Recommended Tonneau Cover and Rack to Carry 3 Kayaks with 2018 F-150 5-1/2 Bed

Question:

I have a 2018 Ford F-150 XLT with a 5 1/2 foot bed. I am looking for a hard tonneau cover and rack that will accommodate 3 - 10 foot long sit-on kayaks. What setup would you recommend?

asked by: Daniel S

Expert Reply:

The RetraxONE XR # RTT-60373 and the Rhino Rack # RRVA165B-RRRLT600 crossbars and a carrier like the Thule Stacker, part # TH830 could be used for the purpose you described, but because the kayaks you'll be carrying are twice as long as the truck bed you'll have half of each kayak hanging off of the rear of the truck, which means that less than half of the length of the kayak will secured by the carrier. You're more than welcome to go this route, but I don't believe this would work very well and wouldn't be the safest way to carry your kayaks.

I sincerely believe that a ladder rack would be the best solution. One of the best ladder racks we offer that are compatible with tonneau covers is the Adarac by ACI. I'd recommend using # A4000964 aluminm Pro Series Ladder rack. This rack would raise the kayaks up above roof level so that they can be properly centered on the vehicle which allows them to be securely attached. This rack is compatible with tonneau covers that mount to the inside of the bed rails, because the top of he bed rails need to remain unobstructed for the ladder rack to mount.

For a tonneau cover, I'd recommend the BAK BAKFlip F1, part # BAK72329. This aluminum and fiberglass reinforced polymer panels are impact resistant and resistant to UV rays and can fold up flat against the rear of the cab leaving more of your bed space free than what you'd have with a retractable cover.

You could then use the Thule # TH830 Stacker mentioned above. If you'd care to see some videos featuring the products I recommended above, simply use the provided links.