Truck bed rack, open storage

[sparetime]

I have been having an ongoing internal debate about putting a bed rack on my F150. I'd like to get a Oztent, and it is too long for the 5.5' bed. So I am thinking about a bed rack for the truck, but that means I can't use the tonneau cover that I currently have on it. For those of you using a bed rack, how are you keeping your gear dry, dust free and secure? I live in Minnesota, so I'll probably just put the rack on for spring/summer/fall adventures. Snow in the winter so will want the tonneau cover back on for that season. My winter camping tent will fit in the bed under the tonneau.

Originally wanted a RTT, but with a new puppy decided that it would be better to stay on the ground.

 

[moderndaynorseman]

There are companies out there that make racks designed to be used at the same time as a canopy/camper shell (Kargo Master for example) and I'm having one built by a fabricator in my area out of aluminum as I need the canopy for the secure vertical space it gives since I also have a short box.