Ultimate Overland Bed Setup - Diamondback + Front Runner Tacoma Bed Cover Rack System

[@123mistax]

I have the SE and it’s held up amazingly with a rack and tent on it for 2 years now

[@LastLineOfDefense]

Good to know!

[@EastTexasBallistics]

Thanks for letting us know that!!! Was wanting to put a tent on mine eventually but didn't really know if I could with the 400lb limit. Thanks buddy!!!

[@123mistax]

@@EastTexasBallistics Yeah my tent weighs about 115lbs, and I've had myself and my lady in there many nights with no issues. Since the rack distributes weight towards the four corners of the bedsides, the cover hasn't seen any warping or damage. It's still pretty much like new and I use the crap out of it.

[@lawrencebendijo2057]

Last Line Of Defense can you post the exact specs of the kit you used? Looking for the same set up. I have DB SE. thank you sir! Great video.

[@simpleinstinct]

Glad to hear it!

[@High_Key]

Just got back from a much needed weekenderlanding trip in the High Sierras. First of the year

[@LastLineOfDefense]

Sounds awesome - how was it?

[@High_Key]

Last Line Of Defense finally got to hike the Big Pine Lake Trail and off road/hike on some lesser known trails in the Yosemite NP area with the dogs! Weather was perfect too. Going back in a couple weeks. I got the bug

[@sreed171]

Bishop/Mammoth area trails back open?

[@High_Key]

Scotty RN We talked to some campground personnel and locals Big Pine and they all said it’s not officially opened but not enforced. The ranger station at Big Pine opened June 1st according to some people on the trails

[@jamesbickford4769]

The ultimate setup. Buy, install, drill holes in the brand new cover. Awesome!

[@danphilpott6302]

Sorry. To load full sheets of plywood. I just bought my third Tacoma. Am getting diamond back with this front runner system. Absolutely brilliant solution! Going to work like a charm on my 6’ bed!

[@codym7151]

This is my last year of college I’m so excited to get my career started, buy a house, and get a Tacoma to start my build. I love your videos man thanks for the inspiration

[@lcorr090k6]

Also watch early retirement videos. KZbin is not always your friend. Just saying. 🙂

[@scottl1793]

@@lcorr090k6 LOL retiring in 2 months at 49 yrs old.....I am now starting to watch overland videos.

[@Yettee0201]

They finally restocked this kit last week and I was able to get one and will be installing this weekend. Nice video as always.

[@LastLineOfDefense]

Noiice!

[@sv0988]

Just ordered my front runner racks for my diamondback today, this video definitely gave me a lot more confidence in doing the installation myself 😂

[@highflyer13131]

I just ordered my decked system. I will be ordering the diamond back in the next week or two. I plan on ordering the front runner racks and using a similar setup. I'm gonna have to hit up diamond back and see if their atv rails are compatible with the front runner. I'd like to have em both on there and pull the roof top tent when I wanna take the ATVs out. Thanks for the detailed video. You made my life so easy,not much research left to do. First time truck owner here and I can't wait to get her all tricked out.

[@mikestevens2053]

This setup with a bedslide and a hard shell RTT would be the ACE! I too dislike the 12 cleat look (too cluttered IMO) and plan to order the HD smooth model with no cleats.

[@robertyoung8289]

I'm slapping one to that cover right now! 🤩

[@FreeRangeLemon]

That’s pretty fuckin gay

[@robertyoung8289]

@@FreeRangeLemon Your the expert Dr Spermseed.

[@FreeRangeLemon]

Robert Young My nigga, I ain’t tryna nut to a piece of metal.

[@dennycrane2938]

Mike! Dude this is awesome news. I just put my Diamondback SE on the taco and was dreading coming up with a solution for the rack/rtt. This kit is super exciting

[@dennycrane2938]

Damn, sold out on the diamondback site and not even listed anymore on front runner's site.

[@BradandDad_Adventures]

This truck is my inspiration for my RAM 1500 build. Love it Mike.

[@jeffstull2534]

just saw this....really nice set up. I bought a 2019 Nissan Frontier SV 4x4 Crew Cab a few months ago as brand new (48 miles on it) for 24, 950.00 from a dealer who had it on the back lot for a whole year. Looking at this bed cover really hard and you convinced me. Thanks.

[@LogicBob]

My DiamondBack cover is one of my favorite tings. If somebody said I couldn't have it anymore, I'd probably just sell my truck and get an SUV.

