Headache Rack & Tonneau Combo Options? (Mounting headache rack on top of bed rails?)

Hey all,

Does anybody have any options for mounting a headache rack while simultaneously having a tonneau cover installed in our trucks? I am looking at a couple different low-profile tonneau options (ideally roll-up), which need to be mounted within the rail system of our taco beds. As a result, my current headache rack (Back Rack), which also uses the bed rails, is not compatible.

The only adapter brackets that Back Rack makes work with tri-fold tonneau covers that don't open up all the way (e.g. Extang Solid Fold 2.0). These brackets still use the factory bed rail system. (reference: Back Rack adapter brackets)

I was wondering if anybody has mounted their headache racks to the top of the bed rails (i.e. through the plastic cap and into the side of the beds) which would allow the tonneau covers to be mounted within the bed rails without any conflicts. Any suggestions? Any examples? I am not necessarily opposed to drilling into the side of my bed, but wanted to know if there would be any problems/difficulties associated with doing something like that.

Much thanks!

 

Just politely bumping this back up - any insights/feedback/direction would be greatly appreciated!!!

 

Hi John,

See attached images

 

Do you have an explanation of what is being looked at in the top two pictures? I really like that setup and am considering go with something very similar to this.

 

He was showing the plate washer to reinforce the mounting location. If it's not fully supported it could fail.

 

That makes sense. How would you access the underside of the bed rail to mount the plate? Do you have to take the fender off or is there an easier access point?

 

Honestly never looked to attach anything there. I would think from there under side with long arms. Really not sure as I have not done it