Bed Cap vs Rack with retractable bed cover

For those that have either a bed cap or rack/with retractable cover, I'm looking for pros and cons of each setup

For Caps I really like the SmartCap EVO but dang it's pricey.
https://youtu.be/vTRIMbbxxyg?si=7O1A6P07oGGqD0ez

For racks I really like the Voodoo setup
https://www.kbvoodoo.com/vrs-bed-racks

I think the rack and retractable would be the most useful, but the cap has it's ability to keep larger loads dry as well.

Decisions . . . decisions . . .

 

Cap with a roof rack is the only way to go. Keep lots of stuff out of the weather and rack for boats, ladders, lumber, etc. Every truck I have owned for 20 plus years was set up this way (3 Tundras and a Titan). Side opening windows are a must.

 

I've almost always run a topper on my trucks and intended to put one on the '19.

Somewhere along the way while saving up for the shell I re-thought it and changed my mind, went with a tri-fold tonneau cover and Elevate racks. Very happy with the set-up and would do the same thing if doing it over.

We camp in a trailer now so I don't need the shell to truck camp. The other main reason for it was security, mostly being able to lock up my surfboards and whatever else.

It was getting increasingly difficult and uncomfortable crawling around in the back with the shell on.

Tonneau, racks, and the full Bedrug is kinda' the best of both worlds. I can still lock up all except for a couple of my longest surfboards, the bedrug is nice and cushy on my knees, much easier to carry things too tall for a topper, and tonneau comes off in 5 minutes if I need full bed access.

Loving it.

 

Not trying to jack your thread, but have questions as well. Like your setup whichever way you go. I won't be towing but also want a nice bed cap.Bed Caps - example: Leer and/or SmartCap series. Yes the SmartCap Evo Sport is pricey but does have some advantages I like. Sturdy body, doesn't weight much more than fiberglass SmartCap EVO Sport = 235lbs. Leer 100XQ Sport= 150lbs.. There is a cutout for your cab rear bed light and camera on the SmartCap. Your bed camera and bed cargo light will still work on the bed as before. The SmartCap does have a slider window, but don't know if the window is removable like on the Leer so you have easy access to your Toyota's rear window for cleaning as well as the cap window should should either or get dirty. SmartCap's built in roof rails will accommodate a number of different racks (not just from SmartCap). Leer not sure about. If anybody already has the SmartCap; if the front bed cap window isn't removable, besides just spraying water between the truck cab and bed cap, how are you cleaning your Toyota rear window and bed cap window?

 

When I bought a '23 Tundra in March it had the Toyota/BakFlip MX4 tonneau, and I could hardly wait to get rid of it. Though much cheaper than a hard topper shell it's of limited practical use. I bought a Leer 100XL partly because my '03 Tundra had a Leer, and this model has an improved door latch system that works with the key fob, better windows and better water exclusion. There are a lot more cap options if your truck has a 6 1/2 ft. bed.

The Smart cap has some neat features like using the Tundra cab cam system and bed lamp, but the two-lock side window latches would be a no-go for me. I'm skeptical that the retractable bed cover would offer waterproof protection for gear inside but won't pass judgement because I haven't seen one in person.

The Leer front window is removable for cleaning both sides of the front cap glass, and the rear window of the Tundra. Also, my Tundra back window can roll down to clean the cap window. I really like the BedRug in combo with a hard shell cap. There's great optional lighting for the Leer caps, and all side rails, lamps and the 120V outlet remain with the BedRug.

SD Searcher might appreciate the image of my rig in our yard with a Lance model 1985 trailer.



And the bed interior. Additional lighting is on the ceiling, and the camera connects with the rear view mirror.

 

I run a leer cap with rhino rack cross bars. My criteria were being able to fit bicycles upright on an internal fork mount set up I made and being able to camp in the back. It works perfect for me and I love how it looks. But there have definitely been times when I couldn’t fit something that needed to be moved.

 

I've got the Retrax Pro w/ Yakima Overhaul HD racks and have been very satisfied. After owning a Retrax I'll never own another type of tonneau. It's rock solid, super easy to open and close one handed, and seems very secure when locked.

Overhaul racks are great for hauling long fishing rods, paddle boards, lumber, etc

 

I had a bed cap on a previous truck, and while I have nothing against a bed cap, it just doesn't work for me. Every time I had to make a dump run or get dirt, gravel, or bark chips for the yard I ended up having to take it off and find someplace to temporarily store it. Too much of a hassle. With the Elevate Rack I have now, 8 fasteners come off and the rack can be removed and stored against the wall...and my bed cover is rolled up and secured up by the cab. So much easier.

 

That makes the two of us, snowblower + bike wouldn't fit with truck bed.

I got razortop, it has proven very useful already.

cap mode


tonneau cover mode:

 

voodoo max modular rack with Retrax slotted rail.

 

So many options. I've been very happy with my SyneticUSA retractable and their rack system. Not 100% waterproof however, I only get small drops at the rear two corners when in a down poor or going through a car wash. It's not even enough to actually get my stuff wet in the bed so I'm happy with that. I wanted to be able to carry my bikes in the bed when towing as well, so this solution works well for me.