What Ladder Rack and Tonneau Cover do You Recommend for My 2021 GMC Sierra 1500?  

Question:

Expert Reply:

For your 6-1/2 foot bed on your 2021 GMC Sierra 1500, you are correct in saying that the Adarac racks will attach into your truck's stake pockets to allow you to use a tonneau cover with it. Specifically, I recommend the Adarac Pro Series Custom Truck Bed Ladder Rack # A4003497. Apart from the 500 pound maximum weight capacity of the rack, another benefit is the fact that the uprights do not taper inward toward the truck's bed. This is really important if you use a folding cover or a roll-up cover that might rub against the bases when you open the cover. With the pro series, you will not have that rubbing problem. You also have the option to add a tie-down kit # A4000882 and adjustable load stops # A4000880. If you need straps to secure your cargo, I recommend the Erickson Retractable Ratchet Straps # EM34415.

As far as the tonneau cover, I recommend the BAK Revolver X4s # BAK72VR. The X4s completely installs into the bed rails of your truck and avoids the side stake pockets that you will use to install the ladder rack. In addition, the X4s includes weather seals that help keep out water from infiltrating the bed. The installation involves an easy bolt-on installation with all hardware included.

expert reply by: Bob C

0

Pace Edwards Switchblade # PE43CV Installed on a 2016 GMC Sierra 2500
(click to enlarge)

Charles

1/1/0001

Hi, you said that is really important if you use a folding cover or a roll-up cover that might rub against the bases when you open the cover. With the pro series, you will not have that rubbing problem. If I chose the adarac aluminium serie #F3030102 (not the “PRO” because I prefer the angle upright), it will be ok with bak 4s tonneau cover?

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Bob C.

1/10/2022

I have a great solution for you. Even though I could not find the exact part number you are referring to, I believe you are probably referring to the Adarac Custom Truck Bed Ladder Rack - Steel with Aluminum Crossbars # A4003493 or the Adarac Aluminum Series Custom Truck Bed Ladder Rack - Aluminum # A4003498. With these particular models, there will be some rubbing as well on your 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 with the BAK X4s # BAK72VR installed. However, if you are set on the inward angle of the uprights, you can always use the Pace Edwards Switchblade Retractable Hard Tonneau Cover - Aluminum and Vinyl - Black # PE43CV. With the Switchblade, there will be no rubbing against the inward angle of the uprights. With the Switchblade, the stake pockets remain open, but there may be a slight overhang from the rail flap. Some neighbors are find with cutting out this small piece while others are fine folding the piece under the upright. I went ahead and attached a photo of the stake pocket with the Switchblade installed on a 2016 GMC Sierra 2500 to give you some perspective.

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