Bed Caps & Bed Rails FAQ

1. How much weight can I tie to my bed rails?

Weight capacity varies by model, but most bed rails have a capacity between 300 and 500 lbs, which is more than enough for securing most loads. Capacity varies by material strength, size, and mounting design.

2. Will my bed caps work with my tonneau cover?

The relationship between bed caps and tonneau covers can be tricky. Most bed caps are thin enough to protect your paint without hindering the mounting or function of your tonneau cover. And, the vast majority of caps will fit overlapping hard tonneau covers.

3. Can I combine bed rails with a tonneau cover?

In certain cases, yes. Bed rails work perfect with a tonneau cover that mounts flush with the bed between the rails. This leaves the top of your truck bed untouched and ready for bed rails on the side. For use with a hard tonneau cover that overlaps the truck bed, bed rails can be mounted to the cover by carefully drilling holes into the top. While you can then secure loads on top of your hard tonneau cover, it's generally done for decoration only.

4. Which bed caps are tougher: ABS plastic or metal?

ABS plastic bed caps are generally more impact and scratch-resistant than metal bed caps. These metal caps, made from aluminum or stainless steel, are more prone to small dings and scrapes that can ruin the exterior look. ABS plastic bed caps are also stronger against corrosion resistance, especially rust, which can ruin metal caps and your paint.

5. Will my new bed caps cover my stake pockets?

It's your choice—bed caps come with or without cutouts for stake pockets. Your stake pockets can remain open for future utility uses, or they can be covered for extra blockage of moisture. In fact, some bed caps come with pre-formed punch-outs, giving you the option to see what's best yourself.

6. How difficult is it to remove bed caps once they've been installed?

Most bed caps rely on heavy-duty foam tape for secure mounting. As this tape is designed for securing bed caps as well as a few screws might, it can be pretty difficult to remove. If you want to take off your bed caps, do so carefully. Being hasty with their removal can cause the damage you set out to prevent.

7. Do I have to drill to mount my bed caps or bed rails?

The vast majority of bed caps install with heavy-duty mounting tape alone. Some models, though, also recommend attaching with screws along the inside to work in conjunction with the tape. Bed rails will mount with no drilling required if your truck is equipped with stake pockets. For each end of the rail which does not have a stake pocket to fit into, though, drilling will be required.

8. Will my bed caps scratch easily?

The amount of scratch damage to your bed caps depends on how careful you are when loading your truck and which finish you get. In general, non-painted ABS plastic bed caps are less prone to scratches than brushed or polished metal bed caps. However, plastic bed caps will show gouges and nicks in the surface where most metal bed caps won't.

9. I've read all the information on bed caps and bed rails, but still can't decide which ones to buy. What should I do?

Please give us a call at 1-800-874-8888. One of our friendly, knowledgeable Auto Accessory Specialists will be happy to answer any questions you may have and help you select the right bed caps or bed rails for your vehicle.

10. What if I want to get a tonneau cover in the future?

Some individual tonneau covers need to mount flush with the truck bed, though. These covers will not work with bed caps, as the thickness of the cap won't allow proper mounting. These tonneau covers are usually noted as unable to fit bed caps by both the dealer and the manufacturer.