Recommended Roof Rack And Hitch Mounted Rack For 2013 Chevrolet Silverado

Question:

I have a 2013 Chevy Silverado 2500HD Extended Cab Long Bed with an A.R.E. Z series cab high fiberglass cap that Id like to add a roof rack to. Ill be carrying 2 large aluminum rails that arent heavy, but they are 24 foot long. Im having a hard time trying to figure what system will work for me. Im trying to keep this as affordable as possible, but I still want it look nice and clean. I assume a roof rack is the cheaper, cleaner way to go, but Im not opposed to an over the cap ladder rack type system either. Or perhaps mounting a third roof rack rail on the cab to help distribute the length of the rails Ill be carrying. Any information you can provide would be appreciated. Thanks,

asked by: Damon

Helpful Expert Reply:

With the length of the aluminum rails you said you need to carry, I recommend using a cap rack system along with front mounted hitch and goalpost rack. With the cap rack system you can spread the bars so that you will provide more support.

The rack I recommend for your cap is part # TH29200XT. The aerodynamic crossbars help reduce wind noise and drag, and the rack includes load stops that can come in handy.

I then recommend installing a front mount trailer hitch like part # C31023. This receiver has a 2 inch receiver opening.

Finally, I recommend the Rhino-Rack T-Load Load Bar, part # RTL002. This inserts into a 2 inch trailer hitch receiver and will telescope from 42 to 64 inches so you can carry the cargo evenly. Load stops are included with this as well.

If you install a roof rack on your truck cab it would be a bigger gap between the roof rack and the goalpost if it was mounted on the rear. If you find you still have more sag on the rails you can add a single roof rack crossbar on the truck.