We're getting lots of interest about this rack, so here are answers to some of the most common questions. Visit RealTruck.com for more information. See you there!
The Gator EFX hard tonneau cover works with the Elevate rack. I installed them both on my '22 Ram 2500. What I do not like is the lack of Molle panel options. Very limited. Also, anyone with a 1/2" socket wrench and set of Allen wrenches can dismantle this pretty easily and make off with parts or all of your rack. Other than that, a very sturdy, adjustable system..
This is a pretty awesome rack system that I like to have on my truck. However, I have a big concern about being stolen since it is so easy to remove the racks. Would you please advise any suggestions of preventing it being stolen?
Great Content. but What is the Length of the cross bars ? and does Tundra and Tacoma get the same length of Cross bars even if the Tundra bed is much wider ? I google size and I cannot find it anywhere
Thanks for a great video! I have a 2016 F 150 with a 61/2 bed. Because of the cost, I was thinking of getting the Prox15 cover and the rail system with the tie down accessories. I'll eventually get the racks. But I was wondering if there is a load rating for the tie downs??
I don't know if a rating has been established for the tie downs, but I use the tie downs on the rails as handles. The tie downs built into the base of the uprights, those are part of the cast aluminum and are much more substantial. I've used those to secure stuff on top of the rack.
I just got the rails in but noticed there 4 inches on both side of corner rails gape I have 2018 tundra cremax short bed and bought it from Amazon the compact rails 63 in length
I’m interested in a bed rail system like this with a rack that matches the height of a cab mounted rack. That way the rack on the bed rails combined with the rack on the cab can manage a longer ladder - and when not in use the bed mounted rack can be “slid” forward against the cab. I see a comment where someone drilled holes in the uprights to match a cab mounted rack. I’d like to hear more about that.
The load bars on this rack are just above cab height in the lower position, and would probably require slight modification (re drilled holes) to be an exact match with a cab rack. That's fine for longer ladders on a unibody truck like the Maverick because the bed and cab are not separated, but I wouldn't recommend securing a ladder to a bed rack and cab rack at the same time on a body-on-frame truck, as the bed and cab are designed to flex separately, and could tweak the ladder or damage the cab where the rack mounts. Hope that's helpful!
I bought the same setup and I'm having a heck of a time getting my Pro X15 rails to be level - any tricks to getting them level? Attaching them and the CS rails together they seem to want to bend inward - is there a trick to getting them to be level?
The Elevate CS rails came with some thin seals in a roll. Peal off the thick seal that runs along the side of the ProX15 rail, that seals against the bed cap, and replace it with that thin seal. ;)
Do you guys provide different clamps for the rails? I got my rail in and it fits my cover perfect love the fs/ts combo. How ever my only problem is the clamp since my tonneau cover inside the bed has a t slot rail. The cover clamps are t slot so was wondering if u guys provide t slot clamps?
Hello , I have the same set up and love it. Do they make a foam type cover for the load bar for carrying Kayaks. My Thule and Yakima covers are too small. Thanks
I'm not sure if there's a foam pad for this bar, but I've used the Rhino Rack J Cradle and I know they work. Here's a link if you're interested. realtruck.com/p/rhino-rack-kayak-canoe-carriers/v/ford/maverick/2022/
Hey Todd, first and foremost thank you for all the videos. I just received my maverick yesterday and I plan to install the BakFlip MX4 with the Elevate Rack System. I have my MX4 but still waiting for the rack system to arrive. Do you see any issues of me installing my MX4 while I wait for the rack system?
No issue at all. I had the ProX15 installed before my Elevate Rack came in. The cover will be tighter between the rails when the t-slot rails are installed and it may take some messaging for things to line up.
I had in issue with my folding cover not fitting thru the last upright. So, I cannot keep the cover in the upright position. The supports on the cover cannot be used to keep the cover in the upright open position. So, the last panel will always have to be closed flat. I posted a review on Amazon with pictures.
@@loopmj1 I have a few questions if you don't mind: 1. What's the year, make, model and bed size of your truck? 2. What kind of folding cover do you have? (ie: BakFlip, Flex, Xceed, etc.) 3. Just to clarify, did the cover not clear the uprights on the sides, or the load bar at the top? 4. If the load bar was the clearance problem, did you try it with the Elevate Rack in the 28 inch high position, or just the 18 inch height? Thanks in advance, I really appreciate the feedback!
Actually, I want to say yes, but I've never tested the cover that's made for Ford, just the cover it's designed after. It's possible that Ford specifies something different for their cover that would make it incompatible, but it's not likely. Here's how you can tell: roll the cover away from the tailgate and look between the rail and the plastic tab on the cover that the rail locks to when the cover is closed. If there's about 1/8 clearance between the rail and the locking tab, then the rack will work with the cover.
