How Tight do the Clamps Need to be When Installing the Thule Xsporter on a 2012 Ford F-150
Question:
do you tighten clamps until bedrail deforms .. if they deform the clamping will they reshape when i remove the rails from the truck bed are have i permently deformed my plastic rail bed covers. will a heat gun bring them back in shape i think i may have messed up please help me thanks
asked by: Tommy T
Expert Reply:
Per the instructions for the Thule Xsporter Pro Adjustable Height Truck Bed Ladder Rack # TH500XT you are supposed to tighten the bolts on the clamps down to 10 ft-lbs. If you really cranked down on it and overtightened it then that is probably why your bedrail is deformed.
If you didn't put the shims in-between the brackets and the bed rail then that could also be contributing to it as well.
As for bringing your plastic bed rail covers to their original shape; you can try a heat gun but you would probably be better off double checking with an auto body shop or auto parts store first to make sure.
I have attached a video where one of our install guys demonstrates how to install the Xsporter on a 2011 F-150 for you to check out as well.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Thule Xsporter Pro Adjustable Height Truck Bed Ladder Rack - Aluminum - 450 lbs - Silver
- Ladder Racks
- Truck Bed
- Fixed Rack
- Recreation
- Aluminum
- Adjustable Height
- 400 lbs
- Over the Bed
- No-Drill Application
- Thule
more information >
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