Forum Discussion

FireRob's avatar
FireRob
Explorer
Nov 02, 2016

DeeZee Invis-A-Rack

Hello I don't own a Fiver (Yet) but was wondering if anyone has a Dee Zee Invis-a-rack and had clearance issues with the bottom of their fifth wheel over the bed and the bed rails. Any other advise or reviews on the rack is appreciated.


Basically the Invis-a-rack is a truck ladder rack that folds up in to two compartments that are attached to the bed rails and looks like it adds a couple extra inches to the height of the bed rails. Google will find images easily.

Thinking this could be a good solution for me to transport my canoe. Plan is one day buy a toy hauler transport canoes and kayaks in garage and then set up rack and transport canoe to the lake or what ever.

I currently have the large rack that can be bought from Harbor freight but obviously this wont work with the fifth wheel. Also you might have seen another post I had about the same subject matter of canoe and kayak transporting with a fiver.

I briefly looked at the invis-a-rack before buying the harbor freight rack but once I realized the invisarack wouldn't work with a tool box across the bed rails I quickly dismissed the idea. Current plan is to one day get a RDS fuel tank tool box combo unit that would work with this DeeZee rack.

Sorry so long winded, thanks,
Robert
  • WNYBob's avatar
    WNYBob
    Explorer
    Nov 02, 2016
    Maybe you should start to look at TTS and use your rack.
  • FireRob's avatar
    FireRob
    Explorer
    Nov 02, 2016
    WNYBob wrote:
    Maybe you should start to look at TTS and use your rack.


    TTS? Is that Travel Trailer Section?

    Then what you suggest is exactly what I currently do. That isn't any help. I plan to one day purchase a fifth wheel toy hauler and would like a rack that I can remove or hide easily and not interfere with a fifth wheel when that day comes or use the rack when I am not towing the FW
  • shadows4's avatar
    shadows4
    Explorer III
    Nov 02, 2016
    Do a search on kayak or canoe transport in the Fifth wheel section. I have seen many pics of setups for hauling them. Basically put a T on the front of the truck and a single roof rack on the top of the truck. No toy hauler needed. Good luck, John
  • FireRob's avatar
    FireRob
    Explorer
    Nov 02, 2016
    Toy Hauler aspect aside, I have done the searches and asked questions about traveling with a canoe. This isn't one of those posts. I was just attempting to provide some back story/information.

    Just want to know if anyone has the Dee Zee Invis-a-rack and if it interferes with using their FW when in the stored position.
  • laknox's avatar
    laknox
    Nomad
    Nov 02, 2016
    FireRob wrote:
    Toy Hauler aspect aside, I have done the searches and asked questions about traveling with a canoe. This isn't one of those posts. I was just attempting to provide some back story/information.

    Just want to know if anyone has the Dee Zee Invis-a-rack and if it interferes with using their FW when in the stored position.


    It can often be hard to get enough bed clearance and giving up 2", or more, might not be something you want to do. I have 8" and I have just touched the back corners of my bed on a couple occasions, but I boondock. If you boondock, too, I wouldn't use the Invis-a-rack; I'd use an over-the-cab rack, attached to a front receiver hitch. Just my $0.02...

    Lyle
  • FireRob's avatar
    FireRob
    Explorer
    Nov 03, 2016
    Thanks Lyle.

    Not owning a FW I was not sure how much bed clearance there typically is.
  • ependydad's avatar
    ependydad
    Explorer
    Nov 03, 2016
    laknox wrote:
    It can often be hard to get enough bed clearance and giving up 2", or more, might not be something you want to do. I have 8" and I have just touched the back corners of my bed on a couple occasions, but I boondock. If you boondock, too, I wouldn't use the Invis-a-rack; I'd use an over-the-cab rack, attached to a front receiver hitch. Just my $0.02...

    Lyle


    I don't boondock and have just under 6". With the height of trucks and keeping the FW level- I just can't see that losing another 2" or more is going to be possible without maintaining enough space between the truck bed and fifth wheel overhang.
  • laknox's avatar
    laknox
    Nomad
    Nov 03, 2016
    FireRob wrote:
    Thanks Lyle.

    Not owning a FW I was not sure how much bed clearance there typically is.


    Rule of thumb is 6" minimum clearance. If you're at all planning on doing any back country camping, you'd really want as much as you can get, IMO. Personally, I do tow a bit nose-high, which isn't ideal, but isn't hurting anything. Were I planning on keeping my FW longer, I'd certainly do an axle flip on it to get me more level.

    Lyle

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