Unfortunately no. Hyundai didn't make the Santa Cruz very friendly for bed accessories. I have nothing against the Santa Cruz, but it irritates me when auto manufacturers go out of their way to make it difficult to customize their vehicles.
So, I've looked into replacing the hardware with locking hardware, but didn't find anything that worked the way I wanted it to. But here's the thing, unless you have the base rails, the rack is worthless. To get the base rails, they'd have to break into the tailgate, and then they need the know how to uninstall the cover.
@@ToddsTruckLife sure the rack is worthless without the rails but that doesn’t prevent for the rack to be stolen, that’s exactly what I don’t want to happen
@LUIS FABIAN HERNANDEZ yeah, I get it. That's why I tried locking hardware. Unfortunately, the keyed socket was too wide for it to work. There may be other locking hardware out there that does work, but I haven't found it. Even if it worked, they could still just cut it off like they do with catalytic converters. I take as many precautions as possible. I park under a camera at home and at work. If I can find locking hardware that works, I'll use that, but right now I have a Pioneer Platform on top of it, and that would take a couple guys to steal it like that. If it was just the uprights, I could just leave them at home when they aren't in use. I get too much utility and fun out of this rack to skip it because someone might steal it. Get stuff that makes you happy, and be as smart as you can with it. If you let them stop you from getting what makes you happy, you're letting them steal your happiness.
How much static weight realistically do you think? I know at 751 lbs its not going to cave but between myself and the people i want to put in my RTT it might be close to or right at 750. 2nd part of the question, how easy does this work with a Tundra Factory tonneau?(Bakflip mx4)
Weight ratings were established for a full-size truck model, at the tallest setting because the taller the uprights and further apart they are, the weaker the scenario. Static is 750 pounds. That's if you're parked at the campsite with all the people and gear in the tent. 500 pounds driving on the street and 250 bouncing down the trail. Unfortunately, with the way the rail attaches to the threaded Deck Rail holes on the Tundra, it can't accommodate a t-slot rail to be sandwiched between the bed cap and the cover's rail.
@@isaynox if it's the older style design that clamps to the bed rail flange, then it would work as long as you have 1/8" between the frame of the cover and the inside of the rail. But the newer generation covers don't clamp the same, and the aluminum mounting brackets bolt directly into the threaded holes in the top of the bed. That design doesn't work with the t-slot rails.
@ToddsTruckLife thanks Todd.. I have already purchased the elevate rack and I believe it's well past the returning date unfortunately. It seems like the only problem is making the clamps work.. there's no way to improvise these clamps like adding some washers or something?
The design of the rack is to accommodate covers like that, but need to verify that there's enough room for the t-slot rails. As you close the panels of the cover, they fall between the rails that are attached to your bed caps. If the width of the cover has 1/8" of play on each side, you'll be fine. The t-slot rails for the Elevate Rack will move the cover's rails into the bed 1/8", so you want to make sure you have enough room.
The rack system did not work with my hard folding bed cover. The clearance was not high enough to allow the third panel to be open and left open. Open you cover all the way and take measurements. It needs to be about three inches lower that 28". This is due to the curve for the load bars bracket. Hope this help. I would not recommend for a trifold cover.
The height is an issue for me for my maverick. How hard would it be to cut it down some (8”) and redrill holes so it’s a 10” / 20” rack? Also think you could easily replace the nuts with knobs so easy to adjust without tools?
I've adjusted the height of my racks by drilling new holes to match the height of my cab mounted rack - not that big of a deal -you probably will void any warrantee though. Mine work great after the modification
@@ToddsTruckLife Very interested in what you're working on with Elevate Rack system height adjustment. Would love a lower adjustment for my rooftop tent so it sits behind the cab window of my Ram 1500. The 18" height causes wind drag at the tent is 10" when closed. I hate to get a second set of racks such as the Rhino Rack HD.
That depends. I had an issue with my tri-fold. When you get to the third panel, you may not be able to keep it open. The 3rd panel hits the top of the load bar and will not clear the upright. The curve design of the load bar support bracket does not leave clearance for the cover to be maintained in the upright position.
I have watched everthing real truck and Truxedo has published on this rack system(that I could find), I ordered last week, rails came in(real truck hadd in stock), they are 6"inches shorter than my F150 6.5 bed, tyhat is a bummer, with the tower design being a 'T; rather than an 'L' the center of crossbars will be shorter and with the 6" lost because of rail not being made specifically for my F150 Im guessing crossbars(loadbars) will be only 5' 7" rather than 6' 2 inches on a Tracrac SR. I called Truxedo but they were unwilling to consider my concerns and I was told that they make 4 rail lengths and to use the ones that were shipped for my truck (R & D at Truxedo not involved in their customer service ?) Im in a quandry about moving forward or moving on with something else.
