to Tonneau or not to Tonneau

[MiniMack]

I have been looking for a bed rack (for a RTT) that will work with my truxedo Tonneau cover. I think the only one out there that would work is the XTR1 xtrusion but they are a little above my price point. MY question is: This is my first truck. I have always had a tonneau cover on it. Heck it was in the garage about a year before I got the truck. If I were to remove the cover during the summer months when the rails are on to haul the tent and paddle boards how much would I miss that protection. What do people do to protect their shtuff in the back of the truck without a cover? Any advice would be appreciated. Or do I just double my budget and get the XTR1 and move on with my life a little poorer than I planned. Breaking budget is hard for me.

HaHa Thanks!!

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[Vettereddie]

What are you storing in the bed on a regular basis? Myself, I have insulated grocery bags, first aid kit, paper towels, and some hand tools (Philips, flathead, tape measure, adjustable wrench, pliers) so nothing really high dollar.

If I had to go without a tonneau I'd probably get a not too expensive plastic storage bin to keep it dry, then strap it to a tiedown point so it doesn't knock around in the bed. Something like this should work well in 27 or 55 gal depending on the amount of stuff you have.

55 Gal. Tough Storage Tote in Black with Red Lid

 

[MiniMack]

What are you storing in the bed on a regular basis? Myself, I have insulated grocery bags, first aid kit, paper towels, and some hand tools (Philips, flathead, tape measure, adjustable wrench, pliers) so nothing really high dollar.

If I had to go without a tonneau I'd probably get a not too expensive plastic storage bin to keep it dry, then strap it to a tiedown point so it doesn't knock around in the bed. Something like this should work well in 27 or 55 gal depending on the amount of stuff you have.

55 Gal. Tough Storage Tote in Black with Red Lid

Mostly Softball gear/bags, umbrellas, lawn chairs, etc. I think the large storage tote is a good idea for the summer months! Thanks for the reply!

 

[Joe Strummer]

I'm not sure anything will work with your tonneau cover as it completely covers the sides of the bed.

 

[710-oil-614]

I want a bed rack but don't want to lose the functionality of a tonneau cover, and like you I have the Truxport (from Ford).

I like the ability to roll it out of the way and still have full use of the bed but then have it back and shut in a pinch as I'm sure you do too.

Honestly if you're taking the step to get a rack I would make the jump to a compatible tonneau because you will regret not spending that extra in the end if you don't have functionality that you desire.

Breaking budget for aesthetic reasons would not be wise. Breaking budget to ensure you maintain the functionality you want is sometimes a necessary evil.

 

[lavaspill]

Depending where you live they can be a pain in the winter. Ice/snow, stuck closed etc.

 

[Hunters Edge]

I wouldn't even think of doing without some type of bed coverage. I would seriously look at a small trailer rather than a bed rack. I like to keep snow and rain off the bed and whatever I have in the bed. More importantly the safety of a hard cover even a soft cover offers some protection out of sight out of mind.

Don't get me wrong I had a f150 with a dog box in the bed. So I opted for a rack that went over the cab and bed so I could haul a flat bottom boat. The bad no way to secure or keep things safe. When hunting everything thrown in the cab. On a long drive parked to keep an eye on truck while eating stopping at rest room etc. The next truck went with a cap and I bought a boat trailer. I had several small trailers but for me the security and keeping items I'm hauling dry far exceeds a rack. That's just me or my opinion if you think it's what you want go for it. I just wished someone sat me down and explained what I was giving up for the rack. Including loss of mileage and more likely possible more wind noise in the cab. Usually the volume knob on the radio solved that issue. Good luck with whatever your decision is but definitely think about it. Besides a trailer can come in handy for many things besides just kayaks.

Depending on the state, in Michigan you get a lifetime license/registration on a trailer. So that was another plus for me going to a trailer.

 

[Leetruck]

There are a few tonneau with t-slots on them. out there. Syneticusa has one I am planning to get so I can't review it yet.

https://www.syneticusa.com/index.ph...eau/synetrac-pro-tonneau-cover-short-bed.html

I just did a factory build for an XL hybrid so I was looking around for options before I bought. I settled on a hard rollup to be more secure on trips. It had good reviews for being watertight. It locks, and has aluminum slats. They say they can hold 500 lbs distributed on top of it.
I have an old t slot Yakima rack which will fit the slots for bikes. I also have a bunch of T-slot extrusions which I might make a taller rack as it would be fun to build.
The website is a lot of fun and with trucks running around in the country showing off their racks and add ons.

 

[aurfalien]

I have been looking for a bed rack (for a RTT) that will work with my truxedo Tonneau cover. I think the only one out there that would work is the XTR1 xtrusion but they are a little above my price point.

Hey there.
A bit late to the discussion however BillieBars seems to have one that looks compatible with tonneau covers;
https://billiebars.com/products/billiebars-ford-maverick-2022-present?variant=39899012792365

I too am weighing which will be more practical; a tonneau cover, a bed rack with of course subsequent Molle panels or both.

However as some have already eluded to; spending a little more for true functionality and flexibility may be in order here.

My 2 cents; seems like a tonneau cover will get more use then a rack would.

 

[Jah.]

I use the tonneau cover all the time . have Yakima roof rack for truck that has been on truck once ( adjustments to fit maverick ) . rack sits in garage for just in case . Had rack from f150 to haul canoe and fits maverick . It all depends on life style .

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