The Toyota Tacoma is known for its adventurous and amazing capabilities. However, to make your trips unforgettable, upgrade Tacoma by having the proper equipment available. Whether overlanding, camping trips, or kayaking—having the right tools at hand is necessary.
Of the long list of good accessories, perhaps one of the most applicable would have to be bed racks. They max out the usability of your Tacoma by carrying more gear and freeing up space for other requirements.
Do you want to discover the tips for finding the best Tacoma bed rack for your Tacoma? Dive in to explore more!
1. Consider Height of Bed Rack
Height is important when choosing a bed rack, and it depends on the type and capacity of gear you are hauling. You can always go right with a lower bed rack for a few items requiring a low height.
Bed racks are great for beginners and seasonal overlanders since they can be used to mount tents. However, they cannot store heavy equipment like small motors due to their height.
A mid-height Tacoma bed rack is about 8 to 13 inches long and offers more storage space outside the bar. They can fit items like gas tanks and work well as a tonneau cover because they can fold under the rack. Despite this, mid-height may need to be fixed for your rare vision, making it hard to mount items like kayaks.
Full-height cabs are very spacious and allow you to carry tall and bulky equipment. They are great for carrying bikes and kayaks and offer a good rear view. The only downside is that placing items on top of the bar will result in a high center of gravity, which may cause a loss in miles per gallon.
If you cannot decide between bed rack heights, an adjustable one will be handy. It is very flexible and great for people who love different adventures.
2. Check Suitability For Use With Tacoma Models
It is key to ensure that your bed rack blends with your model and its year to avoid potential compatibility problems.
Every model year has different features and bed sizes. For instance, the 2005 to 2015 models have a small bed size. The 2016 to 2023 ones have a larger bed size with additional tie-down points to secure equipment. The new model is expected to have better features to increase their compatibility.
With a compatible bed rack, you get a perfect fit and take advantage of Tacoma’s full range of features.
3. Consider Weight Capacity
To ensure you make the right choice, look at the weight capacity that supports the number of pieces of equipment you have. Make a long list of the gear you have and the ones you want to purchase. This will help you get an approximate weight that will help you in the long term.
Verify that the total weight stays within the overload rack’s dynamic load rating, which is the maximum weight you can carry while the car is moving.
4. Consider Type of Expedition
Whether you are a pro overlander or just a camper, the expeditions you partake in will help you choose the right bed rack for your Toyota Tacoma. Light bed racks would be ideal for people who use minimal gear. They have a small capacity and are mostly made from aluminum and other lightweight materials.
Although they do not offer large storage, they are convenient and easy to use.
Dedicated overlanders who are required to carry items in bulk should go for overland bed racks. They offer longevity, and they are strong enough to manage rocky terrain. Other overland racks have built-in lighting and special features perfectly suited for off-road adventures.
Combined bed racks are great for those who partake in multiple adventures. They offer features from lightweight racks and overlanders but have a simplified design, making unloading and offloading effortless.
5. Check Pricing
It is crucial to choose a bed rack that offers premium quality and durability but is still within your budget. You should also consider other factors like the installation to avoid extreme labor costs. It will help if you also consider the number of additional accessories, such as auxiliary lighting and awnings, you may need for proper functionality. Find solutions that offer the best value and decide which features and specifications are essential for what you need.
Conclusion
Selecting the right Tacoma bed rack will elevate your adventure experience greatly, as long as you have the right tips.
The height plays a major role, whether you want a low, mid-height, or full-load bed rack to help you carry various gears. Compatibility is also important, as it ensures you use Tacoma features to the maximum, and weight ensures that the bed rack is secure for carrying equipment.
Price will help you get high-quality products without compromising your budget. Your adventures make it easy to find a bed rack that caters to your needs.
With these factors, you can easily find a bed rack that allows you to exhaust your Tacoma’s capability and one that fits your needs. Make a prudent purchase of bed racks that ensure efficiency, and you are guaranteed more exciting trips ahead.