Yeah, I hear you on that. I'm not sure of exact details on each application, but I've learned there's usually a reason. I shared my idea for a t-slot L rail with Truxedo back in 2014 because I saw the need for a modular rack system that could work in conjunction with several inside mount tonneaus. The first iteration wasn't released to market until 2019. I only had an idea, I didn't do any of the engineering. I didn't even know they were working on it. I knew my design needed to be relatively thin so the cover could work, and I speculated that if the end of the rail was too far away from the closest clamp, that could negatively effect load capacity. My guess is that they only offer 4 lengths, not just to have limited SKUs, but also because they don't want customers to take the towers too far beyond the clamps. Again, that's just a guess, and without data. As for Tracrac, I've worked with their product and it has its own drawbacks. The base rail is much more substantial, but that also takes away from a clean, low profile; and it only works with a handful of covers. Another thing to consider is that your 6.5 bed is wider at the cab than it is at the tailgate, and the wide base rails have to be installed parallel to each other. That means the front of the base rail will look centered on the bed cap, but the rear if the rail always looks like it is hanging off the edge, making the rail appear crooked, even though it's straight. That also means your rear uprights must be installed into the inside tracks of the SR rails so they are still positioned above the bed cap. Hope that's helpful. Let me know if you have any other questions.
I am also torn on this. Cant decide between Thule base rail and Xsporter pro, the elevate system shown in the video or Adarac M series. Each has pros and cons and none or perfect. I have a BAK Revolver X2 and need compatability. Any insight is appreciated, what did you end up doing?
I'm trying to install this Elevate system with a BAKflip fibermax tonneau on my 2023 Tundra and every combination of clamp elevate has sent me is wrong, are these 2 incompatible?
It is not. The BakFlip rails for Tundra and Tacoma are shaped differently than other BakFlip rails because they mount to the Deck Rail holes allowing the Deck Rails to be lowered. The Elevate t-slot rails do not have enough room to install between the BakFlip rail and the bed cap. I've wondered if thin spacers could be used between the BakFlip brackets and the bed wall, to give room for the t-slot rail, but I've never tried it, and I don't know if that could sacrifice strength. Sorry :/
I have a 22 Tundra Crewmax short bed and was getting ready to order the X4s and Ts Rails combination but was a little concerned about the lack of information installing this combo in a Tundra. Wondering if you ever got this to work?
That's a work in progress. The BakFlip rails were recently redesigned and will not work with the Elevate rails, but they are going to make a BakFlip rail with a built in t-slot, similar to the rail on the Revlover X4TS, that way it will work with the Elevate Rack without the need for the supplement t-slot rail. That product will most likely be unveiled at SEMA and my guess is that we'll see them start shipping around the end of the year.
I actually just ordered some security nuts. The bolt plates are 5/16-18 and one for each upright would be great theft deterrent. Maybe I'll find time to make a video when it comes in. 🤔
@hey daddy so, the security nuts I brought in were too wide at the base. I was just speaking with a friend yesterday about this, who's a VP at Truxedo. All I can say is that we're looking into it. He did say that we still haven't heard a single report of a rack being stolen, or even an attempt, but they still want to offer options.
Why oh why didn't they design this system to allow for side rails ? That would "elevate" it to the functionality of the Yakima OverHaul rack system . . . . see what I did there 😅
So, they just showed side rails as part of the Elevate Expansion at SEMA. That should be available soon! I'm also working on more expandable features, but I can't share about those yet. Sorry, NDA rules, not mine. 😉
I was just thinking about making a video showing how to use the rack to hold about extension ladder because I've been hearing that question fairly frequently. Yes, it will support an extension ladder, but I would recommend supplementing the support with a roof rack like RhinoRack. On the Maverick, the Elevate load bars are about 3 1/2 ft apart, so cantilever support over the cab would be recommend.
I'm sorry, I'm not sure if you're asking if there's a Ford branded hard rolling cover, or if the Ford cover will work... so I'll just answer both questions. 😉 1. Yes, there's a Ford branded hard rolling cover. 2. I've never tested it with the Elevate Rack System to confirm fitment. Ford has it made for them and sometimes Ford has been known to adjust specifications for units built for them. If they didn't specify a different width on their cover, it should work, but that's why I can't say for sure. Hope that's helpful.
Question: is the Velcro mount the only option for this tonneau cover? It doesn’t seem theft proof (to easy to pull open). Is there a different option or cover that offers more security?
