Overland racks

[James Morse]

There are so many different kinds it's boggling. But not sure how many make them for '97.
I don't have stake holes in the bed sides unlike the '99. I don't know if that makes a difference.
I want something that I don't have to drill holes etc and so it should be removable.
Some racks come all the way over the cab, don't know if that's a good idea, except it'd be easy to mount front off-road lights. I'd assume if you mount front lights to a normal rack they are too far back to get the right angle on the road. I'd like to have front off-road lights, but again I don't want to be drilling holes in the cab roof etc.
I think the molles are pretty cool so I was thinking maybe a rack with molles on it.
One issue I envision is, like the cargo box, I like to leave a bunch of stuff with the truck, but how do you keep people from stealing things from a rack? Or do you have to load/unload every time.
I wonder if the rack is in the way of the high brake light (on the cab) do I then have to have high brake light on the back of the rack? Seems easy if you do.
I think you'd want led's or something inside the rack to find stuff at night of course you have the bed light on the cab.
Kind of all over the place with it, and I know the question is, what do you want to do with it. I dunno. I do know that eventually I'm wanting hitches front/rear and a winch (removable) which I'd want to keep in the cargo box with straps etc - but I might have to lose the cargo box with a rack? Would rather not lose it since it locks and keeps stuff dry. Right now it's full of stuff like fishing gear, metal detector, etc, some of which could attach to a molle rack. I don't know if I'd ever want a rack tent, I might.

I don't get what's happening here: Looking under the truck, there is a "Light-Mate Converter". Electronic Taillight Converter Universal Kit Hoppy Lite-Mate light mate lite mate litemate | Auto Value (myautovaluestore.com)
and pigtail w/ cover for the trailer lights. Exactly what it does probably doesn't matter, I don't plan on towing anything.
Then there is a 3-pin connector coming out of the hole in the left rear of the bed just in front of the taillight. It tests live all the time on one pin. Have no idea was this factory or added, and, if it's live all the time, why would they do that? This pigtail doesn't appear to have anything to do with the trailer lighting. What would you be hooking into a trailer-wiring type connector that is always live?

Sure would appreciate thought on the rack etc. Molles that go on the bed insides are kind of cool too again not sure I can find for my truck.

 

[RonD]

1993 thru 1999 Rangers had a separate turn signal bulb in the rear, this is called a 3 wire system, 2 turn wires 1 brake wire
Most trailers use a 2-wire system, brake and turn share the one bulb/filament, so just 2 wires
Thats most likely what the converter is for, changes 3-wire to 2 wire, very common unit

4 wire trailer plug
ground
Park lights
Left turn/brake
Right turn brake



I would just do a canopy with a rack(rack is mount to the side of canopy so no leaks), it can have the side doors for easier access to gear in the bed, and can be locked, also weather resistant, lol

Stuff on the rack can be locked, aircraft cable is hard to cut and easy to maneuver around and thru things, then locked, and its stainless so no rusting

Over the cab is OK, but.............can get a whistling noise at speed, lol,

 

[Blmpkn]

For most people, the addition of all the overlanding kit on their trucks is more of a psychological fulfillment rather than a true need for functionality... just like lifts and big tires.

They're an answer to a question nobody but a marketing department was asking.

 

[James Morse]

Thanks Ron.
I'll check out canopy.
Blmpkn, what you said is pretty much on target, I asked myself "why do I want one" and they just seem cool.
But it's true I do have a lot of stuff that I take already and I'd be only adding to that.
Tires and manual hubs really is the first things I'd do.
It's like a project it gives me something to mess with besides work. I don't think I'd do lift or go past oem tire spec but there's other things like hitch front/back and winch that might be nice.
Anyway you're right it's one of those things you have to ask yourself, do I have a need for this or is it just something cool that I think I want.
I wonder how many people actually use those rack tents.

