Stripped C-Clamp Bolts on the TracRac TracONE Truck Bed Ladder Rack

Updated 01/30/2018 | Published 01/29/2018

Question:

On the TracRac system I have read lots of comments about c-bolts striping out. Have you improved the product? I will be taking the racks on and off quite a lot and their quality concerns me. Also, can the distance between the front and rear supports be adjusted smaller? All the pics I’ve seen, folks have them spread as far as possible I’ve got short kayaks.

asked by: Brenda

Expert Reply:

The TracRac TracONE Truck Bed Ladder Rack part # TH27000XT-EX would be the correct fit for your 2002 Chevrolet Silverado. The bolts used in the c-clamps that hold the mounting feet to the trucks bed rails are a 3/8-16 x 2-1/2" long button head cap screw. I've seen some of the reviews about them being easily stripped and contacted the manufacturer. The design of the bolts has not been changed (January 2018) and since the issue still seems relevant, I recommend replacing them with 3/8-16 2-1/2" hex head grade 5 bolts which can easily be found at your local hardware store.

The upright posts can be positioned wherever you want them as close or far apart as you like. All you will need to do to move them is loosen the c-clamp bolts and slide the uprights into your desired position while tightening the c-clamps back down. In order to carry a pair of kayaks on the above ladder rack, I recommend using two of the part # RR580 which will mount in the t-slots on the TracRac's crossbars.

expert reply by: Conner L