There are covers that are more secure. Truxedo Sentry and Bak Revlover covers both have aluminum slats attached to the bottom of the cover so they can't be cut through with a knife, and both fasyen to the rails so they can't be lifted from the side. :)
You can get the Elevate Rack System for the 06 Frontier. If you want a soft roll up tonneau, I recommend the Truxedo ProX15. Send an email to forums@realtruck.com and let them know you saw this video and they'll get you set up!
looks good, affordable, but I saw a video of a guy showing chipping/flaking paint everywhere. seemed like the paint quality is low, very easy to go down to bare metal
Yes, there are a bunch. Revolver, Sentry, BakFlip, etc. Send an email to forums@realtruck.com and tell them you spoke with me on my TH-cam channel and they will help you pick out what suits you best and get you taken care of. 😀
Cross bar length for the FS (full sizes) is 76" and CS (compact) cross bars are 67". The length of t-slot rails are per application as truck bed lengths are different. :)
@@kevinjarrell7813 sorry, that's aftermarket jargon. These are vehice specific kits and each different make, model, and bed size is a different application, so the t-slot rails are cut specific to the truck bed. :)
@Manny Cali if your Tundra didn't come with the Deck Rail System, then there will be no issues. If yours has the Deck Rails and you have trouble with the installation, feel free to hit me up! 😀
@Manny Cali awesome! I've not installed that combo on the Tundra yet personally, but worst case, the Deck Rail system can be removed with a T30 torx. I may have an old Deck Rail drop kit laying around too.
Hey Todd, TruXedo Elevate FS Rack System, Part Number 1118570 did not work as expected. The Elevate Rack System was supposed to work with my Tri-Fold Tonneau Cover per the cover compatibility guide (truxedo.com/images/Elevate_Rack_System_Booklet_Jan22.pdf). The 3rd panel cannot be opened because it hits the cross bar. Also, cannot stay in the upright position because the support bars cannot line up with the holder on the cover. I do not recommend this product for anyone who has a Tri-Fold cover.
On a full size truck, approved hard folding covers will only be able to fold all the way forward if the Elevate Rack is set to the higher level. Did you try that?
@@ToddsTruckLife The bars were at highest point, which went above the cab. The Tonneau Cover does not open because of the rounded design of the support bracket for the crossbars. I posted a review on Amazon with pictures.
Make sure you take good measurements with the cover being fully open. You will need to ensure the height is 3-5 inches lower than load bar to clear the load bar support bracket. The width also has to be clear the load bar support bracket. The curve design of the support bracket reduces the overall width by 1-2 inches. I can't give exact measurements because there are many different part numbers for this rack. I also, want all to know the manufacturer does not support there R&D and making a return because it didn't work is not a valid reason. I also left a review on Amazon with pictures.
I haven't tried it with the Lomax. The Elevate moves the rail about 1/8" into the bed on each side, so if the Lomax has enough play side to side, it will work. I wouldn't be surprised, however, if they didn't build in that much tolerance.
Finally got my rack in
I will be installing soon and let you know how it works out
For Tundra with gator cover
The Gator EFX hard tonneau cover works with the Elevate rack. I installed them both on my '22 Ram 2500. What I do not like is the lack of Molle panel options. Very limited. Also, anyone with a 1/2" socket wrench and set of Allen wrenches can dismantle this pretty easily and make off with parts or all of your rack. Other than that, a very sturdy, adjustable system..
This is a pretty awesome rack system that I like to have on my truck. However, I have a big concern about being stolen since it is so easy to remove the racks. Would you please advise any suggestions of preventing it being stolen?
Great Content. but What is the Length of the cross bars ? and does Tundra and Tacoma get the same length of Cross bars even if the Tundra bed is much wider ? I google size and I cannot find it anywhere
realtruck, the retailer who handles front end for this product, has as 50 day lead time and doesn't disclose that until you order. just a heads up.
Thanks for a great video! I have a 2016 F 150 with a 61/2 bed. Because of the cost, I was thinking of getting the Prox15 cover and the rail system with the tie down accessories. I'll eventually get the racks. But I was wondering if there is a load rating for the tie downs??
I don't know if a rating has been established for the tie downs, but I use the tie downs on the rails as handles. The tie downs built into the base of the uprights, those are part of the cast aluminum and are much more substantial. I've used those to secure stuff on top of the rack.
I just got the rails in but noticed there 4 inches on both side of corner rails gape I have 2018 tundra cremax short bed and bought it from Amazon the compact rails 63 in length
I complained about only 2 height adjustments…they listened… the newer version has 3 height points, waiting for them to be in stock.
Why can't they have a push button with a spring loaded pin that allows you to adjust the height without needing a socket wrench? Would be great too.
I’m interested in a bed rail system like this with a rack that matches the height of a cab mounted rack. That way the rack on the bed rails combined with the rack on the cab can manage a longer ladder - and when not in use the bed mounted rack can be “slid” forward against the cab. I see a comment where someone drilled holes in the uprights to match a cab mounted rack. I’d like to hear more about that.
