Tonneau + Rack Advice

[MAMiller44]

Hey all,

So I'm trying to pull the trigger on a tonneau/rack (short) setup and am curious if there's a setup out there that anyone has had that will satisfy what I'm hoping for. I want a cover for everyday use in Florida, so something that can stay nice and dry during hurricane season. I don't want anything motorized. Theft is not a huge concern for me so it's not like I need a vault. I do intend to do some camping with the truck so I'd like a setup where I can put in a roof rack system as needed to throw a tent on. I wouldn't keep the rack on for everyday use so I'd be going with a quick release type system. I do like the lower rails as well that just hover right over the bed, not looking for a full blown overland setup with rails that are at roof level.

Before the Retrax fanboys come in, I want to either be able to retain full bed use, or have an easily removable system. Don't get me wrong, I really like the Retrax Pro XR series! BUT the one thing I don't like about it is the lost bed space and the fact that it would be a smidge of a pain if I wanted to remove it for hauling anything where I wanted full use of the bed since the tracks and cover itself are all integral. That is literally the only thing holding me back from pulling the trigger and why I'm curious if anyone has another setup out there that would satisfy my needs.

I've seen covers that can either pop out of the track easily so you can stow just the cover portion while leaving the tracks on, or ones like the backflip that can push up vertically against the rear window so you have the full extent of the bed space available when you need it. But has anyone setup one of these with a rack for a rooftop tent too?

Please share, pics would be great too if you have them! =)

 

[MAMiller44]

Nothing on this? After hours of research this new setup by Front Runner looks promising: https://www.frontrunneroutfitters.com/en/us/ford-f150-raptor-2015-curr-retrax-xr-load-bedrrkit.html I'd expect that after you install it once and get everything aligned you could probably slide the whole thing off in one go if needed leaving the legs on. This would still have the downfall of the retrax taking up some extra bed space even if fully opened.

Other thing bouncing around my head is using some rails that will be permanently installed on top of the bed rails with a bakflip inbetween. Thule makes a set but it's a bit bulky and they only have the one TracRac option to use with it. Maybe I could do that and get a custom one fabbed up that I could slide on and off when needed. Other thought was the Front Runner universal rails. I tried to do some digging but couldn't find it, has anyone used these before for a permanent install? They look pretty low profile and clean looking.

 

[Xexar]

Hi MAMiller, I had similar requirements but i wanted a hard roll cover for security. I went with the TruXedo Sentry + Elevate rack system.

https://www.tonneaufactoryoutlet.co...ystem/truxedo-sentry-elevate-rack-system.html

This uses standard t-rails so you could use different parts from Thule, etc.

 

[Vegas_Sirk]

Nothing on this? After hours of research this new setup by Front Runner looks promising: https://www.frontrunneroutfitters.com/en/us/ford-f150-raptor-2015-curr-retrax-xr-load-bedrrkit.html I'd expect that after you install it once and get everything aligned you could probably slide the whole thing off in one go if needed leaving the legs on. This would still have the downfall of the retrax taking up some extra bed space even if fully opened.

Other thing bouncing around my head is using some rails that will be permanently installed on top of the bed rails with a bakflip inbetween. Thule makes a set but it's a bit bulky and they only have the one TracRac option to use with it. Maybe I could do that and get a custom one fabbed up that I could slide on and off when needed. Other thought was the Front Runner universal rails. I tried to do some digging but couldn't find it, has anyone used these before for a permanent install? They look pretty low profile and clean looking.

Looks like you found the FrontRunner set up. Thats what I have (my rack will be here tomorrow).

I have the Retrax Pro XR bed cover and the Front Runner rack. Note: Front Runner's package on their site is different than what a lot of us are running. For some reason, the kit uses a smaller rack, taller legs and 6 legs vs 4. I wanted lower legs similar to this:

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bqn0XrRFxA1/

So reached out to them directly and they provided the attached parts list. To order you need to call them.

 

[mpa90]

Would the front runner work on the pace Edwards ultra groove cover? They have the t-slots also.

 

[Vegas_Sirk]

Im not sure I have the Retrax pro but if the rails are the same width apart you should be cool,

 

[mpa90]

Thanks for the info. I also got a reply from front runner. They said it should fit with no problem.

 

[Red GSXR]

Could you please post some photos? Also, how do you like it? Thanks

 

[Tr4ckD4ys]

Sooo... it appears that when going over landing, you need a cover. Why is that? People steal from the bed while you sleep in the rooftop tent? Or because of weather (which if you don’t keep gear in the bed that minds water shouldn’t matter either)...

 

[mpa90]

For me, I would like a rack to attach our bikes while carrying gear covered and secured in the bed. We tow an airstream basecamp, so cant use a hitch bike carrier......just my needs.