Low Profile Rack and Tonneau Cover For a 2015 Ford F-150 SuperCrew Short Bed Truck

Question:

Im looking for a low profile crossbar rack syste, that moves fore and aft on tracks, that is also compatible with a load bearing retractable or roll up tonneau cover. 2015 Ford F-150 Supercrew shortbed. I want to have dry space protected in the bed, with ability to throw stuff like coolers on top. Also want to be able to put bikes, skis, rack platform, pop-up tent, cargo box, etc above the tonneau, but not way high up in the wind stream.

asked by: Rob M

Expert Reply:

I have a solution for you, but unfortunately equipping a tonneau cover restricts your options when you want to add bars to your truck bed. These tend to cover or interact with the stake pockets, which the bed bars tend to use, and limit the available space for these bars to operate in the way you want them to. Additionally, these systems tend to not be compatible with racks when equipped with roll up or retractable covers.

Instead, I recommend a traditional ladder rack system. One of the best we've found for use with a variety of tonneau covers is the Thule, part # TH43002XT-508. which will adjust quickly via hand tightening knobs to any position along its two tracks. This will run even with or slightly above your bed, extending 25 inches above the included track, but leave open the three distinct cargo zones you're looking for. I've included our video review of this rack on a 2005 Ford F-150 so you can better see how this rack performs.

For a tonneau cover, we have two hard covers that are compatible with the Thule.

If you don't have the cargo management system, a great tonneau cover that works with the TracRac is the BAK Revolver X2, part # BAK39329. This is a rolling cover that is constructed from aluminum and vynil, and sits inside the bed rails, away from the stake holes, giving your TracRac and the Revolver X2 plenty of room to operate independently.

I don't recommend operating the vehicle at highway speeds with things on top of the tonneau cover, but the Revolver X2 can support the weight of a cooler or two for a little bit if you need it to.

If you do have the cargo management system, then a cover like the RetraxONE MX Hard cover, part # RT60370 is a premium option. Its a manually retractable lexan cover that can support loads up to 200 pounds. It has stake hole cutouts for the TracRac and includes a locking system to easily secure your belongings and access them quickly. This is not an economical option, but provides a wealth of added features great for a lot of what you're wanting to do.

I've included videos of all of these parts so you can see how they work and how they work in action.