Roof bars or bed cross bars?

[Itsdavebr0]

I have a Yakima Load Warrior roof basket with the 18” extension and want to be able to use it with my truck for extra cargo space when camping in the summer. With the extension it’s approx 62” long.

I do have a trifold tonneau cover I want to keep in place, and

I’m having a hard time deciding between roof bars or bed cross bars. And if going with bed cross bars I’m not sure if I want to keep it low to the bed or higher, so the top of the basket is closer to being flush with the roof.

I want to keep the extension on the basket because that way it fits my longer camping gear without issue.

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[Hot Runr Guy]

My 2 cents is to use bed cross bars, and try to keep it under roof level, to minimize the aerodynamic drag that on-roof or above roof would have. There's a member on here with the same basket, I'm sure he'll jump in.

HRG

 

[Itsdavebr0]

My 2 cents is to use bed cross bars, and try to keep it under roof level, to minimize the aerodynamic drag that on-roof or above roof would have. There's a member on here with the same basket, I'm sure he'll jump in.

HRG

Yeah, I seen that post when searching for loadwarrior. he’s got billiebars and idk if they’re worth $700 when I see a bunch of other options for a third of that price, or less.

also, being the basket with the extension is longer than the bed, I’m not sure how awkward it will look.

I figured at or close to roof height would also allow me to put my kayak carriers on the basket

 

[Dave O]

I have the Yakima Megawarrior Basket mounted on Low profile (5”) BillieBars cross bars (I have a retractable cover) I like the setup although I modified the Yakima mounts since I didn’t like the plastic knobs for security reasons. Works great and removable…

 

[CaliMav68]

Since it is for part-time use I'd go with the roof and take the aerodynamic hit. Keep that bed area clear for use. I went with a hitch mounted platform carrier for more camping gear space. I used a short hitch extender to allow the tailgate to fully open. It's a great setup for camping. Everything is out of the wind and easily accessible when in camp. Just another option.

 

[Itsdavebr0]

Since it is for part-time use I'd go with the roof and take the aerodynamic hit. Keep that bed area clear for use. I went with a hitch mounted platform carrier for more camping gear space. I used a short hitch extender to allow the tailgate to fully open. It's a great setup for camping. Everything is out of the wind and easily accessible when in camp. Just another option.

I have a hitch basket as well, but noticed a considerable difference when using that on my old Dodge Ram when it’s loaded. Even only 100lbs made the back of the truck drop quite a bit. Not sure that was even a viable option with the Maverick. Unless it’s going to be barely loaded with anything.

 

[Hot Runr Guy]

Yeah, I seen that post when searching for loadwarrior. he’s got billiebars and idk if they’re worth $700 when I see a bunch of other options for a third of that price, or less.

also, being the basket with the extension is longer than the bed, I’m not sure how awkward it will look.

I figured at or close to roof height would also allow me to put my kayak carriers on the basket

I wasn't necessarily advocating for the BillieBar product, it was more of a comment on the elevation. On the other hand, if you use roof-height bed cross bars, you should be able to open at least 2 sections of your tri-fold. and let the extra length overhang the cab roof.

HRG

 

[Dave O]

I just installed a Young Electric Bike Rack to carry my two e-bikes total weight on the hitch is about 210 lbs. I haven’t seen any drop in the rear - I did a few test drives after the install for me this is a great solution being I flat tow my Maverick behind my RV

 

[MavStangVa]

My 2 cents is to use bed cross bars, and try to keep it under roof level, to minimize the aerodynamic drag that on-roof or above roof would have. There's a member on here with the same basket, I'm sure he'll jump in.

HRG

Due to the penny shortage and discontinuance of productions all OPINIONS now cost 5 cents, thank you for you cooperation and using the exact change

 

[CaliMav68]

I have a hitch basket as well, but noticed a considerable difference when using that on my old Dodge Ram when it’s loaded. Even only 100lbs made the back of the truck drop quite a bit. Not sure that was even a viable option with the Maverick. Unless it’s going to be barely loaded with anything.

Since you have one give it a shot. The Maverick can handle quite a bit.

 

[OB1e]

Having a bed rack with the tri fold just means you have to be constantly removing the rack to get to the bed, unless you get an easy take on/off system like the yakima skyline towers, which are rediculous money. My fb market has nothing :'(

 

[Hot Runr Guy]

Due to the penny shortage and discontinuance of productions all OPINIONS now cost 5 cents, thank you for you cooperation and using the exact change

Look, I'm doing my part. Every Saturday morning, my 2 donut order at my local bakery is $4.97, I give them a $5 bill and tell them to keep the pennies,,,,,,,,

HRG

 

[K9EMD]

I have a roll up cover and I installed the real truck/elevate t-slot rails. The parts just arrived for me to convert a set of Thule cross bars to use on T slot it won’t be very high off the cover but extra space for when we road trip this summer. When I get it assembled I will post a picture.

 

[Hot Runr Guy]

I have a roll up cover and I installed the real truck/elevate t-slot rails. The parts just arrived for me to convert a set of Thule cross bars to use on T slot it won’t be very high off the cover but extra space for when we road trip this summer. When I get it assembled I will post a picture.

Is it my imagination, or did Elevate change the extrusion, making it wider? I don't see the gap on yours like mine has. @Realtruck ?

HRG

 

[K9EMD]

I will have to look a little later thunderstorms just started as I was putting everything together. I attached another photo angle from when I installed the t-slot rail maybe shows a little better

Is it my imagination, or did Elevate change the extrusion, making it wider? I don't see the gap on yours like mine has. @Realtruck ?

HRG

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