Alain Gagnon
The Camper Shell Utility Rack is rated for 136 kg (300 lbs), weighs 14.51 kg (32 lbs), and came with six mounting brackets to fit my Yakima rails.
Words by Alain Gagnon
@Azimuth_Overland and WWW.RAWIMAGE.CA
Getting that “secure fit” with nearly any aftermarket accessory is essential for off-road vehicles. It needs to be rigged so it’s strong and just plain sturdy to avoid any annoying rattling or shaking while running backcountry roads. So, when it came to purchasing a new roof rack to accommodate my Roof Top Tent (RTT) on my 2012 Toyota Tacoma, I was presented with a few, yet manageable, challenges.
First and foremost, I needed a roof rack that could fit my Yakima railing system, precisely accommodate my existing RTT, and one that wouldn’t dent my wallet too much. During my search, I came across the Camper Shell Utility (without wind deflector – flat) from BajaRack Adventure Equipment, a specialized roof rack and accessory manufacturer based out of San Diego, CA.
Most of the options for the company’s roof racks are vehicle specific. So, as the Camper Shell Utility Rack could fit my Yakima railing system, accommodate my RTT, and had a flat design with good support (plus a reasonable price tag), it was a no brainer to complete my purchase.
The Camper Shell Utility is rated for 136 kg (300 lbs), weighs 14.51 kg (32 lbs), and came with six mounting brackets that easily slid into my Yakima rails. I also purchased mounting brackets for my RTT and my awning so I would have no problems loading that equipment on the rack. As an added bonus, it came assembled upon delivery. All I needed to do was complete the mounting on the vehicle. In all, it cost a reasonable $950 CAD.
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Alain Gagnon
Since installation, I’ve experienced no issues with rattling or shaking
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Alain Gagnon
We have clocked close to 18,000 km (11,000 mi) with the RTT and awning mounted.
Since installation, we have clocked close to 18,000 km (11,000 mi) with the RTT and awning mounted. We toured many off-road trails surrounding Moab, UT, visited and camped on public land in Montana, Colorado and Wyoming, and even traveled through the Canadian Rockies.
Other than tightening some bolts only once, I’ve experienced no issues with rattling or shaking, mainly due to the rack’s wind deflector. In fact, the deflector provides the option for mounting lights or a light bar with its four pre-drilled holes on the top.
As I have since purchased an overland trailer that now accommodates my RTT, the rack provides great, extra flat cargo space of 1.82m² (20 sq ft) for gear. Many mounting options are available for various tools, a Hi Lift or MaxTrax mount, spare tire caddy and two Jerry cans. Plus, there are several mounting possibilities for lighting and can accommodate most Yakima and Thule bike racks. I personally opted for the Jerry can holder and spare tire caddy for our longer off-road expeditions.
In all, I am pleased with the service and quality of product from Baja Rack Adventure Equipment. Even though shipping took some considerable time in the spring due to its popularity, the Camper Shell Utility without wind deflector (flat) rack is inexpensive compared to its competition. It’s also solidly built, and provides versatile storage options when my RTT is not mounted on top.
Happy Trails!