[@Ravenwood82]

Great video, but how do you access the bed with a rooftop tent or other stuff on the rack?

[@bloodclottx]

Can you do a video on waterproofing the truck bed? Or provide links to what you used, etc.

[@nate3621]

Cool, man. I definitely recommend lock washers on those clamps (not sure why they don't come with it). I checked them after a trip and they were hand tight, which is pretty scary with the iKamper resting on top! I added lock washers and they've held tight.

[@adrianluca4984]

I don’t even have a Tacoma yet and I’m going on a LLOD binge 😂

[@daisuke8872]

Looks like a perfect solution for anti-theft!! Love it!

[@jdpst20]

Couldn't have asked for a better product right before looking into buying a Tacoma. I'm in the market in the next 6 months ish as I'll be moving from Hawaii to Colorado for work and I'll have to leave my beloved Montero behind. I've never been much of a truck guy but I'm leaning towards that Tacoma for the size, bed utility, and ability to run something like this for the RTT and camping gear in the bed rather than the back seats or truck of SUV.

[@ShootingSportz]

Ah. For some reason, I thought these came pre-drilled with the rails installed. But I guess it makes sense that they give you the option to install the rails wherever you want them. Thanks for the video and tons of ideas!

[@nhwnhw02]

Have the smooth Diamondback HD cover with the Frontrunner load bars. I was gonna mount an IKamper mini and travel but the pandemic sort of changed my travel plans. My cover has the cleats and I enjoy having them. It allows me secure things between load bars that might get loose otherwise. I tried using ratcheting straps but didn't like using them. Too much trouble. So have some pieces of rope that are easy on and easy off. Throw the rope behind the seat when not in use.

[@LastLineOfDefense]

I agree, I'd opt for the cleats - wanted to try without mostly since it was a new option.

[@nhwnhw02]

@@LastLineOfDefense Getting them to drill, seal and mount all those cleats was certainly a consideration for me. I'm so lazy I rather they do it. Especialy since it didn't cost any extra...

[@phillinsey6550]

Good stuff Mike. I'm really diggin those new Black Rhino wheels, truck looks a little more like a tank.

[@vince4316]

Seriously brother that is one bad ass looking Taco. Really well done all the way around...Now time to go get it dirty!! Lol...

[@LastLineOfDefense]

Watch my other videos, it's always dirty, haha

[@vince4316]

@@LastLineOfDefense True that, I watch them you got a great channel

[@awluko8344]

Have you ever considered adding the decked system to your Tacoma? Seems like it might be really helpful for you accessing your stuff when the tent is up top. I know you said that it isn't a big deal, but it could be a nice addition to your already awesome build.

[@LastLineOfDefense]

Nah - I'm not a big fan of drawers in general, as they are heavy, and aren't a very efficient use of space (you lose lots of volume). Though with an open bed, or with a topper, I think they become more beneficial, but not much point when paired with a tonneau cover in my opinion.

[@awluko8344]

@@LastLineOfDefense That is certainly a fair response. They're not for everyone, but I was curious what your thoughts were. Thanks for the response and I love your videos!

[@dennycrane2938]

I wonder if there'd be an attachment to optionally raise the height of it to level up with the roof rack for kayaks or what have you.

[@M8541Reaper]

Just commented the same above without scrolling down lol. It would be awesome if they did.

[@dennycrane2938]

@@M8541Reaper Maybe mike can use his influence... lol /flex

[@docwoz]

Obviously too late to do a step-by-step, but I'd love to see a video of your install of the Frontrunner ON the Diamondback... I'm nervous to drill into a $2,000 "tonneau" on my own.

[@InsurgentNarwhal]

Can you please do a full vid on waterproofing the bed?

[@nicoaguilar13]

I’m working on my build right now for overlanding and I’m going with a retractable pro cover and Yakima racks. So far so good! 2,000 miles later

[@danphilpott6302]

Awesome job. Love your content and approach. Front runner is awesome. Had on my LR4 before it passed away. Front runner gear is great. Infinitely customizable. Just get a bunch of eye bolts. You can place them on either side of the rails, at any location. A great application here would be to have clean flat rails on top with eyes under. You could then place full sheets, and many of them on top, then run your ratchet straps easily and quickly to secure. This is a great system for custom. Diamond back and frontrunner, a match made in heaven. Hats off if you were a catalyst in that. Cheers from Newfoundland

[@zackschmidt4381]

Mike I wonder how many diamondbacks your videos have helped sell! I know you sold me one and I am still loving it

[@saucytabasco]

As an update, would you mind sharing if you miss the cleats? I'm about to purchase one, and the cleats are my big hang up. I like the smooth look, but feel like I would regret not getting them. Thanks!

