday, and it does look like a good system.

Can you tell me if the tonneau can be locked in any positions other than fully open or fully closed? Also, can you open the tonneau without opening the tailgate first? These are some of the features that I was really hoping to have.

[Fire Instructor]

I have a lockable, roll-up Tonneau, and a set of roof mounted Thule racks for my three 'yaks....

The Thule's mount without drilling, by utilizing existing screws under the rubber drip-edge around the door frames. The tonneau and the 'yak racks are completely independent of each other, and don't interfere with each other in any way.

[Triathletedave]

Originally Posted by Coops1

Pace-Edwards looks like a solid product.

Pace Edwards was my top choice for the tonneau, but the rack system looks so 'industrial' that my wife vetoed that choice.

the search goes on...

[autorot8]

I have a Retrax lockable bed cover and a Adarac utility rack over bed that I carry a 12' aluminum boat on. No drilling a the rack used the stake pockets of the truck bed.

[Triathletedave]

The pieces have finally come together. I have a Pace-Edwards Jackrabbit tonneau matched up with the TracRac G2 sliding rack system and Thule 883 Kayak racks. It should all be installed on the new truck this week.

Now all I need is for the last of this snow to melt so that we can get out there!!

[Barney1]

Originally Posted by Triathletedave

The pieces have finally come together. I have a Pace-Edwards Jackrabbit tonneau matched up with the TracRac G2 sliding rack system and Thule 883 Kayak racks. It should all be installed on the new truck this week.

Now all I need is for the last of this snow to melt so that we can get out there!!

If you do not mind me asking
How much will the Jackrabbit tonneau and urge TracRac G2 system cost you?

We are looking at doing something similar.

[Triathletedave]

Originally Posted by Barney1

If you do not mind me asking
How much will the Jackrabbit tonneau and urge TracRac G2 system cost you?

We are looking at doing something similar.

The total tab was around $2,600 CDN. a bit pricey, but I have the comfort of knowing that each piece is top-notch quality!

[Barney1]

Originally Posted by Triathletedave

The total tab was around $2,600 CDN. a bit pricey, but I have the comfort of knowing that each piece is top-notch quality!

OUCH!
I may have to consider making these purchases over a few years

[ddemme]

Hey guys,
I've been looking for the same thing and I found this: Oak Orchard Canoe Kayak Experts Pick Up Truck Rear Racks rack kayaks canoes Yakima pickup Q-Towers Low Riders control towers Thule Style #2 works with a tonneau. I haven't purchased from them, but the price and concept both seem solid.

[Triathletedave]

Originally Posted by ddemme

Hey guys,
I've been looking for the same thing and I found this: Oak Orchard Canoe Kayak Experts Pick Up Truck Rear Racks rack kayaks canoes Yakima pickup Q-Towers Low Riders control towers Thule Style #2 works with a tonneau. I haven't purchased from them, but the price and concept both seem solid.

System #2 would work with a rigid flip-up tonneau or a soft cover tonneau, but it won't work with any of the rolling, retractible style tonneau covers. I guess it depends on the type of tonneau you want or have.

Cheers,

Dave

[MtnGuy]

Originally Posted by Triathletedave

Thanks for the feedback. I looked at Tracrac yesterday, and it does look like a good system.

Can you tell me if the tonneau can be locked in any positions other than fully open or fully closed? Also, can you open the tonneau without opening the tailgate first? These are some of the features that I was really hoping to have.

Keep in mind the Trak Rac system is a soft cover......a knife will open it.

The tailgate at least has to be cracked open to get to the lever that opens the tonneau cover. If you lock the tailgate, then the cover is locked.

I have tried using the tonneau cover in a 1/2 position, but the wind blows it all over the place. If the cover is rolled up against the cab, it will stay there, even without securing it with the included straps.

I installed the bed rails soon after I got my truck, and haven't had the need to remove them. The racks live in my garage most of the time until I need them.

The Trak Rac tonneau cover is not 100% rain proof. I still get some water in around the tailgate, depending on how the truck is parked on a slope. Regardless of that, I like the Trak Rac system.....it was the only thing I could find with a tonneau cover and racks. The racks are great, with optional tie-downs and rack slides.

[Triathletedave]

Thanks Mtnguy! It sounds like your system does everything you want it to. I very nearly bought the TracRac Tractonneau as well, because I really liked the idea of having a cargo divider and extra tie-downs integrated into one system. It was only the soft tonneau that I didn't like.

I was more focused on a single system that I could use summer and winter without ever having to take anything off of the truck. I had to remove the kayak racks from my old truck in the winter to put the locking tonneau system back on, and installing and removing rails and parts inevitably led to wear or broken parts.

We do a lot of ski trips in the winter so I really needed a locking system that can keep all of our ski gear safe and dry outside, and of course we load up several bikes and kayaks in the summer. My hope is that the new system is installed once and stays that way for as long as I own the truck.

[MtnGuy]

The only reason that I take leave my racks off most of the time is so that I can get keep my truck in the garage.....the racks are about 1/2" too tall for the door. The tonneau cover has never been removed since I installed it in early 2007.

[Triathletedave]

I picked up the truck on Thursday, and went straight to the rack shop where they installed the Pace Edwards Tonneau and the TracRac G2 rack system. It looks great and everything works as expected.

Now All we need is warmer weather so we can get the kayaks out!

[MtnGuy]

Looks great !!!

[Coops1]

Agreed, looks sharp