The load bars on this rack are just above cab height in the lower position, and would probably require slight modification (re drilled holes) to be an exact match with a cab rack. That's fine for longer ladders on a unibody truck like the Maverick because the bed and cab are not separated, but I wouldn't recommend securing a ladder to a bed rack and cab rack at the same time on a body-on-frame truck, as the bed and cab are designed to flex separately, and could tweak the ladder or damage the cab where the rack mounts. Hope that's helpful!
Also, any modifaction to the rack system will void its warranty.
Can you install side bars for accessories?
I bought the same setup and I'm having a heck of a time getting my Pro X15 rails to be level - any tricks to getting them level? Attaching them and the CS rails together they seem to want to bend inward - is there a trick to getting them to be level?
The Elevate CS rails came with some thin seals in a roll. Peal off the thick seal that runs along the side of the ProX15 rail, that seals against the bed cap, and replace it with that thin seal. ;)
Ok don’t kid yourself. If it passes the appearance filter, first question is cost. Then other filters.
Do you guys provide different clamps for the rails? I got my rail in and it fits my cover perfect love the fs/ts combo. How ever my only problem is the clamp since my tonneau cover inside the bed has a t slot rail. The cover clamps are t slot so was wondering if u guys provide t slot clamps?
What cover do you have?
Could I know the full set name to be able to order it for my ram 1500?
Hello , I have the same set up and love it. Do they make a foam type cover for the load bar for carrying Kayaks. My Thule and Yakima covers are too small. Thanks
I'm not sure if there's a foam pad for this bar, but I've used the Rhino Rack J Cradle and I know they work. Here's a link if you're interested.
realtruck.com/p/rhino-rack-kayak-canoe-carriers/v/ford/maverick/2022/
@@ToddsTruckLife Thank you!
Pool noodle and duct tape. You get that popular “shabby scheak”
Hey Todd, first and foremost thank you for all the videos. I just received my maverick yesterday and I plan to install the BakFlip MX4 with the Elevate Rack System. I have my MX4 but still waiting for the rack system to arrive. Do you see any issues of me installing my MX4 while I wait for the rack system?
No issue at all. I had the ProX15 installed before my Elevate Rack came in. The cover will be tighter between the rails when the t-slot rails are installed and it may take some messaging for things to line up.
I had in issue with my folding cover not fitting thru the last upright. So, I cannot keep the cover in the upright position. The supports on the cover cannot be used to keep the cover in the upright open position. So, the last panel will always have to be closed flat. I posted a review on Amazon with pictures.
@@loopmj1 I have a few questions if you don't mind:
1. What's the year, make, model and bed size of your truck?
2. What kind of folding cover do you have? (ie: BakFlip, Flex, Xceed, etc.)
3. Just to clarify, did the cover not clear the uprights on the sides, or the load bar at the top?
4. If the load bar was the clearance problem, did you try it with the Elevate Rack in the 28 inch high position, or just the 18 inch height?
Thanks in advance, I really appreciate the feedback!
Hi I have bakflip MX4.
Is that work with t slot rails
Does it work with the Ford oem hard roll up cover?
Yes it does.
I have the hard roll up tonneau cover that FORD sells from it's own accessory website. Will this rail system work with it?
Yes it will.
Edit: on second thought, read my next comment. Hit me up if you're still unsure.
Actually, I want to say yes, but I've never tested the cover that's made for Ford, just the cover it's designed after. It's possible that Ford specifies something different for their cover that would make it incompatible, but it's not likely. Here's how you can tell: roll the cover away from the tailgate and look between the rail and the plastic tab on the cover that the rail locks to when the cover is closed. If there's about 1/8 clearance between the rail and the locking tab, then the rack will work with the cover.
Would this system work on a 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz with stock tonneau cover?
Unfortunately no. Hyundai didn't make the Santa Cruz very friendly for bed accessories. I have nothing against the Santa Cruz, but it irritates me when auto manufacturers go out of their way to make it difficult to customize their vehicles.
Is there any lock to secure the rack once installed? It is really easy to take off, so it would be very easy to steal
So, I've looked into replacing the hardware with locking hardware, but didn't find anything that worked the way I wanted it to. But here's the thing, unless you have the base rails, the rack is worthless. To get the base rails, they'd have to break into the tailgate, and then they need the know how to uninstall the cover.
@@ToddsTruckLife sure the rack is worthless without the rails but that doesn’t prevent for the rack to be stolen, that’s exactly what I don’t want to happen
@LUIS FABIAN HERNANDEZ yeah, I get it. That's why I tried locking hardware. Unfortunately, the keyed socket was too wide for it to work. There may be other locking hardware out there that does work, but I haven't found it. Even if it worked, they could still just cut it off like they do with catalytic converters. I take as many precautions as possible. I park under a camera at home and at work. If I can find locking hardware that works, I'll use that, but right now I have a Pioneer Platform on top of it, and that would take a couple guys to steal it like that. If it was just the uprights, I could just leave them at home when they aren't in use. I get too much utility and fun out of this rack to skip it because someone might steal it. Get stuff that makes you happy, and be as smart as you can with it. If you let them stop you from getting what makes you happy, you're letting them steal your happiness.
