Can a TracRac Sliding Ladder Rack be Modified to Fit a 2016 Chevy Colorado

Updated 05/01/2018 | Published 04/29/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Thule TracRac SR Sliding Truck Bed Ladder Rack w/ Cantilever - 1,250 lbs

(86)

$1999.85

Erickson Over-The-Cab Truck Bed Ladder Rack - Steel - 1,000 lbs

(45)

$780.75

Question:

Can this be modified to fit the chevy colorado extra short bed? I have a 2016 crew cab Colorado with the 52foot bed. As long as the width dimension is the same as the 6 foot bed, I dont see why I could not modify. I understand I will void the warranty. Please advise.

asked by: Tim

Expert Reply:

There isn't really an easy way to modify ladder rack # TH43002XT-783EX to fit the 5 foot bed on your 2016 Chevy Colorado. The issue is that the base rails mount in the stake pocket holes on the truck. To maintain that connection point the rails would have to be cut in the middle and then welded back together at the proper length so that the base rails line up with the stake pocket holes.

Or you would have to use the front mount only, cut the back ends of the rails, and find another way to secure the back ends of the rails to the truck bed which would likely require drilling into the truck. Like you said it would void the warranty but also who knows how well it would perform or how safe it would be.

There are ladder racks that have an over the cab extension that do fit your truck without modification (though they do not slide). One example is the Erickson ladder lack # EM07707.

expert reply by: Michael H