[bob280zx]

I plan to take trips out to the middle of nowhere. As in remote parts of Nevada, the Sonoran desert, Pacific northwest, Bishop CA, etc. My next trip I mapped out on Google maps. It's going to be about 8600 miles roundtrip. I need to have everything on hand. I can't just run back to the garage. Sometimes I'm sure I won't even be able to run to a Safeway..

If you haven't already, I second the suggestion re expeditionportal.com. An astounding amount of information relating to all things remote travel, gear, organization etc etc

 

[JCKeppel]

The Yakima Bedrock is my favorite thing. I have it over my bed with a basket and two bike mounts attached. I also have 2 standard 3-rod holders mounted to the basket using p-clamps along with a hi-lift jack. I've also had the rod holders attached to the utili-track with about $8 of hardware from home depot. With the rack on top with kayak mounts, I can carry 2 kayaks, 2 bikes, 6 rods and reels, full-size spare and still have the bed totally free for whatever else.

 

[The other Sean]

I do have a king cab. I have thought of doing that. I can't see anyone being comfortable back there. I could care less about those seats.

Currently, I do put stuff back there but I like your idea.

For sure. being able to slide out a tote from underneath without disturbing what is on top would be very convenient. I know in my crew cab, things get all discombobulated real quick.

 

[striper]

So I did some research this morning on installing those two extra Yakima bars. Unfortunately, Yakima doesn't carry a tower that fits a king cab. I called to double check.

Anyone ever able to make it work?

That Yakima Bedrock setup looks really nice.

 

[NovaBeJota]

Another idea for future consideration might be a rooftop tent. That'd free up your bed for all the gear, and from what I hear they're very comfortable. The downside is that they cost a couple of grand.

On second thought, if you're planning on bringing the kayak along, its 13 feet are still going to be an issue...

 

[striper]

Another idea for future consideration might be a rooftop tent. That'd free up your bed for all the gear, and from what I hear they're very comfortable. The downside is that they cost a couple of grand.

On second thought, if you're planning on bringing the kayak along, its 13 feet are still going to be an issue...

I looked into rooftop tents but I want to be able to just pull over and sleep in the back. Not have to assemble a tent.

It wouldn't be practical when I'm driving cross country when I just want to sleep in a Walmart parking lot for the night.

Thanks for the suggestion though.

Btw, lots of good info on expedition portal.

 

[raine]

I looked into rooftop tents but I want to be able to just pull over and sleep in the back. Not have to assemble a tent.

It wouldn't be practical when I'm driving cross country when I just want to sleep in a Walmart parking lot for the night.

Thanks for the suggestion though.

Btw, lots of good info on expedition portal.

RTTs don't take much assembly, some RTTs unfold and are good to go in seconds. However the thing that steered me away from RTTs is that you're always carrying that weight around, whether or not you're using the tent for its purpose.

 

[striper]

So I found out you definitely can't mount Yakima bars on the roof of a king cab. It's annoying because I already have Yakima bars mounted to the roof of my cap.

My option is I can redo everything and go with Thule so the bars match or I can go with mismatching bars.

 

[travhale]

I travel, and do a lot of kayak fishing along the coast. I do not have a truck shell over by bed. As for getting the kayak on your roof, simply lift the bow of the kayak up and rest it on the rear edge of the shell, lift the back of the kayak, and push it up onto your rack (use a towel to protect the finish on your cab). This also works for those of you who don't have a bed cap if, you just put the bow of the kayak in the bed and push it up on to the roof rack.

My kayak has a rod pod that allows me to store my rods inside the hull. But i'm also trying to figure out a good way to carry them when I don't have my kayak. I'm going to figure out a way to use pvc pipe and have some sort of expansion at the end to accommodate the reels. I want it covered and secure.

When I car camp, i set one of these up in my truck bed, but as you can see, it's easily mounted to the roof as well.

 

[striper]

That's a nice setup.

I will try loading up it up there this weekend.

The more I think about it, the more I think I'm going to buy a ski rack for the rods. I think it would make a lot of sense especially for some of my longer rods. That way I don't have to break them down.

Only downside I can think to that system is potential theft. Most of my fishing rods are worth a considerable amount of dough.

 

[striper]

Picked up an amazing craigslist score today. Four Thule ski racks (two pair) + the hardware + locks + keys for a total of $40. They are in nice condition.

Once I get them mounted, I will let you guys know how they do at holding the fishing rods.