ARB Bed Bar…Why the hate?

[FlyAngler]

I'm frustrated that ARB (if no others) didn't have the foresight to have compatible accessories that leverage the existing bar ready to go. That feels like a huge missed opportunity in my opinion. Here's the reply when I asked ARB about a high over bed rack that uses the existing bar that they helped design (it is modular to some extent).

Brennan Villa (ARB Help)
Oct 2, 2024, 2:48 PM PDT

Hello, at this time we have not released any product for the new Taco for aftermarket sales. We will be offering a bed rack for the new trucks eventually, but I have no idea about compatibility with the OE toyota product yet. Its likely going to be completely independent, but it would make sense for the height to be similar or the same. There is always a chance that forward headache rack might have to come off entirely to fit our bed rack, but we are still about a year off on that so I do not have any information available as it is still under development

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[Ruissimo]

If Toyota ever makes a trifold compatible with it, I'll put it back on. For now, the security of a tonneau far outweighs the cool factor of the rack. It does take up a lot of space in my garage though...

 

[DeadSetMonkey]

I actually love the look. But it’s impractical. Not tall enough to mount a light bar. Not big enough to mount anything to. And it’s not compatible with and tonneau cover options, nor topper/campers (obviously).

If I didn’t need/want to cover my bed. I’d keep it for sure.

PS. Anyone wanna buy mine! See listing elsewhere in the forum.

 

[regulareverydaynormalguy]

I actually liked how it looked. But I wanted to put a camper on, so the bed bar had to go.

 

[trailhunger]

Just noticing that everyone with a TH removes it when they get home and immediately posts it for sale. I realize it’s not totally functional, but I don’t think it’s bad as a cosmetic flourish. I’d pay @300 for one, but not more.

Thoughts? Why did you dump yours?

By valuing it at 3 bones means you essentially hate it too.

 

[SilverSurfer]

I actually love the look. But it’s impractical. Not tall enough to mount a light bar. Not big enough to mount anything to. And it’s not compatible with and tonneau cover options, nor topper/campers (obviously).

If I didn’t need/want to cover my bed. I’d keep it for sure.

PS. Anyone wanna buy mine! See listing elsewhere in the forum.

deliver it to SF Bay Area, sure. Depending on price. Lol

 

[SilverSurfer]

Since “multiquote” doesn’t want to work: replying to: By valuing it at 3 bones means you essentially hate it too.

So here’s the thing. It’s basically a cosmetic flourish. It’s not actually useful, so how can anyone value it higher? If I have one and then decide I want a bed cover, shell, or real rack, it basically has no value to me at all.

Why would I pay much for something with that utility?

 

[TalkingTaco444]

I love mine. Will only part with it when I get the full rack

 

[trailhunger]

I actually liked how it looked. But I wanted to put a camper on, so the bed bar had to go.

side note: I f*king love this. I have a mall crawler build-thread I'm putting together w/my TH. It's gonna be siiiick...

 

[trailhunger]

Since “multiquote” doesn’t want to work: replying to: By valuing it at 3 bones means you essentially hate it too.

So here’s the thing. It’s basically a cosmetic flourish. It’s not actually useful, so how can anyone value it higher? If I have one and then decide I want a bed cover, shell, or real rack, it basically has no value to me at all.

Why would I pay much for something with that utility?

I sold mine for $800, getting a GFC. I actually disassembled one of these, and can tell you they do more than look cool. They add strength to the C pillar from crushing back seat occupants in the event of a rollover. It's a steel roll bar at its core. But they should* be able to be parted to complete the full ARB Bed rack eventually...

So ya, if you ever get brake-checked, this sport bar is your friend - on pavement in addition to getting rad on trail

 

[Miqie]

Sounds like the Trail Hunter ARB Bar is the Sport's hood scoop. Some love it, some hate it.

 

[Charizard]

I personally love the way it looks and was going to order one for my TRD pro, but a few reasons I decided not to:

1) cost: $1450 + ship and the dealer (that I didn’t go with for my truck) was going to charge to put it on before I got it ($1685 installed)
2) no compatibility with with any bed covers currently on the market (would hope someone comes up with a fix or nice looking bar setup that allows for a cover; some of these started popping up - Tuwa Moab Headache rack)
3) uses up multiple spots on your bed rail so that you can’t slide things around as easily
4) to add the other parts to complete the bar expansion to a full bed rack (it’s modular and expandable like the Küat rack system) the price was outrageous - $3545. You can build a Küat setup with full Ibex rack, full-height molle panels, mid-height molle panels, tonneau adapters, and the panel kit that turns it into a bed cap/camper and still save like ~$200

Just my $0.02

 

[FlyAngler]

@Charizard Can you please say more about the expansion cost in #4? Where does that dollar figure come from? I understand it is supposed to be expandable, but haven't seen anything available yet. Thanks! Would be great to learn of something being available now, though I agree that is a steep price!

 

[Charizard]

@Charizard Can you please say more about the expansion cost in #4? Where does that dollar figure come from? I understand it is supposed to be expandable, but haven't seen anything available yet. Thanks! Would be great to learn of something being available now, though I agree that is a steep price!

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