Recommended Ladder Rack for a 2016 Ram 1500 5-1/2' Bed with BAKFlip MX4 Cover

Question:

will the truck hero rail system work on a 2016 ram 1500 5-1/2' bed without ram box crew cab with bakflip mx4 cover? what version of hero rail is recommended for that truck and what adjustable height rack system will work with t-slot rail? i researched the hero elevate and found it is back in RandD testing due to issues. what else is available? i was ease of taking it off an on.. as i only need it on weekends when i pull out fishing kayaks.variable height would be nice so i can have it over cab when loaded and lower it when i have off loaded so it does not catch on limbs.

asked by: Stephen S

Expert Reply:

Thank you for all of the info! I believe you can add the TS Rails to your cover, but since this system is designed for use with the Elevate Rack System and that is currently being tested (June 2020), there aren't any other rack systems that have been tested and approved so we have to go another route.

We do have a few ladder racks that are compatible with the BAKFlip MX4 Hard Tonneau Cover # BAK48207 on your 2016 Ram 1500 5-1/2' bed (no RamBox), but the easiest to remove is going to be the Thule TracRac SR Sliding Truck Bed Ladder Rack # TH43003XT-784. This has a massive weight capacity at 1,250 lbs and after the initial install everything on it is very user friendly and is a lot easier to deal with than any other options.

Please note that the Thule SR isn't height adjustable, nor are any other options that work with your tonneau. For a ladder rack that is height adjustable and compatible with a tonneau cover you'll need to go with the Yakima OverHaul HD which comes with 68" bars # Y01151-5855 or 78" bars # Y01151-5955 depending on what you're needing.

In order to use this with a tonneau cover you'll need something like the RetraxONE XR Hard Tonneau Cover w/ Trax Rails # RTT-60231. This gives you a locking tonneau cover as well as a ladder rack that installs in a track system, which is also height adjustable so it can sit above or below the height of your truck cab.