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I FINALLY got everything in and put together. There were a couple of headaches along the way.
Almost every photo that ARB posted on their website, as well as social media, with the Ascent Canopy Base Rack shows that the rack length is the same as the canopy and no longer.
These are from ARB's website. The only different one is the overhead view, and I'll explain later.
After waiting 7 months, the base rack finally arrived in the States, and I placed my order based on ARB's site and Tacoma Canopy's specific listing. What I DID not realize, because it's not stated anywhere, is that the base rack listed as the APPROPIATE rack for the Tacoma/Ascent Canopy is a 6 crossbar at 61".
The flip side of this 61" Base rack is that it CAN extend over the double cab, but my issue is that I already have a rack. While I might have a couple of millimeters of clearance between racks, any truck flexion would put stress on the internal frame and shell because they're integrated.
After talking to ARB, they stated that the design was to have a 61" Canopy Base Rack in the back, extending slightly over the cab rack and resting on the 61" Tacoma "over-cab" base rack. None of this makes much sense to me.
After talking to ARB techs, I found that the BASE Rack 49x45 1770060 is a 5 crossbar that is 1" narrower and fits perfectly. It is likely the one used for promotions. I switched to this Base Rack because it feels appropriate.
I had Camburg support brackets and a Decked system before this installation. I did not realize the Camburg arms would need to be removed for the Ascent internal frame, which likely serves a similar purpose to the Camburg brackets. I was able to cut the side wings of the Decked and make it fit perfectly.
Also note that the instructions ask you to refer to the "Drilling" instructions, as you need to drill 8x40mm holes into your shell for gaskets that retain pressure between the frame and base rack, so the canopy does not crack.
These drilling instructions do not exist yet.
I used a pair of calipers to get the appropriate dimensions and a step drill bit. If my memory serves me right, I got 19mm (0.74"), and I drilled to 3/4" on the step bit. It worked perfectly. You also need a non-acetic (?) sealant, such as Silka-flex 221.
Long story long, my setup and suggested setup is:
Core page for Acsent Canopy for the Tacoma
Ascent Truck Cap BASE Rack Blade Kit - Blade kit for the Ascent Canopy
Ascent Truck Cap Internal Frame and Tub Brace - The images shown are not the same as those received.
BASE Rack for Tacoma (2024+) - 61x46 - Suggested Canopy Base Rack by ARB (not me)
BASE Rack - 49x45 - I recommend the 5 Bar Crossbar rack, which is often featured in promotional shots.
* Something else interesting I noticed is that the two part numbers are VERY similar.
BASE Rack Kit for Tacoma (2024+) - 61 in x 51 in - Over cab 1-piece design.
BASE Rack Kit for Tacoma (2024+) - 61 in x 51 in - Over cab 2-piece design.
* I'm unsure why they made these two different racks. ARB is moving, and it took a week to contact a tech. These racks sit lower than the canopy's base rack, so a flush fit from front to back isn't possible. I'll update this if I find anything else.
I love the shell! I love the rack and the design. My ONLY gripe is the discovery, the lack of information and instructions, and why it isn't flush from back to front... Everything is well designed, though, and I can't wait to get the tent on, as well as some accessories.
Maybe @ARB 4x4 will chime in when things settle down.
P
Almost every photo that ARB posted on their website, as well as social media, with the Ascent Canopy Base Rack shows that the rack length is the same as the canopy and no longer.
These are from ARB's website. The only different one is the overhead view, and I'll explain later.
After waiting 7 months, the base rack finally arrived in the States, and I placed my order based on ARB's site and Tacoma Canopy's specific listing. What I DID not realize, because it's not stated anywhere, is that the base rack listed as the APPROPIATE rack for the Tacoma/Ascent Canopy is a 6 crossbar at 61".
The flip side of this 61" Base rack is that it CAN extend over the double cab, but my issue is that I already have a rack. While I might have a couple of millimeters of clearance between racks, any truck flexion would put stress on the internal frame and shell because they're integrated.
After talking to ARB, they stated that the design was to have a 61" Canopy Base Rack in the back, extending slightly over the cab rack and resting on the 61" Tacoma "over-cab" base rack. None of this makes much sense to me.
After talking to ARB techs, I found that the BASE Rack 49x45 1770060 is a 5 crossbar that is 1" narrower and fits perfectly. It is likely the one used for promotions. I switched to this Base Rack because it feels appropriate.
I had Camburg support brackets and a Decked system before this installation. I did not realize the Camburg arms would need to be removed for the Ascent internal frame, which likely serves a similar purpose to the Camburg brackets. I was able to cut the side wings of the Decked and make it fit perfectly.
Also note that the instructions ask you to refer to the "Drilling" instructions, as you need to drill 8x40mm holes into your shell for gaskets that retain pressure between the frame and base rack, so the canopy does not crack.
These drilling instructions do not exist yet.
I used a pair of calipers to get the appropriate dimensions and a step drill bit. If my memory serves me right, I got 19mm (0.74"), and I drilled to 3/4" on the step bit. It worked perfectly. You also need a non-acetic (?) sealant, such as Silka-flex 221.
Long story long, my setup and suggested setup is:
Core page for Acsent Canopy for the Tacoma
Ascent Truck Cap BASE Rack Blade Kit - Blade kit for the Ascent Canopy
Ascent Truck Cap Internal Frame and Tub Brace - The images shown are not the same as those received.
BASE Rack for Tacoma (2024+) - 61x46 - Suggested Canopy Base Rack by ARB (not me)
BASE Rack - 49x45 - I recommend the 5 Bar Crossbar rack, which is often featured in promotional shots.
* Something else interesting I noticed is that the two part numbers are VERY similar.
BASE Rack Kit for Tacoma (2024+) - 61 in x 51 in - Over cab 1-piece design.
BASE Rack Kit for Tacoma (2024+) - 61 in x 51 in - Over cab 2-piece design.
* I'm unsure why they made these two different racks. ARB is moving, and it took a week to contact a tech. These racks sit lower than the canopy's base rack, so a flush fit from front to back isn't possible. I'll update this if I find anything else.
I love the shell! I love the rack and the design. My ONLY gripe is the discovery, the lack of information and instructions, and why it isn't flush from back to front... Everything is well designed, though, and I can't wait to get the tent on, as well as some accessories.
Maybe @ARB 4x4 will chime in when things settle down.
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