When you’re gearing up for an overland trip, a weekend camping getaway, or even just your everyday outdoor adventures, storage space in your Toyota Tacoma quickly becomes a premium commodity. Between coolers, recovery gear, camping equipment, and rooftop tents, it’s easy to run out of room. That’s why finding smart, reliable ways to expand your truck’s gear-carrying capabilities is a must.
The good news? Outfitting your Toyota Tacoma to carry more gear is easier than you might think. With the right racks and mounting systems, you can safely and efficiently stow everything you need—without compromising ride quality or accessibility. The K9 Rack series from Eezi-Awn (which is available from BTR Outfitters) is one of the most trusted solutions in the overlanding world, and it offers three excellent ways to outfit your Tacoma.
Let’s break down three of the best and easiest ways to upgrade your Toyota Tacoma for maximum cargo capacity.
Install the Toyota Tacoma K9 Roof Rack Kit
The first and most common way to increase your Toyota Tacoma’s cargo capacity is by outfitting it with the K9 Roof Rack Kit. Designed by Eezi-Awn, this expedition-grade system is thinner, lighter, stronger, and more aerodynamic than most roof racks on the market. It’s the gold standard for adventurers who demand performance, reliability, and quiet functionality.
The K9 Roof Rack has an impressive weight capacity. With a dynamic load rating of up to 500 pounds and a static load capacity of up to 1,000 pounds, it’s more than capable of supporting roof top tents, recovery gear, awnings, and storage boxes. However, it’s important to note that these capacities assume your Tacoma has an upgraded suspension designed to handle heavy rooftop loads.
Installation is straightforward and can typically be completed by one person in about an hour and a half. After removing the factory rack, you’ll attach the mounting rail, set up the feet, and place the K9 platform on top. It’s a system designed to be both durable and user-friendly, with an array of sizes and mounting options to fit different Tacoma configurations.
What sets the K9 Roof Rack apart is its adaptability. It’s compatible with a wide range of bolt-on accessories, from Jerry Can holders and shovel mounts to Hi-Lift jacks and Max Trax brackets. Best of all, it supports existing Thule and Yakima gear with standard 6mm hardware. That means your bike racks and kayak carriers can make the jump to your new overland setup without skipping a beat.
Add a Toyota Tacoma K9 Cub Rack for Modular Utility
If you’re after a lighter, more modular setup that still gives you excellent rooftop functionality, the K9 Cub Rack is an ideal solution. Designed specifically for the Toyota Tacoma, this rack lives on your truck’s roof and offers full accessory compatibility in a smaller, more customizable package.
The Cub Rack is perfect if you want a low-profile rack that still provides ample mounting options. With three crossbars and side supports that use 8mm T-slots, you can space the bars however you want—or even order additional braces for a completely flat surface. That makes it an excellent platform for solar panels, Pelican cases, or even smaller awnings and gear pods.
Installation mirrors that of the full K9 Roof Rack and takes roughly 1.5 hours. You’ll remove the factory roof rack, install the mounting channels and brackets, and attach the crossbars and wind fairing. Once everything is in place, you’ll have a sleek and functional rack system that blends seamlessly with the Tacoma’s design.
Despite its compact size, the Cub Rack supports all the K9 system accessories, meaning you don’t have to compromise on functionality. It’s a fantastic option for weekend warriors, minimalist overlanders, or anyone who needs a solid roof rack but doesn’t want a full-sized platform.
Best of all, if you need advice about installation, rack types, and other upfits for your Tacoma, the folks at BTR Outfitters have your back. With years of real-world experience under their belts, the BTR Outfitters team can get you ready to rumble for your next adventure!
Mount the Toyota Tacoma K9 Bed Rail Rack Kit
Last but certainly not least is the K9 Bed Rail Rack Kit—a heavy-duty platform that mounts directly to your Toyota Tacoma’s bed rails using a proprietary system that requires no drilling. This solution is perfect for those who want to maintain full use of their truck bed while still adding serious gear-hauling capabilities.
The bed rail legs mount seamlessly to Toyota’s under-rail channel and support the same K9 platform used in the roof rack kits. You can expect a dynamic load capacity of 500 pounds and a static capacity of 1,000 pounds—ideal for a roof top tent, fuel cans, recovery boards, and other adventure essentials. Better yet, the rack stays low enough to avoid obstructing your view or killing your aerodynamics.
Installation is remarkably quick—about an hour with minimal tools. You simply insert the threaded plates into the bed rail channel, attach the legs, then position and bolt down the platform. Because everything is fully adjustable, you can fine-tune the fit for optimal positioning over your bed.
Security is another bonus here. With the tailgate locked, the bed rack acts as a deterrent to theft, keeping your high-value gear out of sight and hard to access. Combined with the full accessory compatibility of the K9 system, the bed rail rack turns your Tacoma’s bed into a highly functional storage and mounting platform—without sacrificing access to your gear below.
Heavy-Duty Gear for Hard-Fought Adventures
When it comes to building out your Toyota Tacoma for overlanding or heavy-duty adventure travel, gear storage can make or break your setup. Thankfully, with smart solutions like the Eezi-Awn K9 Roof Rack, Cub Rack, and Bed Rail Rack, you’ve got flexible options to meet your needs—no matter your goals or gear list.
Each rack system is designed with durability, versatility, and real-world function in mind. From rooftop storage to modular roof solutions and stout bed rail setups, these options give you the freedom to pack more, travel further, and stay out longer. Whether you’re a weekend explorer or a full-time overlander, upgrading your Toyota Tacoma with one (or more) of these racks is a smart investment in your adventure rig.
Ready to expand your gear-hauling game? Outfit your Toyota Tacoma with a K9 Rack solution from BTR Outfitters and hit the trail knowing your equipment is secure, organized, and ready for whatever the road—or trail—throws your way.
A quick heads-up: If you snag something through our affiliate links or check out our sponsored content, we might earn a commission at no extra cost to you. But fear not, we’re all about recommending stuff we’re truly stoked about!