[@edarnaldo7265]

I just got the Front Runner DB system for my truck recently and it's great. I did find out that the DB/FR Universal Track is slightly different than the one sold directly by FR. It seems the DB tracks come with standard bolts and track holes and not flush mounted bolts with recessed track holes like the ones straight from FR. This causes problems when you try to mount other FR accessories to the tracks.

[@ZD14]

Just got a Diamondback about 2 months ago, I am digging this one more :(. Dang I wish I knew this was coming! Sick setup as always man

[@brandondiaz8084]

Not sure if you’ve done this already, but can you make a video of how you get your dog into your roof top tent?

[@trentjensen96]

Slap that cover. As Brandon Herrera says, "Beat it like a disobedient...avocado."😂

[@LastLineOfDefense]

Always do, haha

[@thecivilianoperator375]

Last Line Of Defense k

[@amorton94]

While I never plan on buying a $2k bed cover system, I still watched anyway. Good video.

[@Scott_69HemiDart]

Truck looks OUTSTANDING!!

[@kl-eu7iq]

Just purchased one my 19 Ranger! I’m so excited!! They also have a 10% Military Discount if you qualify through sheer ID. Thanks for the video and I can’t wait to install it!! I went through your link so I’m not sure you get any commish but you were integral in this $1,500 purchase.

[@tpalmer1777]

Hi Mike. Great Video. I decided to go with the same set up on my 2017 Raptor (IKamper Mini / Diamondback HD / Front Runner Load Bars. Installed about 4 weeks ago and looks great. I also took your idea on the mount for the MaxTrax (with thicker bracket) and works perfectly. Thanks for the info.

[@MoHillRider]

I really like the setup but are you able to access your gear through the bed cover compartment when you have a tent on top?

[@strengthaddiction5841]

If you have the SE and want more support then you can add some 2x4 as extra cross members but that will increase the weight of each panel.

[@edwardkamaka]

With the rack system on and your tent mounted on it there’s no way of getting into your front portion of your bed without having to crawl into your back of the bed right? That would be the only downside of having this style tonneau cover, and you gain a couple of inches on the height of the rack of the tonneau cover being higher. We/I don’t use those styles of tent system we just use the original old school style right on the ground, so on the racks for me I would use a platform style to load my coolers etc on top of it to give more room in my bed for other things that needs protection from the elements and touchy-feely fingers. But your set-up looks solid, do you know if they ship to Hawaii?

[@dennycrane2938]

Who can we poke to create something that can attach to the slat and raise it up to create a mount point that's level with the front runner slimline roof rack - so I can mount a 270 awning on my taco with this setup? Also, for what it's worth, I just installed this on my diamondback SE . 1.5" in from the bend didn't work for me on the forward door. That ended up putting the screw right on one of the brackets. Rather than go farther in, I went farther out. I ended up going to .75" from the bend to leave room for the washer underneath. Also, one of the 5 screws had to be skipped due to it lining up with the load bar underneath the door in the same place. This was true for both doors.

[@brianskies]

Damn who needs camping and overlanding when you have a house/yard like that! lol

[@FreeRangeLemon]

🤦‍♂️

[@YoloSwegs]

Exactly

[@jeffsviper15]

How about a video on water-uh-resisting the bed?

[@crayzemixer]

Not gonna stop commenting until I see a video of you and Ashley fishing

[@SmokinZen]

I want to get your set up I do have the SE glad you said it shouldn’t be a problem for a rooftop it is a long bed though do you think it will be ok.

[@Nate-zy5ce]

Great stuff. A question. Do you know if the latest Roofnest Sparrow2 (Reg or XL) hardcover popup tent could be mounted on that set up you have there above the Diamondback HD cover, on top of the Frontrunner rack? I love that tent, but would ideally like to mount it so that it is even with or better still a big lower than the roofline of the cab. I also like how that Roofnest runs head to foot rather than side to side, so its full weight is above the vehicle and does not require the ladder to hold up part of the weight. And that Roofnest can now also have racks put ontop of it, for ski's, paddleboards, kayaks, whatever. Any insights would be appreciated.

[@edwardkamaka]

Show us how one (or you) would use the Max track under the tires!

