Anyone used the System One rack?
Outfitting a new truck and considering Cargo Master and System One racks for ladders,picks,planks,etc.
Thanks for any insights. Walter
Discussion Forum
Discussion Forum
Up Next
Video Shorts
Featured Story
While no home can be completely fireproof, implementing these fire-resistant details can increase resilience.
Highlights
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Fine Homebuilding Magazine
Fine Home Building
Follow
-
Fine Homebuilding
Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.
Start Free Trial Now -
GBA Prime
Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.
Start Free Trial Now
Replies
Do a search on the topic and you'll see quite a few discussions. I have the System One for the past three years and love them. I bought mine after posing the same question on this forum.
Good luck,
John
J.R. Lazaro Builders, Inc.
Indianapolis, In.
When I try the rearch function I usually get back threads which have no bearing to what I've asked. Is that the same for all?
Thanks for the reccomendation of Sys. One
try searching system one rack or truck rack and maybe limit the time periods of the posts to within the last year or so.
I think you are right about the 1000# capacity. I considered TracRac before I bought this. Probably the max I have ever had on the racks was about a 1000#, The largest point load I ever had onboard was a 32' W12X26# beam which was about 832#. I have an F350 crewcab and with loads approaching 1000# you get a little top heavy.
The system one is nice because it is light, doesn't rust, the ratcheting tie downs, and some of the accessories. I also like the fact that it covers the entire top of the bed rails.
Before this I had an Adrian Steel rack that came free with the Chevy. Nice rack but was rusting within 2-3 years.
John
J.R. Lazaro Builders, Inc.
Indianapolis, In.
I've had crew cabs too,SRW not duallies though.
This new one is a Chevy 2500 HD with 9200 GVW. It's replacing a '98 of the same general package.I've had Cargo Masters before and liked them a lot,except for the rusting factor as you pointed out.
Do you use metal boxes in the bed ,and what style?
Thanks, Walter
My truck is a 99 F350 SRW crewcab long bed (as long as a school bus)... next truck will probably be a 2500 HD although I have no complaints with the Ford and I've got 110k miles on it. It is just a BIG truck and I'm a little nervous of the newer Ford diesels. Although I have an 03 F450 with no problems yet and 15k miles.
I refuse to buy steel boxes because of rust issues. I currently have an Adrian Steel aluminum saddle box that came with my 97 Chevy. I'll either go saddle box again next time or consider the low profile side boxes but I will never buy steel again. The aluminums make it from truck to truck while the steels need painted multiple times on one truck to keep them looking decent. I have some Delta aluminum saddle boxes on a couple of other trucks and like them better than the Adrian. Although the newer Adrians look like they are better than mine. I did look at Weatherguard boxes and they are a very well built box but very pricey in my opinion.
John
J.R. Lazaro Builders, Inc.
Indianapolis, In.
John.
Thanks again for the help with selecting the right accessories to make this truck work properly.
I like the long trucks-I use an 8' Fisher QS plow on them as well. Still need to that changeover too.New push plates and wiring harness needed there.
Man it all adds up in equiping a new vehicle. Walter
You can get the System One in a 'heavy duty contractors package' which brings the capacity to 1250# I belive. It also includes the cantilever over the cab and the work winches.
Nice looking set up! Is that a Penda liner you've got?
I started another thread on liners to judge what others had to say about what they were using. I'm leaning towards the non skid Penda as opposed to spray in.
Thanks for your help, Walter
Neither. It is a one piece composite bed that Toyota came out with on there New Tacoma. Also has a 110V outlet in the back.
That must be really sweet. Does it have an inverter to make the 110?
Yeah it does. The inverter is located under the center arm rest. The outlet only goes to 400W but some guys are replacing it with a higher capacity one. Good for charging batteries and such tho. If you ask me, it is a prelude to the hybrid trucks Toyota will be coming out with in a few years.
Hi Walter! ok, found your thread...now I'm drooling for racks (dam you!)
and
which one was the pic of YOUR truck???DUM SPIRO SPERO: "While I breathe I hope"
The black crew cab with no rack as yet.
Sorry about putting visions of a rack in your mind-but you might like it for numerous tasks both work and play.
