News

Truck bed racks come in three main heights: short (10-12”), middle (12-15”), and tall (18-21”). Each height works best for different jobs. Short racks cut down on wind drag and help save gas, while tall racks let you carry more stuff. These racks can hold between 300 and 4,000 pounds, based on how they’re built and what they’re made of. Well-known makers like Yakima, Thule, and BajaRack sell racks that work with bed covers and other add-ons. You can put them on with basic tools, but you need to line everything up right. To make your rack last longer, clean it often and keep rust away. Looking at all the details and features will help you pick the right rack for what you need.

Key Takeaways

• Consider rack height options (low, medium, tall) based on your payload needs and fuel efficiency requirements.

• Verify weight capacity limits, ensuring the rack can safely support your intended cargo load up to 4,000 pounds.

• Check rack compatibility with your truck model and existing bed accessories like covers or toolboxes.

• Choose between major brands like Yakima, Thule, or BajaRack based on specific features and mounting options.

• Evaluate maintenance requirements and accessory support needs to ensure long-term functionality and versatility.

Understanding Truck Bed Rack Heights

Truck bed racks come in different heights, and picking the right one matters for how well they work. There are four main height types to think about: low (10-12 inches), medium (12-15 inches), tall (18-21 inches), and ones you can change. Storage solutions maximize your vehicle’s utility for any outdoor activity.

Low racks cut down on wind drag and help save gas, but they don’t hold as much stuff. Medium-height racks strike a good balance between how much they can carry and how the weight sits. Many racks feature modular designs that let you customize them with different accessories.

Tall racks give you the most space to store things, but they catch more wind and might make it harder to see behind you. If you want more choices, racks that adjust let you change the height by about 2 inches at a time, so you can carry different kinds of loads.

Each height works best for different jobs - low racks for everyday driving, medium racks for mixed use, tall racks for long trips off-road, and adjustable ones when your needs keep changing.

Key Benefits of Bed Racks

Truck bed racks make pickup trucks better at carrying stuff. These add-ons help keep cargo neat while letting you stack things higher for outdoor trips and everyday use.

Bed racks work well for many jobs, from building sites to camping trips. You can add different parts like gear holders and lights to make them fit your needs. Best of all, these racks give you more space to carry things without buying expensive truck caps, while keeping your stuff easy to reach. The lower center of gravity of bed rails and low racks helps trucks handle better on the road. A proper bed rack setup can complement your truck’s air intake system for optimal performance and functionality.

Popular Brands Worth Considering

Several top truck bed rack brands stand out in the market, including big names like Yakima and Thule, along with truck-focused makers like BajaRack and Front Runner Outfitters.

Looking at different brands side by side shows what makes each one special - Leitner Designs uses strong aluminum parts, while Yakima makes flexible options like their OutPost HD and OverHaul HD racks. Free ground shipping is included on orders exceeding $99 from authorized dealers.

Each brand brings something useful to the table. Many manufacturers now include battery charging systems to power accessories and equipment during adventures.

BajaRack makes aluminum racks that let you add many extras. Front Runner builds their Slimline II racks in South Africa using smart methods. RCI Off Road makes racks you can set to different heights that can hold lots of weight.

From Leitner’s tough support posts to Yakima’s strong crossbars, you’ll find good choices at different prices, starting under $500 and going up past $2,000.

Installation Methods and Requirements

To put up a truck bed rack safely, you need to get ready and pay close attention to each step. First, check that you have all the parts - the brackets, face pieces, clamps, and all screws and bolts. It’s best to use regular hand tools instead of power tools to avoid breaking anything. Just like using motor oil quality matters for engine performance, having high-quality installation parts is crucial.

The main steps include putting special glue on the screws, connecting face pieces to the standing brackets, and fixing everything to your truck bed using rail nuts or bed clamps. Keep checking that everything lines up right as you work. Make sure to add nylon shoulder washers to the alignment pins for proper installation.

If your truck has a bed cover, you’ll need to take it off before putting the brackets on, then put it back before adding the crossbars.

When you’re finishing up, tighten all the bolts carefully - but don’t make them too tight, or you could damage the whole setup.

Weight Capacity and Load Limits

Weight limits are key to using truck bed racks safely. Basic racks that go over the cab can hold up to 1,500 lbs, while stronger models can handle up to 4,000 lbs.

Remember that a moving truck puts more stress on the rack than when it’s parked - a rack that holds 3,000 lbs while still can only carry 1,000 lbs while moving.

The tracks built into your truck bed can usually hold up to 150 lbs. Before loading up, check both how much the rack can hold and how much weight your truck can carry.

Spread the weight evenly across the rack and follow the maker’s rules. Check your rack often for any damage, and use the built-in straps and rails to keep your cargo from shifting.

