Recommended Ladder Rack For Hauling Kayaks On A 2017 Ford F-150 With A Short Bed And Tonneau Cover

Question:

What is the maximum distance between the front and rear crossbar? Im looking for a rack to carry 2 13.5foot tandem kayaks over the bed, while also towing travel trailer some of the time. Vehicle is a 2017 F150 SuperCrew with 57inch bed, Bakflip G2 on bed already.

asked by: Ben

Expert Reply:

The crossbar spread for Rapid Switch Systems ladder racks are 6' for full-size long bed models like the # RS79FR you were looking at and 66" for short bed racks.

Since your 2017 Ford F-150 has a 5.5' bed you won't be able to use the # RS79FR and the ones that are compatible with your bed length aren't compatible with your tonneau cover so you would have to start looking at an alternative option.

I recommend the TruXedo Elevate Truck Bed Rack System # TX96NV since it will provide you with a railing that your BAKFlip G2 # BAK26329 can clamp onto. The manufacturer didn't have the crossbar spread measurement, but we can figure out a general spacing. The base on this system is a track that's 63" long and the tower bases are 8" wide so the crossbars would sit roughly 4" from the edge of the track giving you a 55" crossbar spread.

This ladder rack can also adjust its height to either 18" or 28" tall so if the crossbars don't clear the top of the cab you can lower the rear crossbar to angle the kayaks upwards. Tie-downs like # TH52FR can be used in the tracks to help secure your kayaks or any other items that you might need to haul.

expert reply by: Kevin C