Yes, it is possible to have a tonneau cover with bed rails. Some tonneau covers are mounted inside the bed, while others are mounted on top of the bed rail. Roll-up covers that mount on the inside of the truck bed allow access to the top of the truck bed rail to add tie downs or bed rails, provided that the truck has stake pockets. There are also bed rails that are multi-purpose and can serve to secure cargo or can be used as a grab handle when climbing into the truck bed, and they do not interfere with the tonneau cover. Some tonneau covers even use rails for installation but still allow some use of the bed rail.
What Are The Types Of Tonneau Covers That Can Be Used With Bed Rails?
There are different types of tonneau covers that can be used with bed rails. Roll-up covers that mount on the inside of the truck bed allow access to the top of the truck bed rail to add tie downs or bed rails, provided that the truck has stake pockets. Some tonneau covers use rails for installation but still allow some use of the bed rail. Bed rails that are multi-purpose and can serve to secure cargo or can be used as a grab handle when climbing into the truck bed do not interfere with the tonneau cover. Additionally, there are tonneau covers with built-in T-slot channel utility rails that work with Rhino Rack, Thule, Adarac, and Yakima racks and accessories.
Can I Install Bed Rails After I Have A Tonneau Cover?
It is possible to install bed rails after having a tonneau cover. In fact, installing a tonneau cover with bed rails can help tighten the cover and prevent it from sliding back and forth. Bed rail installation kits are available, which are a standard set of bed rails that are different from heavy-duty bed rails. If you have any type of inside mount tonneau cover, the best match for your cover will be the bed rail installation kit. Additionally, some tonneau covers use rails for installation but still allow some use of the bed rail. Therefore, it is possible to install bed rails after having a tonneau cover, and it can even add to the functionality and securement of your truck while hauling cargo.
Will Bed Rails Affect The Installation Of A Tonneau Cover?
Bed rails may affect the installation of a tonneau cover, depending on the type of tonneau cover and bed rails. Some tonneau covers are mounted inside the bed, while others are mounted on top of the bed rail. Most roll-up covers mount on the inside of the truck bed, which allows access to the top of the truck bed rail to add tie downs or bed rails, provided that the truck has stake pockets. If you have an over-the-rail bed liner, it is best to check with the tonneau cover you want to buy to make sure it can be installed with an over-the-rail bed liner. However, some tonneau covers use rails for installation but still allow some use of the bed rail. Therefore, it is important to consider the type of tonneau cover and bed rails you have to determine if they are compatible and how they may affect the installation process.
What Are Stake Pockets And Why Are They Important For Installing A Tonneau Cover With Bed Rails?
Stake pockets are holes located on the top of the bed sides of a truck that are important for installing a tonneau cover with bed rails. Most roll-up covers mount on the inside of the truck bed, which allows access to the top of the truck bed rail to add tie downs or bed rails, provided that the truck has stake pockets. Truck racks that are compatible with tonneau covers also install into the truck’s stake hole pockets, leaving the bed rails free for the cover. Additionally, bed rails mount to stake hole pockets located in the top of the bed sides and have little to no interference with low-profile tonneau covers, though they won’t work in conjunction with high-profile covers like soft tri-folds and certain roll-ups. Therefore, stake pockets are important for installing a tonneau cover with bed rails, as they provide a secure and compatible location for installation.
Are There Any Tonneau Covers That Come With Bed Rails?
There are tonneau covers that come with bed rails, such as the RetraxONE MX Retractable Truck Bed Tonneau Cover, which works perfectly with bed rails. However, it is important to note that bed rails are typically sold separately from tonneau covers. Bed rails mount to stake hole pockets located in the top of the bed sides and have little to no interference with low-profile tonneau covers, though they won’t work in conjunction with high-profile covers like soft tri-folds and certain roll-ups. Additionally, some tonneau covers use rails for installation but still allow some use of the bed rail. Therefore, it is possible to find tonneau covers that come with bed rails or to purchase bed rails separately to use with a tonneau cover.
How Do I Choose The Right Bed Rails For My Tonneau Cover?
To choose the right bed rails for your tonneau cover, you should consider the type of tonneau cover you have and the compatibility of the bed rails with your truck. Soft roll-up covers come with bed rails that keep the cover secured with snaps, Velcro straps, or another type of fastener. There are also bed rails that are compatible with both tonneau covers and tool boxes, and it is important to understand the difference between the two and which might be best for your truck and setup. Additionally, tonneau covers are made to fit a specific year, make, model, and bed length, so it is important to use a tonneau cover fit guide to ensure that you choose the right cover for your truck. Bed rail installation kits are available, which are a standard set of bed rails that are different from heavy-duty bed rails and are the best match for inside mount tonneau covers. Therefore, to choose the right bed rails for your tonneau cover, you should consider the type of tonneau cover you have, the compatibility of the bed rails with your truck, and the specific bed rail installation kit that matches your tonneau cover.
Can I Still Access The Bed Rail With A Tonneau Cover Installed?
It depends on the type of tonneau cover you have installed. Some tonneau covers are mounted inside the bed, while others are mounted on top of the bed rail. Most roll-up covers mount on the inside of the truck bed, which allows access to the top of the truck bed rail to add tie downs or bed rails, provided that the truck has stake pockets. Bed rails that are multi-purpose and can serve to secure cargo or can be used as a grab handle when climbing into the truck bed do not interfere with the tonneau cover. Additionally, some tonneau covers use rails for installation but still allow some use of the bed rail. However, if you have an over-the-rail bed liner, it may be difficult to install a tonneau cover, especially if it is an inside the bed mounted tonneau, as it squeezes the width of the tonneau. Therefore, it is important to consider the type of tonneau cover and bed liner you have to determine if you can still access the bed rail with a tonneau cover installed.
Also Read:
- Best Stainless Steel Tonneau Covers
- Where Can I Buy Replacement Seals For A Bakflip Tonneau Cover?
- How Many Ford Points For A Tonneau Cover?
- Are Tyger Tonneau Covers Good?
- How Do I Repair Stress Cracks On My Canister For Retractable Tonneau Cover?
- What Are The Best Tonneau Cover Locks?
- How Do I Stop My Tonneau Cover From Blowing Open On The Freeway?
Resources:
- https://realtruck.com/blog/truck-racks-that-work-with-tonneau-covers/
- https://www.onallcylinders.com/2015/10/06/the-top-10-truck-accessories-of-all-time-1-tonneau-covers/
- https://www.spyderindustries.com/blogs/news/how-to-choose-bed-rails-for-your-rack
- https://www.etrailer.com/faq-tonneau-covers.aspx