Tonneau Cover Recommendation for 2017 Ram 1500 to Add Bars for Carrying Bikes and Kayaks

Published 08/22/2019

Products Featured in This Question

RetraxPRO XR Hard Tonneau Cover - Retractable - Aluminum - Matte Black - Accessory T-Slots

(93)

$1849.99

Yakima OverHaul HD Adjustable Truck Bed Ladder Rack w/ Tonneau Cover Adapters - 68" Crossbars

(119)

$1558.90

Question:

Im looking for a bed cover hard or soft that will allow me to mount kayak racks on the rails of my 2017 ram 1500pickup with a 5 1/2 foot bed

asked by: Vance

Expert Reply:

For your 2017 Ram 1500 5-1/2' bed I recommend using the RetraxPRO XR Hard Tonneau Cover w/ Trax Rails # RTT-80231 and the Yakima OverHaul HD Adjustable Truck Bed Ladder Rack # Y01151-5855 because it gives you a secure tonneau cover plus a way to carry your kayaks all at the same time. The uprights for the OverHaul HD are adjustable height-wise between 19" - 30" above the truck bed rails so that you can gain more bed clearance for taller items.

If you're looking for a system that is a little more cost-effective you can use the same tonneau cover that has the Trax Rails with the Yakima CoreBar Crossbar System for Retrax XR Series Tonneau Covers # Y00422-482104. This rack option has a fixed height so it isn't as versatile as the OverHaul HD but it is still a great option.

Please note that these options are only available if your Ram doesn't have the RamBox. If you do have the RamBox or were thinking of a different solution just let me know and I'd be more than happy to help you find the perfect system.

expert reply by: Jon G