has anyone put a roof rack on there truck yet? i would like one so i could put a spare lights and some horns.......

 

I've got a rack system on my topper, but not over the cab. I know Thule makes a system for our trucks, at least 03-05. They offer a coated steel bar system or an extruded aluminum "aero" system. Their system is more for carrying things like bikes, kayaks, and skis though.

You can see what they have at www.thuleracks.com

 

I've wanted to put one on the roof of my topper for a while now I just can't justify spending $450+ on one yet for something I could have made up out of some nice square stock by a dude that knows how to weld for a bout $75. and made to the legnth I want to boot. They do look sharp on a truck with a topper though. But it makes going through a car wash impossible.

 

And just about any other height restrictive place as well!!! I am already within inches of the limits around here if not over!

 

I have a set of Thule aero that I mount on my truck when needed (don't need the height issue). Each of the base plates uses a single screw that holds the weather stripping on. To this the uprights mount. Not sure how much uplift it would stand. Come spring, I'm going to add a couple more screws on each to increase the holding power.

 

Any pictures of it on your truck?

 

Here is a pic of my truck w/ the steel crossbars on the topper.



As far as the comments about height you are right/wrong. My 2500's would fit in the garage with the crossbars installed, but I could not put my bike mounts/kayak mounts on top. My 3500 is too tall to fit with the crossbars, I am actually thinking about pulling spacers from the leaf springs so that I can leave my rack onthe truck.

The system that is used on a topper is a track system that allows you to remove the crossbars by pushing 4 buttons. I could pop them off while I was waiting in line at the car wash in about 30 seconds. The crossbars are about 5" above the topper.

I work for Thule, so if you guys need any info regarding their product, let me know. I can help you with anything... other than a deal. You have to visit your local Thule dealer for that!

D.Wiggs - I thought you had plans of doing a 4" lift? Are there overall height laws in your states or bumper/light height?

 

That looks just like the set up I have on my topper also, but I just don't leave it on the truck very often due to clearance issues mainly. My truck will not fit in the garage withthe 315 tires on it either, but I run through the car wash at least 1 time a/week any way so taking it off and putting it on is a pain especially in the winter around here. So I don't leave it on the truck much in the winter.

 

4" front, 2" rear. Yes it will be on within the month fo March. I think there are laws, I have sene them posted, but I don't think I am anywhere near them because I see much higher trucks than mine. Also, I think I am given a much higher height since Optimus is classified as a Class 4 truck!

 

I welded that up for about 100 bucks...looks kinda redneck, but it gets the job done