All-New UpTop Overland Zulu Rack for 2022+ Tundra

Just picked up my truck from @upTOPoverland today. I was lucky enough to secure the prototype Zulu rack system they will be releasing soon. I had their Alpha rack in my Tacoma. I actually switched from a competitor because of the significantly higher build quality, strength, minimal to no wind noise, and the fact that every time I called for accessories or questions, an actual person picked up and helped out without hesitation.

This rack is an all-new design but still has obvious UpTop design cues and feeling. Like the alpha, I had on my Tacoma, it is super clean, has decent width to the load bars, and the side armor extends down to keep it from looking like a “hi-top toupee” that some other roof rack makers put out.

As stated, side armor and load bar mounts have been redesigned along with the grab handles and light bar fairing. Like the Alpha/Bravo Series, there are optional knockouts for scene pods (seen here with the new R4T version) and I’m told there will be an option for color-matched powder coating on the side armor.

Even though the rack looks low, the moon roof window slides completely back with 2-3 inches to spare and the tilt lifts without clearance issues.

This is the pre-production version. It is made of a powder coated aluminum. There was talk of a powder coated steel version but I’m not sure if the final product version will be steel only or it will be offered as an option.

Cheers!

 

any further away pics? Close up pics make it look kinda huge and bulky.

 

UpTop is sort of known for having wider rack systems that are made to complement the lines of the truck while maintaining utility. They are also made to compliment their bed rack systems for

To me, it seems better suited than the Alpha rack they already have. The Alpha is an amazing system and had it on my Tacoma.

I’m working on more pics but have to download them from cam. Went on a trail run yesterday and haven’t gotten to it just yet. But I’ll post more as I get them.

 

A few other shots

 

Looks so nice. Thinking about getting one soon.

 

More pics…

 

Details and build quality look nice. The front is awful

 

Are there any news/release dates for the new Zulu rack yet?

 

In case someone is interested, I contacted UpTOP Overland directly and they told me that they anticipate the release in “spring” with the price still TBD.

 

How hard was the install as far as drilling, also thank you for your cervix senpai

 

Although I have not done it yet and this roof rack isn’t out yet and I believe that the prototype was installed by the vendor, I’d say that this is a very individual answer depending on someone’s skills and comfort level.
For me, the trickiest part would be the drilling into the roof of a 70k truck. But less from a skill point of view…

To get an idea of what is required when you’d DIY, I feel the installation manual for their existing Alpha roof rack will give you a pretty good idea.
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0084/3680/9788/files/upTOP_Tundra_CrewMAX.pdf?v=1591117954

 

Yeah not a fan of drilling into my own truck lol

 

I hear you! At the end of the day, you need to set priorities… Roof rack or not… I’m not aware of any (proper) solution that doesn’t require drilling…

 

Ah makes sense, might just run with the bed rack they got, plus they are based out of where I live so that’s a plus.

 

this look awesome !
can you help measure the rear height of the rack, i like to check if this can clear a GFC camper top.