Roof Rack System and Cargo Box for a Truck with a LEER Top  

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Helpful Expert Reply:

It looks like you have a good selection to get a roof rack for your LEER top on your 2005 Dodge Dakota. There are only a few changes I would make.

Starting from the bottom, the Thule Roof Mounted Top Rack System - 60" Long, part # THTB60, would mount directly to your top and give you 5 feet of track. However, since your top is 5 feet, there's a chance that these tracks might not fit within that space if anything is off. Instead, I recommend the 42" version, part # THTP42. It takes away 1.5 feet, but you won't need that for a 5-foot top since the bars shouldn't sit on the very end anyway.

Moving up, the Fit Kit for Thule Podium-Style Roof Rack Feet, part # THKIT3101, is a good choice that will connect to the tracks.

Next, the Rapid Podium Feet, part # TH460R, is another good choice that will connect to the fit kit.

Finally, the crossbars. Instead of the square bars, I recommend going with the WingBar Evo 60", part # TH711520. These have two advantages over the square. First, since they are aero-style, they're more aerodynamic, creating less noise and wind-drag than square bars. That might not matter much with the cargo box on, but if you take it off ever, you'll appreciate the difference. Second, they have a t-track which gives you greater compatibility with other accessories that you might choose in the future. I've linked to a video review of these bars for your consideration.

As for which Force XT to get, the XL, part # TH6358B, is a great choice. It won't matter about the length of your LEER top since these can be positioned so that the front of the box sits over your cab, preventing the back from hanging over the end of your top. I've linked to a video review of this cargo box that shows how it can be installed.

expert reply by: Kef G

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