Locking, Low-Profile Retractable Tonneau Cover and Ladder Rack Recommendation for 2018 F-150

Updated 04/04/2022 | Published 03/28/2022

Products Featured in This Question

RetraxONE MX Hard Tonneau Cover - Retractable - Polycarbonate - Matte Black

(26)

$1499.99

Load Stops for Adarac Truck Bed Ladder Rack Crossbars with Mounting Channels- Qty 2

(34)

$32.78

Aluminum Tie-Downs for Adarac Aluminum and Aluminum Pro Series Ladder Rack Utility Rails - Qty 4

(41)

$27.86

Adarac Aluminum Series Custom Truck Bed Ladder Rack - Silver - 500 lbs

(52)

$717.30

Adarac Aluminum Series Custom Truck Bed Ladder Rack - Matte Black - 500 lbs

(52)

$717.30

Erickson Winder Ratchet Tie-Down Strap w/ S-Hooks - 1" x 15' - 400 lbs - Qty 2

(2)

$19.25

Question:

Looking for a retractable tonneau cover with locks and a compatible ladder rack. Also needs to be low-profile. What do you recommend? This is for a 2018 Ford F-150 with a 5-1/2 foot bed.

asked by: James K

Expert Reply:

For a great option for your 2018 Ford F-150 with a 5-1/2 foot bed, I recommend the RetraxONE MX Hard Tonneau Cover - Retractable - Polycarbonate - Matte Black # RT60373. Not only does the RetraxONE MX sit just 1" above the truck bed for a flush look, it also includes a locking handle for ultimate security. The handle allows you to lock the cover at any point along the bed rails. When the cover is closed/locked along with the locked tailgate, this provides amazing theft-deterrence. It comes with a no-drill installation and is 100% made in the U.S.A.

Since the RetraxONE MX comes with a lip that partially covers the stake pockets on the rail caps, there may be a small amount of cutting to ensure that the stake pockets are fully exposed. With that being said, a great compatible ladder rack is the Adarac Aluminum Series Custom Truck Bed Ladder Rack # A66RR (matte black) or # A4001234 (silver). The Aluminum Series comes with a 500 pound weight capacity and installs completely into the stake pockets of your F-150 to not interfere with the RetraxONE MX. Another benefit is that since the ladder rack comes with square crossbars that measure 1-1/2 inches wide x 1-1/2 inches tall, the crossbars are compatible with many clamp-on accessories.

Another great thing about the ladder rack is the available add-ons. For tie-down eye bolts, those are the # A4000882. You can also add adjustable load stops with part # A4000880. For tie-down straps to secure your cargo with the eye bolts, the Erickson Winder Ratchet Tie-Downs # EM57JR work great.