Miz, Thanks for checking it out-it's on # 14.
Excited to get it up and functional.
Walter
Well okay then - (just ck'd out the jpg) - looking forward to seeing the pics of her all tricked out!DUM SPIRO SPERO: "While I breathe I hope"
New System One Racks
Edit,,,,troubles with posting pictures
Edited 10/10/2006 7:17 am ET by shellbuilder
having troubles with posting pictures
Rats!
well - you know the saying: if at first ya don't succeed...try try again!
or...send me an email with them and I'll post 'em for ya if ya want.
or...send me an email with them so I can see them! and forget about posting them here!!!!!!!!!!! LOL!DUM SPIRO SPERO: "While I breathe I hope"
I've had five of the System One racks over the years and a couple of the Cargo Master steel racks as well. They are both great racks but I would never buy another steel rack again because they start to rust within the first two years. The tie down system on the system one is awesome and the contractor rig is the only way to go in my opinion.
picks and pics
where's the pics of your pick?
(as Rez would put it: be wanting pics of that system one rack system now dontcha know!)
Or - is this the set up you're giving the thumbs up for? (jpg from earlier in this thread; NOT my truck...)
View Image
DUM SPIRO SPERO: "While I breathe I hope"
Edited 10/10/2006 3:12 pm ET by mizshredder2
How did you mount your system one rack? I also have a 2006 Tacoma access cab and have been frustrated trying to find a rack to fit it. I like the system one and called to see if they made one to fit. They said they did not because of the integral track system on the Tacoma. Iand Iam sure system one would be interested to know how it was done.
Thanks
They gave me the same story when I first contacted them about getting one for my Tacoma. A couple of months latter I drive by a parked Tacoma with the rack on it. So I figured the racks were available for my truck now. Nope. System One tells me they sold three of them to Tacoma owners and they each came up with their own way of mounting it. He said if I came up with a way to mount the bed rail and gave him the dimension of the bed rails to each other he would set me up with a rack. So what you do is order the wide version of the bed rails. Make sure they send you the foam that goes between the rails and the top edge of the truck bed ( I ended up using rubber roofing glued to the under side of the system one rails). You pop off the plastic bed rail protectors ( wiggle them side to side). Remove the integral track system. Cut the system one rails to length. Cut the leg of the of the rail that hangs down, back a few inches to clear the tail light box. See pics Because of the way the Tacoma bed flairs back towards the tailgate I opted to taper the bed rails in towards the tailgate a little so that the aluminum would'nt overhang to much on the outside.
Now the key to mounting the system one rails to the truck is to drill holes thru the rail where the threaded holes are for the integral track system. You need to pick up some SS M6 bolts and if you taper the rails like I did then you will also need some bolts to act as stand offs between the truck bed and the system one rail. After you have done that call System One with the center to center measurements of the rails at the back of the cab and the tailgate. BTW be sure to ask for the extra long straps for the integrated tie down system. Also you should go check out http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/f61 Lot's of good info on mods and TSB's and other tech stuff about our truck's.I also know of a company that makes a nice tonneau cover that will work with the System One racks in place.Edited 10/17/2006 11:04 pm ET by reinvent
Edited 10/17/2006 11:08 pm ET by reinvent
Thanks. That is very helpful. The composite body seemed like a great idea when I bought this truck but has been very frustrating when looking for aftermarket products to fit. Great tip on Toyotanation.
I see why your screen name is reinvent.
FWIW
I know a few people that have them and they look solid and well built.
If I were to buy a set, System One would be the way I went
My only concern is Cargo Master rates theirs for 1750 lbs. and System One rates at a grand.
This was asked just recently, so just scroll down in this folder aways to find it.
I have one and really dislike it, for reasons stated in other thread.
Thanks,I must have missed it,although it's only been the last few days that I've been thinking about them.
Considered having my other CM painted and installed on this other truck,but thought better of it.
I just finished the install on mine today, go with the integrated tie down system, awesome system!
I have system one racks. I 've had them on 3 trucks. I think they're worth every penny. Here's a pic if mine
Headstrong, I'll take on anyone!
