Elevate TS Rails – ½ Clamp bolts: Are not that secure!

[DPMaverick24]

Background: I just recently took possession of my 2024 LXT Maverick**, ordered August 2023, built the end of February 2024. My plans for the truck are to add:
a cab high rack (CS Rack – seems overkill and looks so bulky .. still searching)
a hard roll up Tonneau (BAK X4s, X2, TruXedo – best bang for the buck)
a locking fishing (8) pole carrier (Yakima or Rhino)

Since I decided to pay cash for the truck, I’m forced to add these updates over the next year or so as my budget will allow. Hindsight, I probably should have just ordered an XL and used the cash difference for add-on stuff!
After a bit of MTC* researching, I decided the first thing I needed to do was to add the Elevate TS Rail system – which will allow me to add T-Slot type options / rack system of some sort and will also be Tonneau cover compatible!

To the Point:
I’ve been toying around with building/setting up a temporary cross bar rack system (per MTC* DIY) and mounting a locking Fishing pole carrier (trout season is just around the corner) on cross bars. However, after setting up the Elevate TS Rail system last night, I realized that anyone with a crescent wrench could easily steal my rails and anything I had mounted to it with little effort.

I’m surprise for the cost of this rail Kit, it didn’t come with a better set of security bolts like “Button Head Torx” at least, or something like “Kinmar® Removable Security Bolts” at best. Also, I think having round headed bolts would be better where cargo might be concerned!
My 2cents.
Cheers,

P,S. If anyone can explain the difference between the BAK X4 and X2 (besides the price) I’d be interested in knowing.. I found a website with the title: X4 vs X2 but it turned out to be a sales pitch and not a X vs. Y kind of article.

*MTC Maverick Truck Club
**XLT 2.5 Hybrid, LUX Package, Carbonized Gray Metallic, Bed Rails, Co-Pilot360, Protective Film, Splash Guards, FLR LNRS, Secure Code

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[Realtruck]

You make a good argument for security's sake in regard to the Elevate Rack System rails. I believe that since these rails are typically installed with a tonneau cover, that makes them a more secure system- being hidden under tonneau rails and the tonneau cover.

BAK Industries is a proud member of the RealTruck family of brands. The Revolver X2 is a traditional vinyl, with a satin finish. The slats are a brushed aluminum finish. The Revolver X4s has an upgraded commercial grade, matte finish vinyl. This contributes to better UV resistance. Additionally, the X4s has powder coated black aluminum slats, to provide a sleeker, uniform finish. The X2 is backed by a 3-year warranty, whereas the X4s is backed by an industry leading 5-year warranty. Both feature BAK's patented rotational locking slats for superior security. I recommend the X4s, the warranty and upgraded features justify the additional cost.

If you'd like a pricing quote, or to check availability and shipping times, feel free to reach me by PM or email me at [email protected].

 

[Hot Runr Guy]

When you get your DIY cross bars and rack system created, post some pics. I'm curious how far down the rabbit hole you chase this security concern.

HRG

 

[DPMaverick24]

Last minute fishing pole rack - worked out pretty dam well on my trip up HWY 395 for end of trout season in NorCal eastern sierra's . I took down the pole rack I had in my garage and attached 1 end that had the rod fastener and zip tied it down onto my 'Ford' cross bars, I nerfed padded the other cross bar again using zip ties.. I used the bottom section of pole rack to mark out the spacing on a 1x5 redwood plank I had sitting around. Took a drill mounted 1 1/2 inch barrel sander and reamed out the holes at a slight angle Upward on one side and downward on the other side.. All week end my buddy and I were popping our poles in and out while hitting up various fishing spots. really seemed secure, (Albeit, a locking system will be better but that's not in the budget right now).I ended ordering another wall mount set to replace the one i used on my cross bars.

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