Since driving creates extra force on your loads, always stay well under the maximum weight limits.

Aerodynamics and Fuel Efficiency

Truck bed racks that stick up above the cab can hurt your gas mileage and how the truck drives. When you’re on the highway, these racks can make your truck use up to 20% more gas because they block and mess up the smooth flow of air. The faster you drive, the worse this gets.

You can cut down on these problems by picking racks with smooth shapes and wind-blocking shields that help air flow better around them. Adding special caps and covers can help you save up to 80% of the lost gas mileage by making the air flow smoothly over your rack.

It’s best to take off your racks when you’re not using them, since even empty racks waste a lot of gas nationwide. Where you put your cargo matters too - make sure to place it where it won’t catch more wind and slow down your truck.

Material Types and Durability

Truck bed racks come in different materials, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. Steel racks are very strong but can rust over time. Aluminum racks weigh less but cost more. Stainless steel fights off rust well but comes at a high price, while cast aluminum is tough but harder to adjust.

Adding powder coating helps steel racks last longer, while aluminum stays looking good on its own. New ways of making aluminum have made it stronger while staying light, so more people are choosing it for their trucks. When picking a material, think about where you’ll use it, what you’ll use it for, and how much weight it needs to hold to make sure it works well for you.

Truck Model Compatibility Guide

A truck bed rack needs to work well with both the rack itself and any cover you have on the bed. The most important thing is to make sure bed covers fit between the side rails, not over them, so you can still put the rack on easily.

To set up the rack correctly, you need clear access to the holes in the bed walls. Some racks like the Elevate, Access ADARAC, and Putco Venture TEC are built to work with bed covers such as the BAKFlip MX4 and RetraxONE XR.

But some trucks, like the Toyota Tacoma, might not fit both items due to how they’re built.

Before buying, check the maker’s lists to see what fits together. You might want to ask for test pieces to try first.

Also think about how much weight you need to carry - different racks can hold anywhere from 300 to 1,250 pounds.

Accessory Mounting Options

Truck bed racks can hold many add-ons like bikes, boards, tools, and camping gear. Each item needs the right mount to fit properly, so check the bolt patterns, weight limits, and how it attaches.

Most mounts snap on and off easily and can be moved around as needed. You can bolt them through existing holes or drill new ones. The strong metal build helps them hold up during rough trips. By putting mounts both inside and outside the bed, you can use space better.

Maintenance and Long-Term Care

Keep your bed rack working well by cleaning it regularly with simple soap and checking all bolts and screws.

Take the rack off now and then to clean it deeply and look for damage, rust, or cracks.

To make your rack last longer, use rust protection and don’t put too much weight on it. Make sure your gear is spread out evenly and tied down well when driving.

Add rack checks to your normal truck or car maintenance, tightening any loose parts and oiling hinges and joints. If you hear rattling or shaking, check the mounting points and bars right away.

Keep notes about when you fix or clean your rack so you know when it needs work or new parts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use a Car Wash With a Bed Rack Installed?

Going through an automatic car wash with a bed rack can damage your setup. Instead, choose no-touch car washes or wash by hand. When you can, take off the rack to keep it safe.

How Much Wind Noise Should I Expect From a Truck Bed Rack?

Truck bed racks usually make some wind noise, but how much depends on how fast you drive and how the rack is built. Well-made racks that are shaped to cut through the air and installed correctly will keep the noise down.

Will a Bed Rack Void My Truck’s Warranty?

Adding a bed rack usually keeps your truck warranty valid if you use racks the truck maker approves and have them installed by experts. Different truck makers have their own rules, but putting on racks yourself or using ones they don’t approve can cancel parts of your warranty.

Can Bed Racks Be Painted or Powder-Coated After Purchase?

Yes, you can paint or powder-coat bed racks after buying them. Getting them powder-coated by experts will make them last longer and resist damage better. For the best results, make sure the surface is clean and ready before applying any finish.

Do Truck Bed Racks Affect the Resale Value of My Vehicle?

Truck bed racks can affect your truck’s resale value in different ways. Good racks that are put on correctly might make your truck worth more, while racks that leave holes or marks could lower its value. In the end, what buyers want in your area will decide if the rack helps or hurts the selling price.

Conclusion

Selecting the best truck bed rack requires careful consideration of multiple factors including height configurations, load capacity, material composition, and vehicle compatibility. Through proper evaluation of mounting systems, weight distribution, and intended use cases, the ideal rack solution becomes apparent. Quality brands like Gexhaust, proper installation, and regular maintenance guarantee long-term performance and safety. A well-chosen bed rack system enhances vehicle utility while maintaining structural integrity for years of reliable service. Contact us for expert guidance on selecting the perfect truck bed rack for your needs.