How much static weight realistically do you think? I know at 751 lbs its not going to cave but between myself and the people i want to put in my RTT it might be close to or right at 750. 2nd part of the question, how easy does this work with a Tundra Factory tonneau?(Bakflip mx4)
Weight ratings were established for a full-size truck model, at the tallest setting because the taller the uprights and further apart they are, the weaker the scenario. Static is 750 pounds. That's if you're parked at the campsite with all the people and gear in the tent. 500 pounds driving on the street and 250 bouncing down the trail.
Unfortunately, with the way the rail attaches to the threaded Deck Rail holes on the Tundra, it can't accommodate a t-slot rail to be sandwiched between the bed cap and the cover's rail.
@@ToddsTruckLife Your saying it doesn't work with that tonneau on the trudra?
@@isaynox if it's the older style design that clamps to the bed rail flange, then it would work as long as you have 1/8" between the frame of the cover and the inside of the rail. But the newer generation covers don't clamp the same, and the aluminum mounting brackets bolt directly into the threaded holes in the top of the bed. That design doesn't work with the t-slot rails.
@ToddsTruckLife thanks Todd.. I have already purchased the elevate rack and I believe it's well past the returning date unfortunately. It seems like the only problem is making the clamps work.. there's no way to improvise these clamps like adding some washers or something?
Will the OEM Ford hard trifold bed cover work with this rack?
The design of the rack is to accommodate covers like that, but need to verify that there's enough room for the t-slot rails. As you close the panels of the cover, they fall between the rails that are attached to your bed caps. If the width of the cover has 1/8" of play on each side, you'll be fine. The t-slot rails for the Elevate Rack will move the cover's rails into the bed 1/8", so you want to make sure you have enough room.
The rack system did not work with my hard folding bed cover. The clearance was not high enough to allow the third panel to be open and left open. Open you cover all the way and take measurements. It needs to be about three inches lower that 28". This is due to the curve for the load bars bracket. Hope this help. I would not recommend for a trifold cover.
im trying to install some accessories into the T slot. Do you know the size of hex bolt or carriage bolt that fits without it spinning by chance?
I have bolt plates. The plates are 3/4" wide × 1 3/4" long × 1/8" thick. The bolt is 5/16" diameter and stands up in the center of the plate.
@@ToddsTruckLife perfect thank you! just picked up some steel to cut into plates myself. Thanks!
The height is an issue for me for my maverick. How hard would it be to cut it down some (8”) and redrill holes so it’s a 10” / 20” rack? Also think you could easily replace the nuts with knobs so easy to adjust without tools?
I can't say too much, but I'm working on all of that.
@@ToddsTruckLife PLEASE give us an update!
@@ToddsTruckLife Looking forward to this as well!
I've adjusted the height of my racks by drilling new holes to match the height of my cab mounted rack - not that big of a deal -you probably will void any warrantee though. Mine work great after the modification
@@ToddsTruckLife Very interested in what you're working on with Elevate Rack system height adjustment. Would love a lower adjustment for my rooftop tent so it sits behind the cab window of my Ram 1500. The 18" height causes wind drag at the tent is 10" when closed. I hate to get a second set of racks such as the Rhino Rack HD.
I have a Undercover Armorflex tri fold for my F150, will the T slot rails work with that cover?
Elevate with t-slot rails will work with the Armor Flex. :)
That depends. I had an issue with my tri-fold. When you get to the third panel, you may not be able to keep it open. The 3rd panel hits the top of the load bar and will not clear the upright. The curve design of the load bar support bracket does not leave clearance for the cover to be maintained in the upright position.
See my other comments for more info.
is this going to work with Retrax pro XR ?
Yes. And if you have the RetraxPro XR, you won't need the t-slot rails because the XR rails already have an integrated t-slot. 😀
I have watched everthing real truck and Truxedo has published on this rack system(that I could find), I ordered last week, rails came in(real truck hadd in stock), they are 6"inches shorter than my F150 6.5 bed, tyhat is a bummer, with the tower design being a 'T; rather than an 'L' the center of crossbars will be shorter and with the 6" lost because of rail not being made specifically for my F150 Im guessing crossbars(loadbars) will be only 5' 7" rather than 6' 2 inches on a Tracrac SR. I called Truxedo but they were unwilling to consider my concerns and I was told that they make 4 rail lengths and to use the ones that were shipped for my truck (R & D at Truxedo not involved in their customer service ?) Im in a quandry about moving forward or moving on with something else.
