Overhead rack system

[TennTitan]

Has anyone purchased the Nissan overhead rack? If so, what are the opinions on the sturdiness, look, and usefulness.

I am thinking of buying it to haul 2 kayaks

Thanks

[rvandam]

I don't have it, but my dealer did have a Titan on display with the rack and the cargo tray on top of the rack. It looked well made, and felt really sturdy, I'm sure it could handle kayaks without any problem.

Rino

[bestatchess]

Originally Posted by TennTitan

Has anyone purchased the Nissan overhead rack? If so, what are the opinions on the sturdiness, look, and usefulness.

I am thinking of buying it to haul 2 kayaks

Thanks

I don't think a couple of kayaks would be a problem. They haul kayaks on very light duty racks. Here is one on a rack mounted on a shell:

http://www.leer.com/images/titanpark.jpg

Maybe you already have all this stuff, but here is a site with the Nissan rack:

http://borg.phpwebhosting.com/~rbnis...cessories.html

I notice they only rate the rack at 125 Lbs capacity which is kind of low. Here is a similar rack rated at 1000 lbs.:

http://www.tracrac.com/tracrac/tracrac.html

And here is a link which includes a couple of customer reviews on their alternative T-Rac product (750 lbs capacity)

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...?v=glance&s=hi

[37L1]

My Titan

Mine has it, check out this thread.

Easy to install. Easy to move around on the utilitrac. Will hold 2 kayaks no sweat.

I use it to haul windsurf and surf boards. Cost $340.

Any questions just ask.

37L1

[ThatChadguy]

Originally Posted by TennTitan

Has anyone purchased the Nissan overhead rack? If so, what are the opinions on the sturdiness, look, and usefulness.

I am thinking of buying it to haul 2 kayaks

Thanks

Funny that I see this thread today..lol.

I just bought and installed the sliding overhead rack yesterday (Local Nissan dealer matched Titan24/7's price..yeah!). I'm not sure how well I like the design of the sliding rack for the price. Let me explain a few things...

1) The front bar is "permanant" i.e...it doesn't slide and you must use an allen wrench to remove it. I don't want to leave these things on my truck all the time I just want to throw them on, load the Kayak on the top and go. If I have to install these things each time I go somewhere it will take ~30mins. That includes taking out all other Utili-Track hardware/accessories and installing the overhead racks.

2) The rear brake light install stuff is a joke. Way too much work for too little reward. I saved the hardware and chose to cut the wires on the rack to make them more portable. If I change my mind I can hook it all back up in about 5 mins.

3) Fit and finish is poor. The plastic panels that are on each side of the bars do not touch the top of the bed (maybe designed that way, looks stupid to me) The plastic "cover panels" on each bar don't "mate" properly. There are gaps all over. Not a big deal...but for >$300 they should be better.

4) They make my sliding bed extender useless. I took it out and it's hanging on the wall in my garage. I'm trying to decide which accessory I use more in the next month and that's the one that will stay in the bed all the time. With the rack installed I have like 4" of travel for the bed extender/divider. I'd be better off with the regular bed divider if I decide to keep the rack installed.

5) I'm a picky bastard . Truly, I just think that the components of the UtiliTrack stuff aren't as well designed as something like the Trac-rack. It's not Nissan's fault really...they hit a double, I just expected a home run.

6 Oh yeah, another minor whiney point - the bars are so darn thick that finding something to clamp around them for accessories is going to be hard.

OK, I'm done whining and complaining...but it keeps me from thinking about the radio...

Hope That Helps,

Chad H.

[37L1]

Mine did not have the construction issues of gaps that Chad noted.

I don't understand cutting the wire. It's a plug in, to remove just unplug and wrap the wire on the rack base, simple as could be.

Mounting the "permanent" forward portion of the rack is no harder than putting on or taking off the utilitrac blocks if you have the proper tool available.

I have used the bed extendeer and rack together with the only compromises being the rack will not have room to adjust forward but it's a bed extender so . . . .

The rear portion of the rack is moved forward a little to allow for the bed extender channel mounts. Again no big deal.

There are better, more expensive systems out there but I think this one looks pretty good, matches the step rails and suits my needs.

It's all in what you are looking for and willing to spend for it.

