New cap - rack or no rack?

I'm going to be purchasing a Leer cap for my CM in the next month or so but have had a hard time deciding whether to go with the factory rack option. Those who have a rack on their cap, what are you using it for? Those that don't, do you regret not having one? It's a $500 option for the rails and cross bars.

 

I got the rails if I ever need them, did not buy the cross bars or anything cause pretty sure I will never use. I think it was less than $200 that way, so why not. Kinda see the rails in this pic.

 

Nice canopy.

Nice canopy who is the manufacturer? What model?

 

ARE, model MX

 

I have an ARE cap and I did get the rack on it. I use my truck for work doing solar site evaluations and I got the rack so I could transport an extension ladder if necessary. I only used it once and discovered that it is not ideal for ladders because there is not a great way to keep them from sliding off the side. I could get creative with knot tying, but who has the time for that.

Instead, I bring a folding ladder that fits in the truck bed and it reaches about 90% of the roofs I go to.

I guess I'm glad I got it because it was only a $300 option on the ARE cap, and if I ever need it I can use it, but so far I have not really used it much at all. It is easily removable when you're not using it.

 

I’ve used them. I use my crossbars for hauling my canoe, and I also have a cargo rack that goes on the crossbars. Really handy for hauling cargo.

 

I got a Leer bare bones and installed my own rails with custom cross bar. Voided the warranty, but I know the Thule kit that they are going to be supplying is less capable of what I will be making at the time. And cheaper.

I used the rails from the truck's bed, 3m tape, 1" flat stock aluminium, stainless steal cap screws and nylock nuts and got some 2x4 square tubing , nuts and bolts, t-slot nuts from Amazon as cross bar. I've had it almost 2 years now and no issues. loaded up to 400lbs of lumber. I am still planing on installing a skeleton support inside to reinforce it. I am planning on a cross country trip and might put a roof tent on it.

 

Rack. Mine has seen lumber, ladders, pirogue (like a canoe), push pole, Thule cargo box and I'm sure more. This is my third truck set up this way. Only thing is I installed my own rack not factory.

 

Cargo box

 

definitely do it. Atleast the rails. I have a platform over bars (Prinsu). Love it. Use it constantly.

 

+1 for the prinsu. i have one as well, front and rear. use them all the time.

 

This is what made me buy mine!

 

For those of you who installed your own afterwards, was it nothing more difficult than locating the track and drilling into the fiberglass?

 

@Highsierraguy I would get the tracks installed with the caps so at least it warrantied. Got mine off CL so it didnt come with it. You can find the mounting pads and bars for cheaper elsewhere. Eventually id like to get that setup for a tent.

 

If you get the track with the cap it's covered be the warranty.

I got the Leer Legend bare bones with only 1 year warranty so it was a no brainer for me. To upgrade to a get the rails, I have to get the XR model (3 year warranty) which was $300 more then another $450 on thule rack.

As for these rail, I was shopping for a kit that can provide me with a great load capacity. Rihno rack was my choice due to the accessories. But after doing more research, I just decided to use my Tundra bed rail system and make my own cross bar.

I used a step bit drill to reduce the splinters.

 

this is the kind of option that is better to have it and not need it than the opposite

 

Mine is a discontinued style Thule that is not on a track. No matter the install is drilling holes through fiberglass, sealing and through bolting. I don't have a carpet headliner in my top. I used eye nuts on the inside so I can hang things inside my top. Check my build thread bottom for inside pics.

 

Looks like a pair of Fox Red Labs in your cab. I raise them and Brittanys as well. Beautiful and intelligent dogs.

 

You will void warranty. Should be a max of $200 for the rails

 

Thanks for the suggestions everyone, looks like I’ll be getting the tracks. The dealer I’m going through only offers cheap looking square style cross bars so I’ll buy them and the towers separate.

 

One

One fox red one really dark yellow. On our way home from a ND pheasant hunt. That truck almost made 100 miles before it had dog hair inside.

Yours look pretty comfortable on that bed. I've hunted behind a few Brittany's, those are some high energy dogs.

 

The Lab is 9 years old. He still gives the 4yr old Britt a run for his money. I adopted the Britt from a quail hunting buddy of mine. Trained quail dog, but got shot by an over-eager hunter when the two dogs working flushed a covey in South Texas. He is gunshy now. He keeps my Lab fit!

 

Thanks for the info. Contacting the place I bought mine to see what it is going to cost.

 

For those of you that went with Yakima/Thule cross bars, what length did you go with on your toppers?

 

The A.R.E. dealer quoted me $462 for the tracks and install. Seems a bit steep for drilling a dozen holes into fiberglass. On the yakima site, the tracks are $127.

 

Seems like the price for the entire rack setup, not just the tracks. I just ordered my Leer and I was charged $125 for the tracks installed, $425 was the price for the tracks with Thule crossbars, towers, etc.

 

Right, it does seem crazy high, but I specifically asked for a quote to install the tracks. They never mentioned anything about towers or types of crossbars.

I also asked for a quote on installing a topper lock that works with my key fob. That one was $590!

 

I use mine for kayaks.

 

That’s crazy. My keyless entry was $140. I’d consider a different dealer.