What Ladder Rack do You Recommend for a 2005 Toyota Tacoma with a Composite Bed?

Question:

I have a 2005 Tacoma ExtraCab V6, looking for a good rack to haul lumber, but Ive been told because of the bed being composite and not steel there may be a structural issue with using a rack that sits on bed rails, is this something that has come up with with other Tacoma owners? Thanks

asked by: Daniel T

Expert Reply:

The composite rails on your 2005 Tacoma ExtraCab V6 will not decrease from the integrity of the ladder rack's maximum weight capacity.

As far as the recommendation of ladder rack for your vehicle, it depends on if your 2005 Toyota Tacoma has a rail deck system or not. If you do have a deck rail system, I recommend the Thule TracRac TracONE Ladder Rack for Toyota Tacoma # TH27000XT-TA. The TracOne comes with an 800 pound weight capacity and has 4 heavy-duty aluminum load stops included in order to prevent your lumber (or other cargo) from shifting during transport.

If you do not have a rail-deck system, I recommend the T-Rac Pro2 Ladder Rack for 2005 to 2015 Toyota Tacoma # TH37004XT. The T-Rac Pro2 comes with an impressive 1,000 pound weight capacity and includes 4 heavy-duty load stops and 4 side cleats that gives you tie-down mounting point options.

expert reply by: Bob C