37L1

[gero]

chad,

what did the overhead rack cost --out the door-- i really want one.

gero

[ThatChadguy]

Originally Posted by gero

chad,

what did the overhead rack cost --out the door-- i really want one.

gero

I paid $345 out the door. That was a few bucks less than www.titanparts247.com and I didn't have to wait. It was an instant gratification thing..lol

After having them on for a couple of weeks now I've decided that I don't think I like them very much. If someone out there wants to pay $250 plus shipping (which would most likely not be cheap) I'd sell them. I wouldn't take any more of a loss than that...but I think I'm going to wait until some other overhead rack manufacturers catch up to the Titan and then jump ship.

Take care,

Chad H.

[mikeody2003]

Originally Posted by ThatChadguy

I paid $345 out the door. That was a few bucks less than www.titanparts247.com and I didn't have to wait. It was an instant gratification thing..lol

After having them on for a couple of weeks now I've decided that I don't think I like them very much. If someone out there wants to pay $250 plus shipping (which would most likely not be cheap) I'd sell them. I wouldn't take any more of a loss than that...but I think I'm going to wait until some other overhead rack manufacturers catch up to the Titan and then jump ship.

Take care,

Chad H.

Hey chad you want to sell them to me. I have the tool box would this fit over that if so I take them off your hands let me know. Also what is the shipping to 63123

mike

[TuffTitan]

Mike,

I have both the overhead rack and the tool box. Currently they are both in my truck. However, the forward rack is in front of the box which causes a gap of about 5" between the rear window and the back side of the tool box. This is kind of annoying because in an already short bed, it has become that much shorter. According to the Tool Box installation manual (first page at the bottom) there is a part number for some sort of mounting bracket to be used when both box and racks are used. Unfortunately, at this time, Nissan has not approved this part for production. I have been trying to buy it for over a month and when I started the journey, the part number kept coming back via the dealers search as "unknown part". Since that time, the part number has been loaded to the national database, so I would assume that it (the part) will be available within the next few weeks. My parts guy continues to check (weekly) for me on its availability.

Other than this issue, the racks have worked well for me. They are great for hauling pvc pipe, some lumber and misc building materials. They are only rated to hold 125 lbs. so probably not the best set up for someone that has needs that exceed these limitations. If Roller-skiing ever takes off though, I will be ready to pull anyone!

[geece1]

TuffTitan,

Thanks for the info on that mystery part, I am curious about that part myself as I currently have the toolbox installed and am considering the rack. Keep us informed on your quest.

Question:
How/do your lock your toolbox in the forward position? Since there is such a gap do you have to user the stoppers that came with the cleats?

Thanks much

Originally Posted by TuffTitan

Mike,

I have both the overhead rack and the tool box. Currently they are both in my truck. However, the forward rack is in front of the box which causes a gap of about 5" between the rear window and the back side of the tool box. This is kind of annoying because in an already short bed, it has become that much shorter. According to the Tool Box installation manual (first page at the bottom) there is a part number for some sort of mounting bracket to be used when both box and racks are used.

[mikeody2003]

Geece1 and tuff titan do you guys have any trays for it. I am currently looking for some sort of trays to sit on the top lip to have small items but have no luck so what do you guys use and if so have pics or info would be great. Also thanks for the info that is something I have to look for when I get my racks too.

mike

[TuffTitan]

Originally Posted by geece1

TuffTitan,

Thanks for the info on that mystery part, I am curious about that part myself as I currently have the toolbox installed and am considering the rack. Keep us informed on your quest.

Question:
How/do your lock your toolbox in the forward position? Since there is such a gap do you have to user the stoppers that came with the cleats?

Thanks much

Geece1,

You are correct, I am using the stoppers that came with the utilitrack system. This is only a short term solution, because you are correct the box is not anchored to the back of the bed. The only problem that I see with this method of attachment, is the locking holes that are in the tool box that attach to the mounting brackets, are exposed to the weather. I live in Central OH and we have gotten quite a bit of rain this spring. When it rains real hard, I do notice a small amount of water entering the box.
I will keep you posted on the mystery part.

[TuffTitan]

Originally Posted by mikeody2003

Geece1 and tuff titan do you guys have any trays for it. I am currently looking for some sort of trays to sit on the top lip to have small items but have no luck so what do you guys use and if so have pics or info would be great. Also thanks for the info that is something I have to look for when I get my racks too.

mike

Mike,

I do not have a small tray but that is a good idea! You may want to "Sell" the idea to Nissan, who knows maybe they will give you the omitted coin tray? I will try and snap some pictures over the weekend of my current configuration

[Half Shovel]

I have the overhead rack system, and like it, except for the fact that it isn't set up to prevent stuff from sliding off the sides. I'll be adding a mod for that.

HS