PE Full Metal JackRabbit & Stake Pockets

[DougR]

Trying to get everything ordered for my new 2008 SR5 DC 4x4 and the last major item is the retractable bed cover.

I think I've finally narrowed it down to the FM Jackrabbit, but the one thing I can't find any info on is whether it covers up the stake pockets or not. Access to them is non-negotiable, so it's a pretty important point to find out before I pull the trigger.

I haven't found any photos that show the pockets (or the still present pocket covers); anyone with the FM Jackrabbit that can answer the question???

Worse case, could the rails be gut with a Dremel Tool or RotoZip to allow stake pocket access???

Also, am I correct that the deck rails can remain with the FM Jackrabbit?

[mountainman73]

Hi Doug,
In response to your questions. I have a SR5 2007 Tundra long box with the FM jackrabbit. The rails that the cover retracts on will cover the stake pockets, so there is no access to them once it is installed. You would not want to cut or grinde these rails because it would weaken the alloy rails and they'd possibly break, plus these rails have a track built into them and the cover needs the intact rail to retract in and out. I also ordered the 'explorer rails'. These rails have a groove cut into the top of them, enabling me to quickly install a ladder rack. The ladder rack I have can hold up to 600 lbs of ladders, wood, etc. You can get a heavier duty rack that will hold over 1200 lbs.

Hope this helps. I'm quite happy with the set up I have.

Take care,
MM

[DougR]

MM & Josh:

Thanks for the input. The Explorer Track won't work for me as I need the stake pockets themselves for amateur radio antenna mounts.

The pictures I did see made it look like (as Josh described) the stake pockets are only partially covered. I think I'll take a shot at notching the rails. If it seems to create a strength issue, maybe that can be fixed with extra clamps placed on either side of the notch. I don't think the notches would affect the track itself since the rails look flat at the point they cover the stake pockets.

Doug

[DougR]

Just in case someone else searches the archives and finds this thread, the FMJR does NOT cover the stake pockets at all on my 2008 SR5 DC.

[Demo8BX68]

how do you guys like your fmj's? a friend installs PE stuff and has had nothing but problems in about a years time after they were purchased, mainly delamination of the panels, hopefully they corrected it, i am interested in one and he hasn't really installed any after he had problems

[DougR]

Originally Posted by Demo8BX68

how do you guys like your fmj's? a friend installs PE stuff and has had nothing but problems in about a years time after they were purchased, mainly delamination of the panels, hopefully they corrected it, i am interested in one and he hasn't really installed any after he had problems

I've only had the FMJR less than a month, so way too early to tell if there is a long term problem. The FMJR doesn't have any vinyl; it's all aluminum, so I don't think that was the version your friend had a problem with though.

I'm very impressed with the FMJR. I have a Roll-N-Lock on my 2001 Dakota Quad and like the FMJR a lot more. The R-N-L has a real problem with debris getting into the canister and blocking the drain holes. The canister then fills with water and leaks into the bed. THE FMJR's cannister opening is much tighter then the R-N-L's and the drain tubes are larger. Only time will tell if this solves the problem though.

The installation is very simple, although I did have a problem with my bed liner (Perma Guard installed by the dealership).The liner wouldn't let the canister position close enough to the front of the bed; this caused the rails to stick about 1/4" too far at the tailgate end. I had to cut out part of the bed liner to allow the cannister to fit against the front of the bed.

The FMJR uses the factory rails to mount, so the installation is very fast. (There's a clamp option for trucks without rails.) The only problem with the installation is that the Toyota OEM rail clamps wont fit under the FMJR. The knob for tightening them is too large. When I get a chance, I've got to see if I can make the knobs smaller with a Dremel tool.