Edited 10/7/2006 9:09 pm ET by Jemcon
here's the pick.
Headstrong, I'll take on anyone!
Great lookin rig! Got a '94 Ford but not nearly as gnarly
Thanks. It's a '96. I had an '85 but it gat a little beat lookin. This looks nice when you show up at peoples houses.
Headstrong, I'll take on anyone!
Thats a great looking set up! Please tell me how you like the tall side boxes? Any problem with restiction of vision? Will they hold items without moisture intrusion?
Thanks for your help. Walter
Heres the new rig
I love those boxes. If you're buying them new get the larger size. They did'nt offer them where I got mine. I think the extra 2" would be helpful.
The line of sight is limited with them. It's alot better with the extra cab. I had them on a standard cab and that was tough. If you looked out the back window you saw nothing to the side, only straight back. Pulling out into traffic from a parking lot was the worst. The extra cab gives you the little window to look out. You get used to it though. Those little mirrors that go on your side mirrors are definetly required to see whose next to you on the highway.
The best part is nothing gets burried. I had a cross the rail box and whatever I needed was always on the bottom. I am much more organized with these than the other box. I keep a rubbermaid in the bed for when it's raining for larger drill boxes or whatever for that day. I even put my painting drop cloths in the rubbermaid so there off the back seat.
I would reccomed looking at them if you're setting up a new truck. The only thing I'd rather have is an enclosed utility body but that's out of my price range for now.
Headstrong, I'll take on anyone!
Thanks for the run down on those side boxes. I think I'll check them out this week.
I really like the Rubbermaid idea too for storing bigger items.
Mine is a full crew cab with 8' bed so maybe vision concerns aren't as relevant with this truck. Walter
Hi, A friend had stainless racks like the old steel ones made for not much more money, they are beautiful, different, and will last forever.
Did you ever get those racks?
I just ordered two trucks today so I have to order more racks and I'm leaning toward System One again if I don't go with the freebies that GM offers.
John
J.R. Lazaro Builders, Inc.
Indianapolis, In.
I got the freebie rack with my newer Silverado..... I love the rack and get a lot of compliments on it. Although I think the brand of rack differs depending on where you live.... maybe an availability issue.
Hmmmm
I just looked on the site for where I got my rack from and they are offering a watered down version of it now... what a shame.
I've seen those aluminum racks around, the one I think you refered to, and they look awfully crappy to me. Then again, I've never actually used one.
http://www.petedraganic.com/
The lumberyard I use has a truck with the System One racks.....I thought they looked pretty cheesey too....but the drivers rave about them.
They're working with them everyday....gotta take them at their word.
Happy
Holidays
I have the System One on my personal truck. I love them. They may not be the prettiest rack but definitely an awesome rack as far as utility.
The racks shown on the GM website appear to be Trac Racs or at least knock-offs. I have 2 'O7 Classics (left over '06's) on the way and I was wondering if the ALUMINUM racks they offer are worth it in the upfit package. I don't like the fact that they don't have cab extensions....but can probably be added. I've had the Adrian Steel racks on my '97 trucks and they rusted after about 3 years and look like crap.
John
J.R. Lazaro Builders, Inc.
Indianapolis, In.
you may be right... my rack is an Adrian and it is about 3 years old now... maybe 2.5... and I've noticed some rust developing near joints.
http://www.petedraganic.com/
I have seen the System one racks, but I have seen forklift damage on em'. The more poular around here are fork lift type and great cause the operator can load and back the forks out without the "tilt and jiggle" then you gotta restack a pile on the rack. Can save you a bit of time at the lumberyard.__________________________
Judo Chop!
John,
I went with a Kargo Master steel rack made to go over a cap-even though my truck is bare.
I like the wider stance and numerous chanced to tie to the rack at bed level height.
Hey Walter - I noticed you have a 4 dr without a tool box. You got the back seat full of tools? I'm waiting for the long bed 6 dr.http://logancustomcopper.com
http://grantlogan.net/
http://www.chicagotribune.com/classified/realestate/homeimprovement/chi-010316outdoorrenovation,0,2786095.htmlstory?coll=chi-classifiedhomeimprove-utl
Mike,
How are you liking those Vanguard SS racks? My brother is getting one of the trucks I'm ordering and he's giving me some BS about not liking the looks of the System One and wind noise. How is the wind noise of the Vanguard? Is that a swinging rear bar?
