Can You Use a Rack with a Tonneau Cover?

Tonneau Cover Type

If you are going to get a tonneau cover to protect your truck bed and you have a rack mounted on it as well, you need to be sure that the two accessories are compatible. Some types of tonneau covers will be more versatile than others and will be more likely to fit with your rack. Knowing which tonneau cover types will work best will help you make the right choice for your truck.

• Soft Roll-Up. If you want to be sure that your tonneau cover won’t get in the way of your rack, a soft roll-up cover is your best option. These covers are stay low-profile and usually don’t require much in the way of special mounting hardware. The rack will also not be in the way of the cover since it rolls up horizontally.

• Hard. Depending on the type of hard cover you get, your rack is likely to get in the way when opening and closing it. If the cover does not fold up but is just on a hinge, there may not be enough clearance. However, some folding hard covers will be short enough to clear the rack.

• Retractable. Many retractable tonneau covers are specifically designed to be used with rack systems. They are short and low-profile, making them perfect for using underneath the rack without getting caught on it.

• Tri-Fold. Tri-fold tonneau covers offer some of the best protection from the elements due to their weather seals. However, they tend to interfere with the rack when folding the panels back. Before you decide that a tri-fold cover is the right option, be sure to check the size and width of the panels against the height and width of your bed rack uprights.

Rack Type

Whether or not a tonneau cover will be compatible with your rack will also depend on the type of rack you have. Some racks are going to be more forgiving when it comes to clearance than others. Knowing how the different types of racks interact with tonneau covers will help you narrow down your search.

• Over-Bed. If you have an over-bed rack with quite a bit of clearance between the top rails and cover, you shouldn’t have any issues with compatibility. Typically, these racks will have enough room for hard covers and soft covers alike.
• Side-Mount. Side-mount racks are installed on your pickup’s bed rails. Unfortunately, many tonneau covers use the bed rails for mounting as well. Some soft covers, though, will not need these rails for mounting and can be easily used with a side-mount rack.
• Universal. If you are looking to use a tonneau cover with your truck’s rack, a universal rack is your best choice. These are specifically designed to fit any kind of configuration on your truck and are easily adjustable. The height, for example, can be changed to fit your tonneau cover and make it easy to open and close without any clearance issues.

How to Find a Tonneau Cover That is Compatible with Your Rack

If you want to make sure that a tonneau cover will fit with your pickup’s rack, you will need to take some measurements. Measure the distance between the top of the bed rails and the top bar of the rack. Then, check the size of the tonneau cover, including its length when it is open. If, for example, you are getting a tri-fold cover, divide the total length by three to see how high each panel will go when you are folding it back.

You should also consider the range of motion for the specific tonneau cover you are looking at. If possible, avoid hinged covers that open up all the way as the rack will usually interfere with these. Generally, when you have a rack, a tri-fold, or roll-up cover will be your best option.

If you are looking for the perfect tonneau cover for your pickup’s rack, look no further than AmericanTrucks. Our wide selection of covers from reliable brands like Proven Ground and TruShield will ensure that you find something that works perfectly with your setup and get it delivered right to your home.