What Ladder Rack do You Recommend for My Tonneau Cover on a 2021 Ford F-150?

Published 01/08/2022

Products Featured in This Question

Thule TracRac TracONE Ladder Rack w/ Cantilever - Fixed Mount - 800 lbs - Silver

(408)

$1199.90

BAK Revolver X4s Hard Tonneau Cover - Roll Up - Aluminum and Vinyl - Matte Black

(74)

$1299.99

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

(86)

$1999.85

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

(86)

$1999.85

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

(86)

$1999.85

Thule Load Strap Cinch Straps w/ Padded Cam Buckles - 15' - 750 lbs - Qty 2

(74)

$54.95

Question:

Can I install this Product over a bed cover ?

asked by: Thomas P

Expert Reply:

I have a great ladder rack solution for you. When considering ladder rack compatibility, there is one key aspect to consider: whether the ladder rack mounts onto the truck's bed rails. The reason why this is a deciding factor is because bed rails are used to install most tonneau covers. If you ladder rack interferes with the bed rails, then either the rack or the tonneau can be used at a time (not together).

For this reason, the Thule TracRac TracONE Ladder Rack w/ Cantilever - Fixed Mount # TH27000XT-EX will not fit over your tonneau cover. This is because the TracRac TracONE mounts over the bed rails. However, if your current tonneau cover leaves your F-150's stake pockets completely open like the BAK Revolver X4S # BAK56ZR (for 5-1/2 foot beds), I recommend the Thule TracRac SR. Depending on your truck's bed length, you need a different model of TracRac SR:

- Thule TracRac SR Sliding Truck Bed Ladder Rack w/ Cantilever # TH43002XT-508EX (for 5-1/2 foot bed)
- Thule TracRac SR Sliding Truck Bed Ladder Rack w/ Cantilever # TH43002XT-501EX (for 6-1/2 foot bed)
- Thule TracRac SR Sliding Truck Bed Ladder Rack w/ Cantilever # TH43002XT-000EX (for 8 foot beds)

With the TracRac SR, the base rails do not install anywhere on the bed rails which allows it to be installed simultaneously with a tonneau cover that leaves the stake pockets open. Also, with the TracRac SR, you have the same Cantilever that hangs over your truck's cab. If you need straps to secure your cargo, I recommend the Thule Load Strap Cinch Straps w/ Padded Cam Buckles - 15' # TH523.

It is important to note that if you have a roll-up cover or a folding cover installed on your truck, there may be some slight rubbing against the base rails of the SR. This is because the uprights slant inward toward the center. However, since the SR has adjustable uprights, you can manipulate the bases in order to avoid rubbing.