Investing in a sturdy bed rack can prove ultimately rewarding if you usually go on road adventures in a truck or travel trailer.
A bed rack extends your truck’s bed capacity, allowing you to bring additional gear on the trip. You can rely on the framework to transport different types of travel items, from tents to bicycles, kayaking gear, and so on.
Moreover, a bed rack improves uniform load distribution. This can enhance your truck’s safety and reduce aerodynamic drag, especially when cruising along bumpy terrain.
But after getting a suitable bed rack, the next important step is to safely mount it over your truck. The installation process can be incredibly challenging for first-timers, especially with no proper guidelines.
Fortunately for you, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide on how to install a bed rack with a view to optimizing your road adventure.
1. Find a Custom-Built Rack
Bed racks come in multiple shapes and styles. Some are pretty compact, whereas others are more elaborate.
While scouting for the best Tacoma bed rack, it’s prudent to take into account your vehicle’s model. This eliminates all the guesswork, allowing you to hunker down on a suitable rack on the first attempt.
If need be, measure the area over your truck’s bed and use those measurements while shopping for the perfect bed rack.
2. Gather Relevant Installation Tools
The type and number of tools you’ll require to install a bed rack depends on the rack’s design. However, most racks will require the following mounting tools;
- Bed clamps
- Upright brackets
- Bar brackets
- Faceplates
- Utility rail T-nuts
- Socket wrench
- Adjustable wrench
- Tape measure
- Drill and drill bits
As you assemble the mounting tools, be sure to also gather the necessary bed rack accessories – crossbars, wind deflectors, etc. Most importantly, ensure you receive all the hardware in the right quantity.
3. Have an Extra Pair of Hands (And Eyes)
As bed racks are typically constructed from steel, they can be exceedingly challenging for a single person to hoist. Therefore, it’s best to seek help from a friend or family member.
Besides providing support in lifting the heavy bed rack framework, working with someone else also means there are more eyes to probe for any installation errors.
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4. Prepare the Working Space
Most bed rack mounting hardware is relatively small and easy to misplace. If lost, these items can stall the installation process.
The best way to keep track of each mounting tool is by working on a clean and neat space.
Besides, pick a flat rather than a sloppy surface. This prevents the tiny mounting tools from rolling off the workspace while assembling the bed rack framework.
5. Clean Your Truck Bed
Truck beds remain exposed to the elements most of the time, which means they can easily collect debris.
From tree leaves to twigs, splinters, and plastic bottles, this clutter can significantly impede the bed rack installation process. Your best bet is to clear them away.
6. Clean the Bed Rack Too
Cleaning a bed rack before installation isn’t necessary if it’s a brand-new rack. But if the platform has been gathering dust in your garage for months, it may have acquired dirt and rust that requires cleaning.
A soft, moist fabric is all you need to wipe dust off a bed rack. In the case of rust, you might consider repainting the corroded sections or the entire framework.
7. Read the Installation Manual
Most bed racks come with elaborate mounting instructions. Invest some time reading the manual to familiarize yourself with the installation process.
Understanding the bed rack installation guidelines can help to minimize errors and accelerate the mounting process. It also provides additional insights, such as the amount of torque to apply while tightening screws and bolts.
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8. Measure the Truck Bed
It could happen that you didn’t measure your truck’s bed while shopping for a bed rack or have lost the measurements. In either case, this is another opportunity to take the measurements using a tape measure.
Measuring the truck bed lets you adjust the rack accordingly while assembling it.
9. Assemble the Brackets
Armed with your truck’s bed measurements, proceed to assemble the brackets. Constantly refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines to determine the types of fasteners to use with each bracket.
Moreover, check that the brackets are correctly aligned with your truck’s bed rails and perfectly balanced before tightening them.
10. Place the Rack over the Truck Bed
With the brackets firmly secured, setting your bed rack over the truck is time. This is where an extra pair of hands is necessary.
Lift the rack from each end and gently lay it over the truck bed, preferably from behind the truck. Ensure the framework is properly centered and aligned with the vehicle’s roof rails.
11. Secure the Rack and Test the Truck
If everything looks great, secure the rack using the provided hardware and then perform a safety check by shaking the truck.
Watch out for any rattling sounds or irregular shifts, as these indicate weakness in certain components of the bed rack.
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Final Word
Bed racks can provide numerous perks for your truck, from extending its storage space to helping with load distribution. However, to unlock those benefits and enjoy a fun-filled road trip, proper installation is paramount.
Hopefully, you can rely on this article as your practical handbook whenever you’re planning to mount a bed rack over your truck or travel trailer.