Yeah, I hear you on that. I'm not sure of exact details on each application, but I've learned there's usually a reason. I shared my idea for a t-slot L rail with Truxedo back in 2014 because I saw the need for a modular rack system that could work in conjunction with several inside mount tonneaus. The first iteration wasn't released to market until 2019. I only had an idea, I didn't do any of the engineering. I didn't even know they were working on it. I knew my design needed to be relatively thin so the cover could work, and I speculated that if the end of the rail was too far away from the closest clamp, that could negatively effect load capacity. My guess is that they only offer 4 lengths, not just to have limited SKUs, but also because they don't want customers to take the towers too far beyond the clamps. Again, that's just a guess, and without data.
As for Tracrac, I've worked with their product and it has its own drawbacks. The base rail is much more substantial, but that also takes away from a clean, low profile; and it only works with a handful of covers. Another thing to consider is that your 6.5 bed is wider at the cab than it is at the tailgate, and the wide base rails have to be installed parallel to each other. That means the front of the base rail will look centered on the bed cap, but the rear if the rail always looks like it is hanging off the edge, making the rail appear crooked, even though it's straight. That also means your rear uprights must be installed into the inside tracks of the SR rails so they are still positioned above the bed cap. Hope that's helpful. Let me know if you have any other questions.
I am also torn on this. Cant decide between Thule base rail and Xsporter pro, the elevate system shown in the video or Adarac M series. Each has pros and cons and none or perfect.
I have a BAK Revolver X2 and need compatability.
Any insight is appreciated, what did you end up doing?
So I need both T slot rail and the Pro X15 rail to work on MX4 Tonneau cover and the bed rack?
BakFlip MX4 and Truxedo ProX15 are both truck bed covers, and either would require the t-slot rails to work with the Elevate Rack System. 🙂
@@ToddsTruckLife thank you for the quick reply, I can't seem to find it on your website
@nokianx400 send an email to forums@realtruck.com and tell them you spoke with me. They'll take very good care of you.
I'm trying to install this Elevate system with a BAKflip fibermax tonneau on my 2023 Tundra and every combination of clamp elevate has sent me is wrong, are these 2 incompatible?
It is not. The BakFlip rails for Tundra and Tacoma are shaped differently than other BakFlip rails because they mount to the Deck Rail holes allowing the Deck Rails to be lowered. The Elevate t-slot rails do not have enough room to install between the BakFlip rail and the bed cap. I've wondered if thin spacers could be used between the BakFlip brackets and the bed wall, to give room for the t-slot rail, but I've never tried it, and I don't know if that could sacrifice strength. Sorry :/
I have a 22 Tundra Crewmax short bed and was getting ready to order the X4s and Ts Rails combination but was a little concerned about the lack of information installing this combo in a Tundra. Wondering if you ever got this to work?
Can you mount a molle panels on the rails or rack?
Working on that! 😉
Will you be able to notify me when it’s available? If it’s possible..
@fernandoviray8600 you can follow the RealTruck channel and keep an eye on the site. I'll try to get a video up here, when they're available too. 🙂
Will it work with truxedo lo pro?
Yes.
Does it work with the tundra stock back flip
Or what clamps will work
That's a work in progress. The BakFlip rails were recently redesigned and will not work with the Elevate rails, but they are going to make a BakFlip rail with a built in t-slot, similar to the rail on the Revlover X4TS, that way it will work with the Elevate Rack without the need for the supplement t-slot rail. That product will most likely be unveiled at SEMA and my guess is that we'll see them start shipping around the end of the year.
is there any kind of lock nut so they don't get stolen? thanks!
I actually just ordered some security nuts. The bolt plates are 5/16-18 and one for each upright would be great theft deterrent. Maybe I'll find time to make a video when it comes in. 🤔
@@ToddsTruckLife great I will be waiting for the video
Me too
@@ToddsTruckLife Can you please update us? I got ours for our Maverick. Wouldn't want it stolen
@hey daddy so, the security nuts I brought in were too wide at the base. I was just speaking with a friend yesterday about this, who's a VP at Truxedo. All I can say is that we're looking into it. He did say that we still haven't heard a single report of a rack being stolen, or even an attempt, but they still want to offer options.
Why oh why didn't they design this system to allow for side rails ? That would "elevate" it to the functionality of the Yakima OverHaul rack system . . . . see what I did there 😅
So, they just showed side rails as part of the Elevate Expansion at SEMA. That should be available soon! I'm also working on more expandable features, but I can't share about those yet. Sorry, NDA rules, not mine. 😉
Would this work with a 28ft ladder please anyone answer
I was just thinking about making a video showing how to use the rack to hold about extension ladder because I've been hearing that question fairly frequently. Yes, it will support an extension ladder, but I would recommend supplementing the support with a roof rack like RhinoRack. On the Maverick, the Elevate load bars are about 3 1/2 ft apart, so cantilever support over the cab would be recommend.