 

[James Morse]

Bestop Supertop for Truck Bed Topper BES-76302-35 | RealTruck
Ron are you talking about something like that? Are you saying racks can mount to it?
it's kind of cool because you can retract it but I don't know how practical it is.

or are you talking about something like this
Truck Cap Rack for Caps Under 29 Inches, Standard Bed Rails - Part # 84510311 (usrack.com)

Below is altogether different
Datin Fab Canvas Cage Rack – Ford 2015-2022 F-150; For 5.5 ft. bed – Softopper – Truck Tops, SUV Tops, Accessories

 

[Curious Hound]

I'm not suggesting it's impossible, but having been used to one system, I find having the ability to finesse the handbrake on and off while gently engaging the clutch is kinder on the transmission.

Lots of people use them and lots of people sell them used. It’s not for everyone. They’re expensive. I would recommend going tent camping a bunch of times first. Take a year or two and figure out what kind of trips you like to take and what equipment suits your style of camping trip. Then shop around for something that fits those requirements. You’ll be much happier and more likely to keep it that way.

I like the idea of the rooftop tent being quick and easy to set up and being up off the ground. But. I sometimes like to stay in one place for a few days. When doing that, I travel the area in my truck, exploring forest service roads or maybe enjoying an off-road park. So I don’t want to have to fold up the RTT to go exploring all day and then set it up again at base camp in the evening. Do, a RTT on a small off-road capable trailer would be almost ideal for me. Since that’s not an option financially, I tent camp. Gazelle and a few other companies make ground tents that set up just about as quick and easy as the RTT’s. But much less expensive.

I camped in cheap Wal-Mart tents for most of my life up until the last year or so.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Used toppers can be pretty cheap. Mine was $40 and keeps my gear fairly dry and secure when on the move.

If you have a stepside you are kinda screwed on toppers tho.

 

[James Morse]

Overland Vehicle Systems F-350 Super Duty Nomadic Awning 270; Passenger Side 19529907 - Free Shipping (americantrucks.com)

Hauler Camper Shell Rack HRK-C10SEX-1 | RealTruck

no I don't have stepside just straight sides if that's what you meant

I'm kind of confused on the racks, if you put stuff on them you can't open side doors on a canopy, or I'm looking at it wrong

there's so much stuff

 

[James Morse]

RSI SmartCap EVO Sport | Order From Offroad Alliance

this is really cool really pricey too. you can have stuff up top then tilt the tops down to get to things

those overland racks with canvas inside are really light they don't add much weight

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I just put my stuff inside the canopy.

Just a plain ol' Ranger, nothing to see here...

 

[RonD]

I would stay away from canvas toppers, you can accidentally poke/rip them or a thief WILL cut them open to have a look or just to be an A$$hole
I.E. convertible cars, you should never lock them, still doesn't stop a jerk from cutting it open, "check the door first you moron"
"They" ALL carry knives

 

[superj]

You can get those adjutable aluminum racks from harbor freight snd just out a oiece of plywood on top and put a tent in that, also

 

[James Morse]

T4 Plus Hub Tent Overland Edition – Gazelle Tents this is almost the size of a regular bedroom

Thanks for that. I have an old American Camper tent, it's ok, but it has those multi-part fiberglas rods you have to assemble them then thread them through the eyes on the tent, it takes a while.

When you look at the relative prices, compared to rack top tents they are way cheaper.

800 lb. Universal Aluminum Truck Rack (harborfreight.com)
that's a good idea you could really make that into whatever you want

Eric, what you're talking about is right along the same lines I was thinking, be in one campground a few days, explore around, and leave the tent set up - I don't know how often they get stolen but it was quick to set up I guess you could strike it every day.

Yes, nix on the canvas tops, sounds like a nightmare.

These ones aren't horrible:
Ranger Enterprises Inc., Pennsylvania | Utility Series Aluminum Caps (rangertruckcaps.com)

 

[Curious Hound]

You need to go check this out so you can see a bunch of options all set up. That way you can see how different systems work together.

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[Curious Hound]

You don’t thread poles with the Gazelles. I have the regular T4 and also the 5 sided gazebo. The poles stay in the tent. You just pull the handles and pop the sides into shape. Go to their site and watch the videos. 5 minute setup