Yakima Rack on Tonneau Covers

[LostChimera]

Hey there everyone,

I got an avalanche a little while ago and have found tons of help on this forum from previous posts with all kinds of things, I have been looking at options for adding "overlanding" type equipment to the avalanche, specifically a rooftop tent. I have seen some posts regarding this talking about Yakima Q-Clips on the tonneau covers and putting the tent there, and while this is a cheaper and easier option, I was curious about this alternative.

https://diamondbackcovers.com/products/diamondback-x-yakima-overhaul-hd-rack-system?variant=39663403532387

I like this due to it essentially making an overland style off-road rack on the tonneau covers, and being able to put it up higher and having some room under it. I am curious if anyone has thoughts, I am worried about a couple of things, mainly overloading the tonneau covers both with weight and potential wind/tipping forces while driving. I was wondering if anyone has tried something similar. I would be interested in any alternatives as well. Thanks everyone!

 

[2003VAAV]

My thoughts, which don't mean much: I don't think weight would be an issue, if I remember correctly, each panel is rated for 350 lbs and since the rack is mounted on the edges I would not be concerned. Your point about the wind is a good one to ponder. With nothing on the rack, I don't see where there would be a problem. With stuff on top at high speeds, if below the roof line probably not an issue, if above, hmmmm... Need an engineer to weigh-in about the amount of lift force the lockdown latches can handle. I imagine the weak spot is the latch hold down screw into the panel.

 

[LostChimera]

This is essentially what I was wondering, thanks for taking the time to sum it up and comment. I think most items would be fine, but a rooftop tent specifically and above the cab made me wonder about this. Especially as the higher you mount something the more leverage you would create. This is the appeal however as there are many posts about mounting them close to the covers, but having that extra room would be nice.

 

[2003VAAV]

Agreed, however, if you're not driving with the tent on top then I wouldn't be concerned. And, if you were driving with the tent on top (erected), I would love to see how it holds up (and a video)!

 

[DickensCPA]

I logged in today specifically to search which Q-clips are to be used with our bed cover and can't find it. I've got a deal on the bars and Q-Towers and it comes with Q73 clips. If those aren't the right ones I can get the right ones but I can't remember which ones. I thought I had it bookmarked on that thread but when I click it it says page unavailable.

 

[BioMass]

I logged in today specifically to search which Q-clips are to be used with our bed cover and can't find it. I've got a deal on the bars and Q-Towers and it comes with Q73 clips. If those aren't the right ones I can get the right ones but I can't remember which ones. I thought I had it bookmarked on that thread but when I click it it says page unavailable.

Q30 clips

 

[DickensCPA]

Thank you my friend.