Tonneau Cover Options For A 2018 Ford F-150 With A Thule TracRac SR Sliding Ladder Rack

Question:

I see some answers to this question, but new models are introduced and things change. I have the TH43002XT-501 installed on my F150 6 1/2foot bed. Id like to know which models of roll-up tonneau covers work with this configuration without rubbing? Also, I like that the retractable ones dont limit visibility and are even easier to retract. But, they have their trade offs. Which models of retractable tonneau covers work with my configuration? And if I want to go the fold-up route, I see that a recent question and answer you list the LEER LE44FR as a good option for a 2018 with a TracRac SR. Are there any other options, and why did you pick the one you did over other options?

asked by: Matt P

Helpful Expert Reply:

The TracRac sliding base used on the Thule TracRac SR Sliding Truck Bed Ladder Rack # TH43002XT-501 is compatible with most inside-the-rails style tonneau covers but every one of them with slightly rub against the slider base as they typically have seals that overlap the edge of the bedrails to help keep water out.

The Leer # LE44FR is a great example of this as you can see the seals on the side stick out about roughly 1/4" - 1/2" and would definitely rub against the ladder rack base.

A cover like the BAK Revolver X4s Hard Tonneau Cover # BAK27ZR would have less rubbing since it has a larger side railing to sit on but it would require you to remove the ladder rack and then lay the bases on top of the rails which would have them sit very slightly crooked. This would be around an 1/8" thick so you might need to slide the bases as far to the outside of the bedrails as you can when installing it to minimize the effect the tonneau cover rails will have on it sitting level.

Retractable covers will also overlap the bedrails and can even block the stake pockets making it impossible to use with your TracRac. The Pace Edwards Full-Metal JackRabbit Retractable Hard Tonneau Cover # 311-FMFA06A29 has the least amount of overlap out of the compatible fits for your F-150 but could still potentially cover a small portion of the rear stake pockets, so you may have to notch the rails to fit your ladder rack.

If I were to choose a roll up cover I personally would go with the # BAK27ZR since it's one of the more compatible options and has both a soft top with hard aluminum base to give your cover more durability.

For a folding cover the Leer # LE44FR would be a great option as it won't block the stake pockets and has a nice fiberglass top, which will hold up even better than the # BAK27ZR.

If I were choosing a retractable option the Pace Edwards # 311-FMFA06A29 looks to be the best option as it has the least amount of railing over the bedrails to limit interference with the stake pockets. These are typically the highest price point and have a canister that takes up bed space so you'd have to be comfortable losing space and paying more.

I've attached some videos below to show you each one of these covers on a truck so you can get a better idea of how they'll look and function.