[@kyleritchie50]

Your videos got me to buy a diamondback cover haha but I got the cleats and just ordered the uptop rack system. It uses your anchor points to mount so you don't need to drill anything.

[@hwm9]

Hey Mike, have you try to sit the new front runner kit on the diamondback with the diamond plate to see how it sit. I was wondering if there any gap since the diamond plate kind of raises up. Also would you recommend getting a use diamondback cover.

[@Outsman]

8:50: "you can see the tip is a rubber-coated thing and you wanna slide it in all the way." yep, will do!

[@stlouisarch2162]

Glad to see I'm not the only one here who's still partly 12 years old. 😁

[@LastLineOfDefense]

When I am editing my videos I facepalm all the time about the innuendos, but I just put em in anyway. Yup, put em in anyway.

[@stlouisarch2162]

@@LastLineOfDefense Inside every man, no matter how old, even if he wears a white collar to work on Sundays, is still a 12 year old inside.

[@paulschmidt6379]

Great. I literally had my new HD cover installed last Saturday. Now I find there’s a smooth version! 😑😁

[@EastTexasBallistics]

I think the more aggressive look with the metal diamond plate looks way better. I got mine in today and I could not be happier. The smooth looks nice for a 2WD. Looks good both ways but the diamond plate is raw dog!!! Good that tank look.

[@brandonkessler4115]

Just ordered a SE Cover through your link. Thanks for the great videos.

[@jhbryaniv]

I like that orange mountain hatch cover - I have the red cutting board. My only wish was a small channel around the edge... Ohh yeah, cool bed cover too...

[@jeffsviper15]

I just ordered one. They are milled and not injection molded it sounds like. So if you could find a decent machine shop they could mill a channel in it. Only problem is most machine shops deal with metal and that means cutting fluid residue may make it into your hatch cover.

[@Sea1fly]

JESUS THE Cost!!! That set up like over 3 thousand wow some people are sure doing alright omg

[@BustaGrill]

Like the frontrunner system... that diamondback cover is nice. If I didn't just get a 2018 4runner ORP, I would get a Tacoma... cuz of you lol. Nice vid...

[@rickm4295]

Hey mike , that little bracket for the MAXTRAX is a really awesome idea. Ive done probably 50 different things , none as good as this , haha. Im borrowing your idea , thanks. P.S. Im really anxious for my holster man , cant wait. Later

[@jmsuitter5]

Wow it looks great

[@R3dWolf24]

Looks great! Been looking for a set up like this for a rack and cover combo

[@chefahr]

how does the bed cover hold up when you are washing your truck? Say for example you take it to one of those carwashes that have the heavy duty sprayers when you drive through. Do you get any soapy residue or leakage into the bed after the wash?

[@LastLineOfDefense]

Since I haven't fully sealed all my cracks and crevices in my bed/tailgate/etc - if I go through a high pressure wash I do get some leakage, but just a bit of water for me, personally.

[@M8541Reaper]

Awesome setup. Any idea if FR is planning on on releasing uprights that will allow for the racks to go level with the cab rack?

[@1peckwonder]

any chance you have a video tutorial how to weatherproof that bed?

[@Obee270]

Maybe it's a bit too much to ask from a production pipeline standpoint but it would be cool if the holes were pre-drilled/tapped and utilized rubber grommets in place of the holes when not in use. Also, I'd love to see this rack with a bicycle (mountain or road) on top to see what hardware is necessary.

[@mytraveljarvlog2560]

Nice!!! I like that Self Capability with the setup.. I wonder how you would secure the items below the tent.

[@504WhoDatGuy]

I'm digging that matte black camo wrap 👌🏾

[@Yettee0201]

For the clamps all you have to do is get some nylon lock nuts and put those on with some washers and the clamps won’t loosen.

[@GregMitchell]

Unfortunately, the Front Runner kit is out of stock at Black Diamond and the link no longer works at Front Runner. Hopefully they will get the kit back in stock soon, as I've ordered the HD cover and a RTT for this exact setup.

[@carlos1000rr]

Can you have one panel open and locked in place if you need to carry a larger object in the bed?

[@LastLineOfDefense]

Yup, you can actually remove either the front or back panel altogether if you want, and only takes a few seconds. The center piece is mounted with 4 bolts - so the whole thing really only takes a few minutes to remove.

[@desertrider6638]

Any chance on you working out a discount code with DB, other than military since I didn’t serve?

