Aftermarket roof rack and RTT

I used a 2005 z-71 tahoe luggage rack on my 2008 Denali. Bolted right up. They are beefier than the stock rack. However, I did end up using 2x4 lumber to span the rails and mount the tent. 2 reasons: first, there is NO room for man hands under the stock rails to tighten the mounts. Second, the cross bars flex and seemed Iike it would rub the roof when people were in the tent. I bought a FREE SPIRT RECREATION tent and have been happy with it. It sticks up higher because of the 2x4s, but a homemade air deflector solved that.

I measured my 2017 Denali and it has a wider roof line, so that rack won't work unfortunately. However, if you the kept stock setup, used spacer boards on top of the bars, and let the load rest on the rails, it would probably work. Just make sure to have the load points near where the rails mount so it's above a structural area-ish

Or, buy the rack mentioned above and be all set. Unfortunately there's not much aftermarket available for these trucks and that type of use.

TomK9er said:

I’m in Northern California, near Stockton.

I should add, I don’t mind making a road trip if you’re the guys doing the install.

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I'm sure there are some shops that can install it. Happy to chat with them if they have any questions. Make the trip, but just have fun and we can hang and not work on the truck!

I’m in DC for business and saw this out in the wild. I’ve no idea who makes it or if it’s a custom one off

TomK9er said:

I’m in DC for business and saw this out in the wild. I’ve no idea who makes it or if it’s a custom one off

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It does look to be somewhat customized; however, similar to the RhinoRack Backbone system (only available on the Burb/XLs)


Looks like some major hardware up on top of that roof setup.
I'm guessing it probably is a modified RhinoRack Backbone and Platform system, or completely custom built to fit with the OE roof rails removed and bolting directly into those corresponding locations.
It looks to be some sort of gov't vehicle, so custom may not be out of the question. I have not really searched PPV/SSV specific roof accommodations before.

GREAT pickup, thanks!