If you’re doing some Overlanding, or a weekend camping trip, bed racks make a world of difference in storage and organization for your Toyota Tacoma. Bed racks are a popular mod to Tacomas and are railed systems that bolt into the bed of your truck in minutes. They allow you to mount your gear to the sides and top of the unit keeping what you need organized, and within reach. 

What Do You Need Them For?

As I have said in many of my posts, the gear you need depends on what you do. Do you need the rack to support a rooftop tent (RTT)? Do you need to be able to hold gear to drive and survive for a day or a week? Do you want light-weight but more expensive aluminum or heavy but sturdy steel? Think about these questions as we take a look at some examples. The following are some of the most popular ones Taco owners have been talking about on forums. 

RCI Off Road has been talked about on here and the forums for a few different aftermarket parts. That’s a good sign. It could be a one-stop shop, and people like them. People also like their bed racks. Standing at 12 inches, this lower rack can hold up around 700 pounds of gear and has the option to accept rooftop tents. Not tall enough? They have taller versions, and adjustable models as well. The base price of the 12-inch model is around $700. It installs quickly and looks good.

Another fantastic option is the Cali Raised Overland Bed Rack System, which you can find right here at Emypre Off-Road. There are plenty of options with this rugged system to get the length and height that you want to fit your needs. With being mostly made out of aluminum, they are super light-weight but strong.  They will support your RTT and whatever else you need to get the job done.  At $850, you get free shipping and a lifetime warranty. 

All-Pro Off-Road offers one of the most expensive and one of the most affordable options. From $430 to $900, there is probably a version that works for you. These are great to make what you want if you’re not happy with something out of the box. You can get a kit that is unwelded, and you can get these unfinished (bare metal). They also offer a bunch of different bolt-on accessories to really customize your bed rack the way you want. If you’re looking to make something custom without having to go to a shop to have one fabricated, this could be your option. Don’t worry: they make “plug and play” versions too!

Front Runner Outfitters offers something different. With most of these racks offering storage on the sides, Front Runner focuses more on the top of the rack. The lightweight aluminum design is to allow you to have two levels to your truck’s bed. While expensive at around $860, they do offer the surface area of a second bed. It’s a more streamlined design over having side storage. They also make matching roof racks of the same design, in the event you need more surface area.

Hauling your gear is something you need to take special attention to. A weekend warrior will have different needs compared to an Overlanding pro. Do you want the reduced weight of aluminum, or do you want the age-old proven durability of steel? Now that you have some idea on what’s out there, the next step is hooking one up to your Taco! Get out there, haul your stuff, and have fun. 

Image Credits

RCI - Courtesy of Bilstein Lifts

Empyre - My Site :)

All-Pro - Courtesy of All-Pro Off-Road

Front Runner - Courtesy of Off Road Tents