Tonneau + Rack = Retrax XR + 0?

After doing some research on a tonneau cover, I had decided to go with a Truxedo (either pro or lopro). I popped into a local truck shop to see if they had any in stock. They only had Retrax and Leer covers in stock, and the salesperson strongly recommended the $2,000 Retrax XR (lol) for the security blah blah blah.

I politely said no thanks, that I was looking for a truxedo and could order and install it myself, and I was just in there hoping they had it in stock. I told him thanks for helping me out, and that I’ll definitely be back to pick up a rack and overland tent when I’m ready.

So then he tells me that the Retrax XR is the ONLY tonneau cover that will make it possible to have both a tonneau cover and a rack on the truck bed. I was surprised that I hadn’t found this out in my research, so I am skeptical. Is this true? Is there any more decently priced tonneau covers that will allow me to still stick a rack on my bed.

I’d love to say I won’t spend $2k on a tonneau cover either way, but I think we all know that I’d just be lying to myself haha.

 

Don’t really know. But I stopped at retrax in my search for it

 

The answer really depends on a couple of questions. Are you okay with buying a tonneau and then modifying the rails? Depending on the tonneau you choose, are you ok with it not opening very far (rendering it just a cover).
KB voodoo makes a bracket for their racks to work with tonneau covers, but certain covers work better than others.

If you search "KB Voodoo tonneau cover", it will get you started on some of the other options like this one https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...-lets-me-open-the-cover.727395/#post-26062615

I have a Truxedo Sentry on mine that I plan to modify for a bed rack in the near future. It's just a question of time vs money. The Retrax XR with a Yakima rack is awesome from what I have seen (and the best off the shelf solution), but adding everything up just pushed the price too high for my liking.

 

Price is high true but for me it fit everything I needed. I can further extend the Yakima if I need height to haul large items in the bed. I found that most fixed racks make the bed functional at certain load item heights, I actually modified a front runner rack to sit on top of the Yakima.

 

Somewhat true as of now. Retrax channels allow you to slide in a bed rack and remain functionality. I went with a retrax one xr. Slightly less robust then the $2000 model but I got it for 1279 out the door new. I wouldn’t mind having the stronger retrax but not necessary for me. My setup retrax one XR and uptop truss mid height. Awesome rock solid setup.

Other route is just using tonneau adapters for a bedrack but you’ll likely lose tonneau functionality unless it slides back similarly to a retrax.

 

Talking to a Leonard truck accessories dealer, I mentioned I had a Truxedo soft cover (which I noticed they carried) and just bought a Thule TracRac. I asked if I could modify the rails of the Truxedo to accommodate the TracRac. The Dealer was absolutely sure it could be done. Now this was in reference to a 2nd gen, so I don't know if the 3rd gen is much different. Do with that info as you will...

As of yet, I have not attempted to modify the rails to make it fit. Winter and no garage --- so it waits until warmer weather returns.

 

I have a Truxedo w KBVoodoo rack and it works fine. I like the soft tonneau- allows my to partially roll it up or fully roll it up. Also check out Billie Bars- they are a little higher than the kbvoodoo rack which would be nice at times.

 

WOW......he was either lying to get the sale on the more expensive cover, or he's completely ignorant of the options that are available to you.

We have bed crossbars and complete bed racks that will work for you. We've been making tonneau compatible racks for longer than anybody.

Crossbars are here: https://www.kbvoodoo.com/shop

Bed racks are here: https://www.max-modular.com/shop-max-modular

Let us know if you have any questions.

Also, we have a free shipping sale going on right now: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/max-modular-bed-racks-free-shipping-sale.750222/

 

As an aside do y’all have anything a bit higher than your low profile bars, but not a full rack? I like the convenience of your bar setup KBVoodoo but my dogs would like a little more headroom.

 

We offer 10", 18", 22", and 24" high bed racks.

The tonneau brackets add 2.5" to the overall height of the rack, so you'll want to factor that in.

https://www.max-modular.com/shop-max-modular

 

I got my retrax on sale too. Sorry, I have to take back the I only stopped at retrax. Let me restate I had Billie bars, and front runner, both were made well, I just stopped at retrax because they gave me the adjustability from cab height to higher that’s what I wanted and the cover is topnotch. No issues. This may not be what you want, it’s pricey to buy crap and not like it, either way Good luck

 

It’s 100% not true billy bars and the cover that just folds and locks with the spring handles work mint together if u want it to be functional with the rack just make sure you order the tall billie bars https://billiebars.com/?gadid=53252...MIx8vSnJTa_QIVxt7ICh2rQAXGEAAYASAAEgIeavD_BwE

 

Not true. I’ve a rolling tonneau, with Yakima tracks on them, from Truck Covers USA… it’s pricey too, but his claim ain’t true. You could very likely install Yakima tracks on just about any tonneau with rails - rivnuts fasten the tracks to the sheet metal.