Recommended Sliding Ladder Rack for a 2026 Ram 1500 Crew Cab w/a 5-1/2' Bed

Question

Question:

Part Number: TH43003XT-501 Hi, my old RAM 1500 4x4 with 5.7l was recently destroyed by a falling tree and obviously my Thule racks were also destroyed. I recently purchased a 2026 Big Horn Ram 1500 crew cab 4x4 with a 57inch bed. I like the Tracrac SR sliding truck ladder rack for its relative portability and versatility for both recreational and construction use. My question is whether the base rails can be cut to the proper length 5foot 7 and if the rack itself is available in black. Thanks.

asked by: Rick

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2026 Big Horn Ram 1500 crew cab
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RAM 1500
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Expert Reply:

Hey Rick, thanks for the pictures. Sounds like a tough situation but congrats on your new truck.

The base rails can be cut on the Thule TracRac SR Sliding Truck Bed Ladder Rack item # TH43003XT-501. This will allow you to install the rack on your 2026 Ram 1500 with the 5-1/2' bed. However, you will void the warranty doing this. The uprights and crossbars do not come in black though.

If you're not needing the massive 1,250 lbs capacity and want to hold onto your warranty. I recommend the Thule Xsporter Pro Shift Overland Truck Bed Rack item # TH54RR and the Base Rails for Thule TracRac SR Sliding Truck Bed Ladder Racks item # TH24RV. This combo does come in black and has the same sliding feature. Your capacity will drop down to 600 lbs.

What do you typically use your ladder rack for?

You can add this information, along with any other questions you have, where it says Reply to Jerred H.

expert reply by: Jerred H

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TH54RR
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Rick

12/29/2025

Jerred H, Thanks for the prompt reply. With regards to what I typically carried on my racks I would say it has varied between home projects and recreation. My trucks are usually utilitarian hauling firewood, construction lumber, sheet goods, dump runs along with my Old Town Canoe, Kayaks, 34" extension ladders or whatever the situation calls for. My concern is not usually total payload but weight distribution between the the uprights and the forces at highway speeds potentially causing undue stress. If these factors can be minimized or ignored then it is quite possibly the solution I am looking for. Secondarily, the ability to quickly remove the racks to reconfigure to allowing for a different payload type is a high priority. Thanks. Rick

Jerred H.

12/31/2025

@Rick That's the most versatile response I have ever heard from someone using a ladder rack. It makes sense why you're wanting to go with a high end setup like the Thule TracRac SR item # TH43003XT-501. Your concerns are valid which is why I threw in the warranty comment. The item # TH43003XT-501 isn't designed to fit your short bed 2026 Ram 1500. The modification you're going to have to do to make it work could cause protentional issues. You also run into the fact that modifying the rails will reduce the ladder racks capacity because you're significantly shortening the base. I still think going with the Thule Xsporter Pro Shift Overland Truck Bed Rack item # TH54RR and the Base Rails for Thule TracRac SR Sliding Truck Bed Ladder Racks item # TH24RV is going to be the best option. This setup is designed specifically for the 2026 Ram 1500's with the 5-1/2" bed. Thule's accounted for the shorter base length when they set the capacity limit and it's warrantied.

Rick K.

12/31/2025

@JerredH Thanks Jerred, Looks like the setup I need. This will be my final purchase of 2025. Happy 2026.

Jerred H.

12/31/2025

@RickK You're welcome! That has to feel good. I know it's been an expensive one for me and I didn't get a new truck this year. I hope you have a great New Years eve and enjoy the new year. If you have any additional questions don't hesitate to reach out.

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Recommended Sliding Ladder Rack for a 2026 Ram 1500 Crew Cab w/a 5-1/2' Bed

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