Securing ladder rack to Maverick bed rails - best practices

[iam2sam]

I just installed a Vevor aluminum ladder rack on my 2025 XL 2.0. The rack itself seems plenty sturdy, but it attaches to the bed rails with conventional camper-type clamps, and I'm not very happy with the way they work on the Maverick bed; they just don't fit quite correctly on the rails. I have it clamped down with a *lot* of torque, and It is probably good enough for orange box runs around here, but I'd be hesitant to trust it carrying anything substantial on a long highway trip. If you have found and overcome this fit issue with clamps and the Maverick bed, what was your solution? Thanks.

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[Pequa1]

My JY performance rack from Amazon ($110.) came with two J bolts for each lower section and they hook into a rectangular metal bar under the plastic rail of the truck. No side bars but they would be in the way for me anyway. I had to use a deep 3/4" socket to tighten them down but even without sidebars it is sturdy, although I haven't put anything heavier on it than our 66lb tandem yak, and usually only my 49lb Hurricane Skimmer. Last week I cut 4'' off of each of the four female tubes on the top pieces. Photo is a before pic, when I found them too high. I considered drilling holes for set screws but don't think I will need them.

 

[Hot Runr Guy]

These clamps? I agree with this user, shimming under the brackets to provide a more level surface would be a good idea.



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[lm126027]

I just installed a Vevor aluminum ladder rack on my 2025 XL 2.0. The rack itself seems plenty sturdy, but it attaches to the bed rails with conventional camper-type clamps, and I'm not very happy with the way they work on the Maverick bed; they just don't fit quite correctly on the rails. I have it clamped down with a *lot* of torque, and It is probably good enough for orange box runs around here, but I'd be hesitant to trust it carrying anything substantial on a long highway trip. If you have found and overcome this fit issue with clamps and the Maverick bed, what was your solution? Thanks.

thought about a rack like that, but went with the roof rack for my kayak and am happy with that

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