RealTruck GoRack For 3rd Gen Tacoma – Install & Review

If you’re looking to add a rooftop tent (RTT) to your truck, a bed rack is the best way to go. RealTruck, one of the largest online retailers for off-road parts and accessories, has researched and created an offroad/overland bed rack that addresses the problems with current offerings. This mid-height rack lets you park in your garage with a tent and features side MOLLE panels for organizing gear. In addition, the side rails have multiple extrusion slots for even more mounting possibilities.

RealTruck has been around since 2007 and is the parent company of many well-known brands like N-Fab, A.R.E., Extang bed covers, and HuskeyLiners, to name just a few. The GoRack bed rack is part of their new in-house brand which also includes a rooftop tent and an awning.

Features & Specs

• Mid-height rack
• Side rails with extrusion t-slots
• MOLLE side panels
• Steel/aluminum hybrid construction
• Black powder coat finish
• Adjustable steel crossbars
• 600 lbs dynamics weight rating
• Lifetime limited warranty

Installation

This installation will cover my 3rd Gen with a short bed. If you enjoy Legos, this will be a fun project, with the amount of pieces that need to be assembled. The benefit of that is you don’t have a giant shipping box showing up at your doorstep.

Also, the amount of time spent wrapping up each part to prevent damage in shipping is pretty impressive.

RealTruck also has a dedicated install video on the product page.

Step 1. Assemble Side Panels

Each side panel consists of:

• (2) Legs
• (1) Side rail with extrusion slots
• (2) Larger MOLLE panel
• (1) Small MOLLE panel
• (2) Crossbar mounts

All side panel parts that connect directly to the extrusion rail use T-slot nuts and bolts. All parts that connect to the extrusion rail attach to a metal strip on the bottom of the MOLLE panels for a flush look.

Repeat this process twice to create two identical side panels.

Step 2. Install Bedside Anchors

The kit I received came with two options to attach the rack to the bedsides. You can use the anchor brackets in the photo above that use the factory bedside rails or attach the rack to a compatible bed cover with T-slots.

To install the bedside anchor brackets, slide the T-nuts into the bed rail and loosely attach the anchors. Hold off completely tightening down all hardware until the rack is fully assembled so you can make final adjustments.

Step 3. Install Side Panels

With the bedside anchors installed, align them to the mounting points on the side panels. Having a second set of hands to hold the side panels in place as you install the mounting hardware (2 nuts at the base of each leg) will help here. The assembled bedside panels can be pretty heavy.

Step 4. Attach Cross Bars

Take both crossbars and lay them onto the mounts on the side panels. The crossbars and their mounts have the same shape and fit perfectly together. Use (4) bolts to secure each crossbar, (2) on each side.

Step 5. Fully Tighten All Hardware

With the bed rack fully assembled, fully tighten each bolt and nut. RealTruck also recommends double-checking them after a couple of hundred miles, just in case.

Step 6. Install Leg Covers

The final step is to install the (4) leg covers using the included M6x20 bolts and flat washers. These will cover up all the hardware on the legs for a cleaner aesthetic.

Review

Despite being designed to be a universal bed rack, the GoRack fits the truck pretty well. The side panel angles almost perfectly match the Tacoma’s door angles and follow the same shape as the cab.

I love the number of mounting locations for gear on this rack. They’re the perfect place to mount my shovel, axe, and maybe an awning onto the side rail with the extrusion slots. You could also add traction boards and gas cans to the MOLLE panels. It has nearly endless mounting possibilities.

I appreciate the lower height allowing for more clearance when a tent is installed. For my needs, it provides the perfect balance of overall vehicle height and vertical space in the bed for storage. It does interfere with my rearview mirror visibility, though.

Final Thoughts

If your goal is to build an overland rig with a more understated look, I highly suggest looking at a mid-height bed rack like the GoRack. It offers nearly all the utility needed for off-roading/overlanding while not standing out too much on city streets.