Going to Pimp His Ride,John
J.R. Lazaro Builders, Inc.
Indianapolis, In.
Every time I see a thread on the System 1 racks ,I get on there to bash them- they suck!
I had a load of 2x8's put on my truck last week,after jackasin around with a couple of foklifts setting the load, I realised that the rack couldn't handle it- had to make 2 trips. My vanguard racks on my last truck has carried bigger loads regularly.
All my previous trucks have had the vanguards ,like Mike's, but steel, they are the best if you are actually going to use your rack. Mike's are stainless, thats even nicer.
SS Vanguard... no noise.. zero rust
very heavy duty.. this i the second set i got... one on the '03 and one on the '06
the rear gate swing mechanism is pretty sharp too
i got the headache bar option against the rear window as opposed to the expanded metalMike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
Mike,
Sounds like you're making a sale here. Do you remember what you paid?
Thanks,John
J.R. Lazaro Builders, Inc.
Indianapolis, In.
Grant,
I've driven crew cabs for quite a while now,and because I like the 8' bed empty to allow pipe staging to be easily loaded-I've taken out the back seat for tool storage.
This time is different,leather seats 60/40 split instead of a bench seat. I'm trying to pack smarter,fold down the seats and still have all the tools I'll need.
Since my second hip operation I've worked solo taking on good technical one man jobs that don't require as much rigging and tooling.
That picture was taken yesterday on a big thru flashing job I'll be putting up over the next few days. You won't believe the poor design on a multi million dollar ranch.
Happy Holidays, Walter
Grant
I just re-read your post I thought you said you'd ordered a new truck with a 6' bed as I read quickly earlier.
I got a good laugh when I got what you really said. I've wished for that set up for years, a limo with an 8' bed 4x4 of course.
Walter
Rack looks nice on that truck. Most of the nice racks that I like the design are steel. If it weren't for the rust factor I'd go for it. I guess I'll stick with either aluminum or stainless steel.
Still liking my System One,John
J.R. Lazaro Builders, Inc.
Indianapolis, In.
John,
That picture was taken to show the home I was working on-but the truck happened to be in it.
The Kargo Master has the rust factor down the road,but it's wider stance and in my opinion better look, made my mind up. I know System One won't rust, but it just doesn't aesthetically appeal to me-I know that sounds a little crazy.
As for securing materials to the rack,I think rope works fine for me even though the ratchets look quite functional on the Sys One
Walter
Walter... can't see no truck
View Image
hey.. that is one mess
pan over to the cornice details on the right with your camera
and the core of the stone chimney ?
Mike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
Mike,
Wait until you see what an unbelieveable design problem has been wrought here.
I thought of you when I was working here these last 5 days-wondering what you'd think of red cedar shingles on a 2/12.
I'll be posting a lot of shots on this job over the next couple days.
Heres the detail you requested.
Walter
The truck pic was back a ways-I'll take a better shot today
Yes, Kargomaster = bigtime rust, down the road.
I had one on my 98 Dakota, which was 100% rust finish when I traded it in last May. It looked so bad the dealer took it off before they put it on the lot. Also rust was staining the windows on the canopy and the paint on the p.u. box.
As soon as you assemble the thing, you scrape the " durable powder coat finish" off at the joints. As I live in snow country, there is lots of salt on the roads in winter, so rust is a fact of life.
The rack on the Dakota also had a series of holes in the vertical supports to fit different vehicles, and the insides of the verticals were not powder coated at all, and would hold salt.
Having said that, I put a Kargomaster on my new F-250. I guess I will just touch it up with Tremclad a couple of times a year.
Good rack except for the rust.
Here's why I like the over the cap rack by Cargo Master -minus the cap. It gives me lots of tie downs for my propane and acetylene tanks.
Also I can lean pipe staging against the rack extensions and not scar up the Silverado.
I got my system one from rackwarehouse.com good price at the time.