Thinking about getting a topper with the racks on top. I’m not sure if I will ever use them. I’m worried that some loads may be too long for the bed, especially with the topper. Is it worth the investment just in case?
Really depends on what you think the extra money is buying you.
I had a Yakima rack on a Golf, and currently have a Rhino rack on a Passat. The latter was less than half the price of the former, ~$340 vs ~$800.
Was the Yakima any better at holding stuff? No. Was it easier to install? Also no. What it did was look nicer (nice aerodynamic wings vs square tube) and not need a fairing/deflector to be quiet. I had one anyway, but it was just about silent even though I had a sunroof. The Rhino rack is very noisy, creating a drone/whistle that is audible over music despite the Passat not having a sunroof. Cheap universal deflector fixes the issue entirely, but that also comes with the drawback of being a fairly ugly fit.
So it depends on your priorities. If I had to do it over again, I’d get the Yakima rack for my Passat, but I don’t actively have any complaints with the Rhino.
As far as getting them without an active need, that really depends on your finances. They aren’t that expensive in the grand scheme of things, and installing them won’t hurt the truck.
I have a Yakima rack over my bed with no cab. Yes, it was a PITA to install the first time, but it’s fairly easy to remove and reinstall when needed. I agree with everything else NCZ said.
I mostly use mine to transport my kayak. It’s 12’ long, weighs 90 pounds or so, and I’ve had no issues on long drives. I’ve also used it for lumber and other long stuff for the house. I appreciate all the attachment points.
It also makes my truck look less naked.
I’ve got a HD Overhaul rack in my bed. I use my Tacoma as a work truck, and the rack is indispensable. It is fairly easy to adjust, gives me many tie-off points, and seems solidly built so far after two years of use and abuse.
I’ve had Yakima racks on my cars for over 20 years and have hauled a wide variety of stuff with them: lumber, mattresses, dressers, plywood, ladders, etc. On my current camper shell with a Yakima rack, I have two bike racks and an awning. Basically, if it’s too long or big to fit inside, I can strap it on the rack. The versatility of a rack is endless. I’ve also used Thule racks, and they were fine, but over the years, I’ve gathered lots of Yakima attachments, so that’s my fave. I’ll always have a rack of some kind on the roof of whatever I drive.
My topper came with some generic cross bars. The utility of being able to put my canoe, long boards of wood, a ladder, etc., on my roof is so huge. I cannot imagine having a cap without them.
Yakima / Thule / even Rhino are all overpriced IMO. The generic Amazon bars will serve you fine in 99% of situations.
I love my setup.
Cody said:
I love my setup.
Yo, that’s nice. You got extra storage on top. Is that a Leer 100R or 100S?
Cody said:
I love my setup.
Yo, that’s nice. You got extra storage on top. Is that a Leer 100R or 100S?
ARE is the brand of topper. Can’t remember which model, but I love it. The windoors are super handy with dogs and kids. Extra storage up top for a shovel, spare clothes, emergency supplies… but nothing expensive. 
@Cody
Looks like a Z series. My CX windoors are smaller.