Invis-A-Rack did not get a deal on Shark Tank. Inventor Donny McCall walked away without an investment after he refused to consider moving manufacturing overseas. The product did not disappear, though. Within weeks, Dee Zee announced in August 2012 that it had taken an exclusive worldwide license and would take over manufacturing, marketing, and distribution. The story after the episode is mostly about that license, and it is also where the public record stops: the sources available for this article date from 2012 to 2014, so current availability is not something they can confirm.
What the Sharks were offered
McCall asked for $100,000 in exchange for 10% equity. ABC News reported that the Sharks turned the offer down after he would not consider overseas manufacturing. The sticking point was production cost, and the most specific figures came from Kevin O’Leary on air. He compared an estimated $250 per unit to build in the United States with a hypothetical $150 per unit overseas, assuming a run of 1,000 units. Those numbers were O’Leary’s pitch-room illustration, not audited production costs, and they should be read that way.
McCall’s response, quoted by ABC News in May 2012, was short: “It’s not what I’m going to do with my company.” He also said, “It’s not just about profit.” Those two lines capture the decision. He was choosing to keep production in the United States even though it meant a higher unit cost and no investor.
Dee Zee takes over under license
Dee Zee’s announcement dated August 30, 2012 said the company had acquired exclusive worldwide license rights to Invis-A-Rack and would immediately assume manufacturing, marketing, and distribution. McCall said Dee Zee had been on his radar for a few years as a natural fit, but that the company only made contact after his episode aired.
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The arrangement means the product’s name and rights passed under a license, not a sale of the company as a whole. Readers looking for McCall’s current role should not assume he still runs production. The 2012 announcement describes the license terms, and it does not describe any later changes to them.
Sales after the license
Assembly Magazine reported in 2014 that “after just three months, Dee Zee sold more Invis-A-Racks than McCall had sold in the previous three years.” That is a trade publication’s comparison for an early period after licensing. It is not a sales total, and it does not describe the product’s sales in 2026.
Rank #2
- Robust Aluminum Construction: Crafted from extruded aluminum, this basket-style cargo carrier offers a blend of durability, lightweight design, and resistance to rust. Easy to install, clean, and maintain, it's a reliable choice for your hauling needs.
- Sturdy Under Support Frame: Boasting a heavy-duty steel under support frame, this carrier includes a 2" x 2" hitch shaft compatible with standard Class III and IV hitch receivers, ensuring secure attachment and dependable performance.
- Enhanced Safety Features: Equipped with reflector lenses and red corner accents, this carrier enhances visibility for safer journeys. The high side rails not only keep your cargo secure but also provide multiple tie-down points for added convenience.
- Instant Cargo Space Solution: Ideal for camping trips, long road adventures, or transporting items that you'd rather not place inside your vehicle, this cargo carrier offers instant and versatile storage space on demand.
- Generous Basket Dimensions: Outer basket dimensions measure 49-1/4 x 22-1/2 x 7-1/4 inches, while the inner basket dimensions are 47-1/4 x 20-1/4 x 6 inches, providing ample room for various cargo types and sizes.
What the product is
Invis-A-Rack is a collapsible rack that mounts in a pickup truck bed. ABC’s episode page describes it as a rack for carrying kayaks, ladders, and lumber. ABC’s page also states that McCall had received Popular Mechanics’ Best New Product of the Year award for 2010; that claim is attributed to ABC’s episode page and is not independently confirmed here.
Dee Zee’s installation manual, dated 2014, identifies three model numbers:
Rank #3
- HEAVY DUTY STEEL CONSTRUCTION: 1 Piece construction with matt black powder coating finish that resists the elements, rust and scratches.
- MESH SURFACE: Prevents smaller objects from falling through, 14.4" raised tubular side rails(3.2" only when folded) to make sure cargo do not jolt or slide randomly.
- SAFETY REFLECTORS: Driving at night, rainy days or other severe weather is very dangerous. Equipped with 2 red reflectors to help you safety at night.
