Headache rack, Backflip tonneau cover and TruXedo Elevate TS Rails -- installed photos & notes

[Rico520]

I installed the backflip tonneau cover, truxedo elevate ts rails and a universal headache rack that are working out great!

So after getting my backflip cover and the elevate ts rails, I was able to do some measurements and went with this universal headache rack

https://m.northerntool.com/shop/too...1752?cm_mmc=Housefile-_-RECEIVED-_-707-_-CONF

So I like that when I put lumber or anything in the back and it is up against the tailgate, when it is strapped down it does not interfere with the stock antenna. So there is no clearance issue there.
I used the universal rack, as posted above, but I did not use the top cross bar that came with it (which is designed for much bigger trucks.) instead I 3d printed some caps and used electrical tape to make sure they don’t blow off. (They are a pretty snug fit, so I don’t think they would, but I did it anyways just to make sure there is a good seal).

I couldn’t find any replacement t bolts from the elevate ts rails, so I used some 3/8” carriage bolts from Home Depot, used my grinder and flattened out the carriage portion a little bit so it would slide in perfectly into the t slot.

All in all I think it is working out really good. And I feel like it makes the truck a whole lot more useful!

I am super happy with my hybrid maverick! And wanted to share encase this might help someone else out looking to do something similar.

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[Dman]

Dang! I really like this... Getting more work out of our "Trucklettes".
The headache rack looks a little tall for my taste but I completely see how well it works to keep the load off the stock antenna.

Do you have any noticeable wind noise at highway speed from the headache rack when it's empty?

Ok, I just noticed that the cover can be folded up and left in place with the wood on the headache rack! Neat-O!! How's the seal around the cover near the headache rack? I know they're never a perfect seal even by themselves but I was wondering if the headache rack makes rain get in even easier.

 

[Hot Runr Guy]

Well done!

HRG

 

[Mav&Goose]

That's an awesome set up!! I am planning on getting the Rough Country hard tri-fold. Hopefully it works with the Elevate TS rails. Thanks for sharing!

 

[GPSMan]

The lumber like that is OK as long as you keep speeds under about 35 mph.

In no circumstance take lumber like that at highway speeds. The wind drag is tremendous and I don't care if you used 10,000 lb straps, it's an accident waiting to happen. But nice arrangement for short trips around town which I'm sure is your primary need, right?

 

[mav_kev]

The lumber like that is OK as long as you keep speeds under about 35 mph.

In no circumstance take lumber like that at highway speeds. The wind drag is tremendous and I don't care if you used 10,000 lb straps, it's an accident waiting to happen. But nice arrangement for short trips around town which I'm sure is your primary need, right?

My thoughts too - sure the stuff technically fits, but that sure seems like a road hazard. Not sure this solution for lumber hauling is better than using the secondary tailgate angle and letting it hang out the back. To each their own, but happy not to be driving behind OP with that load.

 

[GPSMan]

All about wind loading in this case.
I like it well enough for 35 mph and under.

 

[Rico520]

Dang! I really like this... Getting more work out of our "Trucklettes".
The headache rack looks a little tall for my taste but I completely see how well it works to keep the load off the stock antenna.

Do you have any noticeable wind noise at highway speed from the headache rack when it's empty?

Ok, I just noticed that the cover can be folded up and left in place with the wood on the headache rack! Neat-O!! How's the seal around the cover near the headache rack? I know they're never a perfect seal even by themselves but I was wondering if the headache rack makes rain get in even easier.

I have not noticed any wind noise difference with the rack on vs with it off.

The seal is pretty good around the rack. The only place I have water get in is at the tailgate. But I did have weather seal that came with the elevate rails and the trifold cover, so I pieced it together and cut small pieces for any gaps and made sure I sealed it tight when I installed it.
I do keep a plastic tub in the back that I can put stuff in that I want to make sure stays dry, but overall I get very little water in there, and it’s only from the tailgate side.

 

[Rico520]

The lumber like that is OK as long as you keep speeds under about 35 mph.

In no circumstance take lumber like that at highway speeds. The wind drag is tremendous and I don't care if you used 10,000 lb straps, it's an accident waiting to happen. But nice arrangement for short trips around town which I'm sure is your primary need, right?

I did the trip on the highway without any issues, it was about a 20 mile drive, I kept it at 55mph even thought the speed limit was 70, and was having wind gusts up to 35 mph during that drive. I’m not an engineer so I couldn’t say how dangerous that was, but I didn’t have any issues/damage and everything is still solid.

 

[maverickeric]

Curious why run your items this way vs with the gate partially down, all the way down, or prop it up against the closed tailgate? I wouldn't want to haul my load this way. What are the dimensions, 10'?

 

[Rico520]

Curious why run your items this way vs with the gate partially down, all the way down, or prop it up against the closed tailgate? I wouldn't want to haul my load this way. What are the dimensions, 10'?

I honestly had some other loose stuff in the truck bed I didn’t want just falling out. And I didn’t have a red flag to put on it, and they didn’t have any of the cheap plastic ones out in the load area that day.

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