[@Nate-zy5ce]

The only thing I'd do differently is to find a place and way to store the Max Tracks inside the bed instead of out, still for quick access, but so that I can still open the cover from the top when I don't have something else on the rack, just the rack up there, or maybe bikes or ski's on the rack that I can take off quickly and easily to use. Putting them where you do here is fine when there is something big up top like a pop up tent that will just stay up there, but otherwise, I'll want them in the bed somewhere.

[@mr1wildchildcaribbeanangle536]

Please Make a video of it gear hunting to understad the problem before i get one. Thanx.✌🏼

[@jennifergreene1983]

Great video! I've wanted a diamondback for a while, and i hope to get one soon!!

[@chrisschiff7542]

Man love that new DB finish. About 2 years too late unfortunately. The only think that I don’t like about my cover is I don’t have enough room for my dometic fridge on a slide.

[@rodolfoiballa5049]

Awesome set up is this compatible with 5 ft bed for Nissan Frontier pro 4x?

[@johnmosesrealtor]

By far my favorite set up! Going to be doing the same when my Tacoma comes in

[@BERTO929]

I’m trying to find a video/pictures of the smooth version with the tie downs......

[@motosig]

Thanks for posting this Mike, appreciate it. 🤙🤙

[@LiveMasTaco]

Have a link for the mountain hatch tailgate cover? Specially for the Orange

[@codymumaugh4261]

The bay area grille you have looks really awesome. I checked their site and they say it might have problems with fiberglass stress cracks. Have you had anything in the cold weather? Or if anyone else know with this type of heavy grille.

[@ZachofaIItrades]

Love your truck and your channel! Obviously quite a shift, but have you ever considered changing to something like a gofast camper? You may have done a video on them for another truck but I'd love to know your thoughts on it. All the best!

[@afn7612]

Great video , helped me to make a decision ...thank you from Saudi Arabia

[@alexanderfraser9663]

Hello, what equipment did you use to mount those traction boards onto your rack? TIA!

[@darkphantom507]

It seems to me that the smooth plate would be more prone to dings and they would show up more compared to the diamond plate.

[@HJuice23]

Have you seen the Renegade tonneau cover? Can apparently hold up to 2,000lbs. I’m not completely sold on pulling the trigger on one because it seems like installation is ridiculous

[@dukatista657]

do you know of any bed rack & tonneau cover combo where i can still open the cover?

[@niteranger6376]

Can you put a tent on a se ? Tks

[@Choclabdude]

Any problems installing the locking rods this way? The directions have them the other way. I called Diamondback and they said not to install the way you have it. I would really like to have them the way you do to benefit from the extra space and put a swing box on the passenger side.

[@1marcusdc]

So once the tent is installed, there's no opening the cover?

[@brendanbray3475]

Any chance you can grab a measurement from the bedside to the top of the rack. Trying to judge roof top tent thickness. Thanks.

[@connerca14]

A little late to the party but I'm curious about access when you can't flip the tops up on the diamondback. For some trips the bed might not be packed with stuff but I'm sure there are times when there's more than you can reach from the tailgate. Is it a major pain when you're camping and can't get to all your gear easily? If you were going to use a taller bed rack would it still be front runner? I want cab height so I can carry kayaks without a crazy overhang in the back but undecided on the brand, cover isn't here yet so I've been taking my time deciding.

[@poordave9102]

got a promo code? wanna give you credit when i buy one hopefully in a week or 2

[@Dill_dough20]

Can that front runner system have taller racks? I want to be able to haul my longboard.

[@gradykoontz631]

Ordered my hd last month, didn’t know they had the new flat one coming. Pretty pumped though it’s coming Friday! Just need the front runners to come back instock and I’ll be ready to rock! 🤙

[@LastLineOfDefense]

Hope you love it!

[@thepokerpilotapp]

Why don’t they use carriage bolts on the hinges so someone can’t take the hinges off to break in? Seems like an easy swap. Wondering why they didn’t design them that way.

[@panagiotisf7228]

Can u open the cover with the tent on?

[@mrrey2cool]

Awesome set up man. I want to du it on my Tundra . what's the name of the frontrunner bars kit? I tried looking for it on their website and couldn't find it

[@MrMonkey9911]

I sleep in my Tacomas bed with a truck cap. Can you do a video on çhow to dust proof" the tailgate and bed?

[@michaelmurray2592]

Great video Mike! Thank you for your time.