- EASY INSTALLATION: Fits any 2" trailer hitch opening, 500 Lbs distributed weight capacity. Works well if you distribute the weight evenly on platform when hauling a load, keep it balance for the cargo load or fix in the middle position.
- EXTRA LARGE SIZE & CAPACITY: Perfect for hauling extra cargo bags, camping equipment, luggage and more.
- DZ 951550
- DZ 951600
- DZ 951800
The manual gives separate installation instructions for 5.5-, 6-, and 8-foot bed applications. The reviewed material does not spell out which model number goes with which bed length, so check the exact model against your bed length in Dee Zee’s current documentation before you order.
Load limit and safe use
The manual’s warning reads: “Invis-A-Rack load should never exceed 500 lbs. and should always be evenly distributed & secured.” The 500 lb figure is Dee Zee’s maximum for the rack under its own instructions, and it assumes even distribution and secure tie-down.
Rank #4
- ✅ EXTRA LARGE STORAGE CAPACITY - Free up space behind your vehicle with this cargo carrier basket that can hold up to 500 lbs. The folding design allows it to be folded up when not in use.
- ✅ RIGID CONSTRUCTION - Heavy duty square tube steel construction with black powder coating resists weather elements and corrosion, offering many years of long-lasting use.
- ✅ EXTRA SECURITY - The 6" tube rails keep cargo contained and provide vertical load support during transport. The included waterproof bag, cargo net and rachet straps provide more strength and protection when stretched over larger cargo items.
- ✅ EASY INSTALLATION - WEIZE hitch mount cargo carrier is designed to fit a 2" receiver hitch at the rear of your vehicle. It is specifically intended for installation on the back of your car. Please ensure your vehicle has a 2" receiver hitch before purchasing. This product is not compatible with other size of hitches.
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The manual also sets these requirements:
- Confirm that all supports are fully engaged before loading.
- Inspect connections frequently, not only at installation.
- Secure cargo to the truck bed’s factory tie-down points, not to the rack’s rail clamps.
- Keep fingers clear of pinch points while extending or folding the rack.
- Do not set up or stow the rack while it carries a load.
Check fitment before you buy
Do not assume every model fits every truck. Before buying, confirm:
- Truck make, model, and year.
- Bed length, matched to one of the 5.5-, 6-, or 8-foot applications in the manual.
- The Dee Zee model number that matches your bed and truck.
- Whether your bed has the factory tie-down points the manual requires for securing cargo.
Is it still sold?
Dee Zee’s official site has a product page for the rack. A 2025 SlashGear retrospective describes the product as still available, but that is a secondhand statement, and it does not confirm live stock. The sources here do not establish a current retail price, current inventory, or current listing status on Amazon or any other retailer. To check, look up “Dee Zee Invis-A-Rack truck bed rack” on Dee Zee’s site and at the retailers you use, and confirm the model number and price on the live listing before buying.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【100% Waterproof & Heavy-Duty Material】 Made with upgraded durable 840D PVC material and high-frequency welded seams, features a double-layered waterproof cover, this rooftop cargo carrier keeps your luggage dry even in heavy rain, snow, or long-distance travel. Built for road trips, camping, and family vacations.
- 【21 Cubic Feet Extra Storage Space】 Expand your vehicle’s storage instantly. The large 21 cubic feet roof top cargo bag (52 x 40 x 18 inches) easily fits 4–6 suitcases, tents, sleeping bags, and travel gear, free up inside vehicle space for more comfortable on the way.
- 【More Secure with 10 Reinforced Straps & 6 Door Hooks】 Upgraded safety system includes 10 reinforced straps, 6 door hooks and anti-slip mat for stronger stability at highway speeds and prevent scratch from your car simultaneously. Keeps the roof bag firmly in place even on long drives or windy conditions.
- 【Fits All Vehicles With or Without Roof Rack】 Designed to work with cars, SUVs, vans, and trucks — no matter if you have side rails, crossbars, or no rack at all. Quick installation in minutes.
- 【Complete Travel Kit Included】 Comes with anti-slip mat, luggage lock, reinforced straps, door hooks and storage bag for easy setup, safe travel, and compact storage when not in use.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
