How Tight do the Clamps Need to be When Installing the Thule Xsporter on a 2012 Ford F-150

Updated 08/24/2017 | Published 08/23/2017

Question:

do you tighten clamps until bedrail deforms .. if they deform the clamping will they reshape when i remove the rails from the truck bed are have i permently deformed my plastic rail bed covers. will a heat gun bring them back in shape i think i may have messed up please help me thanks

asked by: Tommy T

Expert Reply:

Per the instructions for the Thule Xsporter Pro Adjustable Height Truck Bed Ladder Rack # TH500XT you are supposed to tighten the bolts on the clamps down to 10 ft-lbs. If you really cranked down on it and overtightened it then that is probably why your bedrail is deformed.

If you didn't put the shims in-between the brackets and the bed rail then that could also be contributing to it as well.

As for bringing your plastic bed rail covers to their original shape; you can try a heat gun but you would probably be better off double checking with an auto body shop or auto parts store first to make sure.

I have attached a video where one of our install guys demonstrates how to install the Xsporter on a 2011 F-150 for you to check out as well.

expert reply by: Jon G