Ford Hard Roll-up cover???
I'm sorry, I'm not sure if you're asking if there's a Ford branded hard rolling cover, or if the Ford cover will work... so I'll just answer both questions. 😉
1. Yes, there's a Ford branded hard rolling cover.
2. I've never tested it with the Elevate Rack System to confirm fitment. Ford has it made for them and sometimes Ford has been known to adjust specifications for units built for them. If they didn't specify a different width on their cover, it should work, but that's why I can't say for sure. Hope that's helpful.
Question: is the Velcro mount the only option for this tonneau cover? It doesn’t seem theft proof (to easy to pull open). Is there a different option or cover that offers more security?
There are covers that are more secure. Truxedo Sentry and Bak Revlover covers both have aluminum slats attached to the bottom of the cover so they can't be cut through with a knife, and both fasyen to the rails so they can't be lifted from the side. :)
Is there something that stops someone from stealing this?
You would have to get some security hardware if you had that concern. I'm pretty sure it's 5/16 hardware, but I'll have to double check.
Hi I need a roll up tonneau bed cover and bed tower rack for a 2006 Nissan frontier
You can get the Elevate Rack System for the 06 Frontier. If you want a soft roll up tonneau, I recommend the Truxedo ProX15. Send an email to forums@realtruck.com and let them know you saw this video and they'll get you set up!
looks good, affordable, but I saw a video of a guy showing chipping/flaking paint everywhere. seemed like the paint quality is low, very easy to go down to bare metal
I haven't seen that video, but I don't have that problem.
hi todd , is there a hard cover that works with this rack system that protects more than a soft cover from thift, something like aluminum cover
Yes, there are a bunch. Revolver, Sentry, BakFlip, etc. Send an email to forums@realtruck.com and tell them you spoke with me on my TH-cam channel and they will help you pick out what suits you best and get you taken care of. 😀
@@ToddsTruckLife thank you to ansawer !!!
That’s what he talks about specifically around the 2 minute to 4 minute mark in n this video, lists brands and models 😅
Whats the difference CS vs FS kits? Assuming only crossbar length, what are the crossbar lengths?
Cross bar length for the FS (full sizes) is 76" and CS (compact) cross bars are 67". The length of t-slot rails are per application as truck bed lengths are different. :)
@@ToddsTruckLife What do you mean t-slot rails are per application?
@@kevinjarrell7813 sorry, that's aftermarket jargon. These are vehice specific kits and each different make, model, and bed size is a different application, so the t-slot rails are cut specific to the truck bed. :)
What about gator srx?
Yes, SRX will work with the Elevate Rack System on the Maverick. You will need to use the seal kit with the rack.
@@ToddsTruckLife it’s for a tundra. Just placed the order thank you so much
@Manny Cali if your Tundra didn't come with the Deck Rail System, then there will be no issues. If yours has the Deck Rails and you have trouble with the installation, feel free to hit me up! 😀
@@ToddsTruckLife I have the deck rail system
Would it be easier with it or without it?
I live close by my gf actually works at real truck in Brea
@Manny Cali awesome! I've not installed that combo on the Tundra yet personally, but worst case, the Deck Rail system can be removed with a T30 torx. I may have an old Deck Rail drop kit laying around too.
Hey Todd, TruXedo Elevate FS Rack System, Part Number 1118570 did
not work as expected. The Elevate Rack System was supposed to work with my
Tri-Fold Tonneau Cover per the cover compatibility guide (truxedo.com/images/Elevate_Rack_System_Booklet_Jan22.pdf).
The 3rd panel cannot be opened because it hits the cross bar. Also, cannot stay in the
upright position because the support bars cannot line up with the holder on the cover. I do
not recommend this product for anyone who has a Tri-Fold cover.
On a full size truck, approved hard folding covers will only be able to fold all the way forward if the Elevate Rack is set to the higher level. Did you try that?
@@ToddsTruckLife The bars were at highest point, which went above the cab. The Tonneau Cover does not open because of the rounded design of the support bracket for the crossbars. I posted a review on Amazon with pictures.
Make sure you take good measurements with the cover being fully open. You will need to ensure the height is 3-5 inches lower than load bar to clear the load bar support bracket. The width also has to be clear the load bar support bracket. The curve design of the support bracket reduces the overall width by 1-2 inches. I can't give exact measurements because there are many different part numbers for this rack. I also, want all to know the manufacturer does not support there R&D and making a return because it didn't work is not a valid reason. I also left a review on Amazon with pictures.
Will this work with a lomax tri fold tonneau?
I haven't tried it with the Lomax. The Elevate moves the rail about 1/8" into the bed on each side, so if the Lomax has enough play side to side, it will work. I wouldn't be surprised, however, if they didn't build in that much tolerance.