Tonneau-Compatible Bed Racks: How to Choose

This guide is for pickup owners who want a bed rack and a tonneau cover on the same truck. The first decision is how the two share the bed; then check each product page for what it is made to work with.

Three ways a rack and a cover can share a bed

A tonneau cover closes over the open cargo box to hide and shelter what is carried inside; depending on the design it rolls, folds, retracts or lifts open. A bed rack carries gear above the bed. The products and maker descriptions here describe three set-ups:

• A rack on the bed rails or bed sides, mounted to the truck and standing above the cover.
• A cover with T-slot rails, plus cross bars that attach to those rails.
• A headache rack with low-profile tonneau hardware, so the rack frame and a low-profile cover fit the same truck.

Browse Truck Bed Racks and Truck Bed Covers & Tonneau Covers.

Check first: with or without a cover

The Go Rhino XRS Cross Bar Kit for Tonneau Cover T-Tracks (5935015T) fits the 2019-2027 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500 and Ram 1500, and the 2015-2027 Ford F-150. Go Rhino says it attaches to the T-tracks of T-slotted tonneau covers, with the 4-CORE cross bars about 6 inches above the bed cap.

The similar Go Rhino XRS Cross Bars Kit for Full Size Truck (5935001T) mounts to the bed rails, for trucks without a tonneau cover. Go Rhino says it is for full-size trucks that run without a tonneau cover, leaving the bed open under a rooftop tent or cargo box. If you run a cover, choose the kit made for tonneau T-tracks.

Tonneau covers with T-slot rails

The RetraxPRO XR Manual Retractable Tonneau Cover with T-Slot Rails fits the 2020-2026 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD/3500 HD and GMC Sierra 2500 HD/3500 HD with the 8 ft bed, except trucks with factory side storage boxes or the CarbonPro bed. The description does not say which racks attach to its rails or what load they take, so check the product page before pairing a rack.

A headache rack beside a low-profile cover

The BackRack Low Profile Tonneau Hardware Kit, for the 2004-2014 Ford F-150 (2004 new body style), is the inside-rail adapter that lets a BackRack frame and a low-profile tonneau cover fit the same truck, with no drilling into the bed. It is hardware only: the cover and the rack are sold separately.

More options, by vehicle

The BAKFlip MX4 TS Hard Folding Tonneau Cover (449120TS) fits the 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 with the 5 ft 8 in bed. BAK says the T-slot channels in its bed rails accept aftermarket crossbars, racks and cargo carriers.

For the Jeep Gladiator, the Fishbone Offroad Full Tackle Rack System fits the 2020-2026 Jeep Gladiator (JT). Fishbone says it can be used with tonneau covers, sits 21-5/8 in high off the bed side, level with the roof, and supports up to 500 lbs.

For the Tacoma, the Fishbone Offroad Chase Rack With Molle Window Panel fits the 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma. Fishbone says it bolts into the existing factory rail or clamps onto the bed side, and supports up to 75 lbs. Its product page does not mention a tonneau cover, so do not assume it works with one.

Owners of a 2019+ Ram 1500, Silverado 1500 or Sierra 1500 can start with the Go Rhino 5935015T and a T-slotted cover. For the Ford Ranger, check the fitment table on the product page and use the vehicle selector on the Truck Bed Racks page.

How to choose

• Height against the cover. Compare the rack's stated height with how your cover opens: folding panels flip forward toward the cab, and a retractable cover rolls into a canister at the bulkhead. Check both product pages.
• What mounts where. Bed rails or bed sides, a deck rail system, or a cover's T-slot rails. Some products are listed "with" or "without" a rail system; match your truck.
• Load. Use only the maker's stated figure. Where a page gives none, do not guess.
• Overhanging loads. Ladders and lumber can reach past the cab or tailgate; check your province's rules for overhanging loads.

Vehicle pages and brands

Bed racks by vehicle: 2020-2026 Jeep Gladiator, 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma, 2021-2026 Ford F-150, 2015-2020 Ford F-150. Brands: Go Rhino, Retrax, BackRack, BAK Industries, Fishbone Offroad. Each product page lists the years, makes and models it fits; use the vehicle selector. We ship across Canada.

FAQ

Can I put a bed rack over a tonneau cover?

Some racks are made for it: Fishbone says its Gladiator Full Tackle Rack can be used with tonneau covers, and Go Rhino's 5935015T attaches to the T-tracks of T-slotted covers. Where the product page says nothing about a cover, do not assume it.

Does the Go Rhino XRS full-size kit work with a cover?

The 5935001T mounts to the bed rails, and Go Rhino says it is for trucks without a tonneau cover. The kit for tonneau cover T-tracks is 5935015T.

Is there a tonneau-compatible bed rack for the Ford Ranger?

For the Ranger, check the fitment table on the product page. Use the vehicle selector on the Truck Bed Racks page and check each product page for tonneau cover wording.

Does the BackRack low-profile kit include a rack or cover?

No. BackRack says the rack and the cover are sold separately.