Trucks are natively useful for all sorts of purposes – hauling cargo in the bed, towing a trailer, off-roading, overlanding – you name it! But with the right additions, you can enhance the utility of your truck even further. A bed rack is a great example of this.
As with anything, though, not all bed racks are made alike. They vary in their quality of construction, their ability to work with various accessories, their size, weight, and many other factors. It’s a lot to think about when you’re shopping around.
So, with that in mind, I thought I’d help you out in the process of finding the best bed racks by naming my favorites for 2024. I think you’ll find the choices described below as some of the very best options you can find on the market!
Editor’s note: Bookmark this page and check back often – it’s a dynamic list with more excellent bed rack choices on the way!
Table of Contents
Best Bed Racks of 2024: TRUKD
Bed Racks are pretty much all the same, right? Same features, similar materials, same basic use case…
Wrong!
Not all bed racks are made alike, and the various models and options from TRUKD prove it. Whether you want to keep things low profile with a 6.5-inch bed rack, go big with a 24.5-inch double-decker bed rack, or something in between, TRUKD has what you need.
TRUKD 6.5-inch bed rack on a Toyota Tundra
But it isn’t just a robust collection of six base racks, two types of configurations, and more than 20 possible build combinations that makes TRUKD one of the best sources for bed racks on the market. Instead, TRUKD offers plenty of other features and amenities that make their products stand out.
For example, no matter which bed rack you choose, you get the benefit of a 1000-pound static load. And with modular accessory panels added to the mix, you can bring a lot of gear along for the ride and do so safely, efficiently, and organized. There are plenty of TRUKD accessories you can add to your bed rack to extend its functionality further, too:
- Rooftop tent brackets
- Awning mounts
- Traction board mounts
- Tie-down points
- Bed rack-mounted ratchet straps
- Kayak mounts
I mean, with a TRUKD rack and a few accessories, you can bring just about anything you want or need with you, from a place to sleep to ladders, shovels, bikes, and more.
TRUKD 24.5-inch bed rack with a tonneau cover underneath.
On top of that, each TRUKD bed rack offers height and length adjustments and is compatible with tonneau covers and soft toppers to give you the greatest flexibility for bringing the necessary gear on whatever kind of adventure you’ve got planned.
It also helps that TRUKD bed racks and accessories are made here in the USA, so you know the quality is second to none. But, in the interest of giving customers peace of mind, TRUKD includes a lifetime guarantee on its products, so if any part ever fails, TRUKD will send a replacement, but the way it is built…that’s unlikely.
TRUKD double-decker bed rack with rooftop tent mount, awning mount, and accessory panels.
I should mention that TRUKD products have a couple of other goodies up their sleeves…
On the one hand, TRUKD uses one of the best coatings on the market, meaning its products are extremely resistant to rust. In fact, with the TRUKD rust-free guarantee, if you see rust on a component, let them know, and you’ll get a replacement part. But between you and me, you won’t have to make that call because you won’t ever find any rust!
On the other hand, TRUKD is so sure of the fit of its products that if something doesn’t fit, send them a picture, and they’ll pay for the return shipping. You’ll also get a full refund. Why is the TRUKD team so confident that their products will fit? Well, that’s simple—they work closely with you to ensure the products you order will fit perfectly before they ship them to you.
TRUKD double-decker bed rack with rooftop tent mount, awning mount, and accessory panels.
Whether your adventure takes you to the mountains or the beach, the desert or the swamp, or places in between, a TRUKD bed rack will be the perfect addition to your overlanding or off-roading rig. You need a ton of gear for outdoor adventures, and keeping that gear safe, secure, and organized is paramount. Let TRUKD help you out on all fronts!
Best Bed Racks of 2024: Heavy Metal Off-Road
No matter what kind of truck you have, Heavy Metal Off-Road has a bed rack that will suit your needs. In fact, their ROCK-IT series of overlanding racks includes tons of options for specific truck models, plus several universal-fit racks that work with trucks big and small. The model-specific racks are available for the following trucks:
- 2020-2024 Jeep Gladiator
- 2005-2024 Nissan Frontier
- 2004-2024 Nissan Titan
- 2021-2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz
- 2014-2024 Toyota Tundra
- 2005-2023 Toyota Tacoma
- Anything with a Retrax or Roll-N-Lock bed cover
But launching soon on their website are numerous other model-specific racks:
- 2004+ GMC Canyon / Chevy Colorado
- 2007+ GMC Sierra / Chevy Silverado
- 2019+ Ford Ranger
- 2022+ Ford Maverick
- 2021+ Ford F150/250/350/Raptor
- 2013+ RAM 1500/2500/3500
- 2024+ Toyota Tacoma
In each case, these bed racks are available in 12-inch, 17-inch, 23-inch, and Gladiator 24-inch configurations. Many models also offer additional customization options, including 48-inch and 60-inch-long racks to accommodate short-bed and medium-bed trucks, with long-bed versions on the way.
Various mounting styles are available, too, including applications with a mounting track, without a mounting track, a utili-track, and with varying bed covers, like Roll ‘N Lock and Retrax. Best part is – all options offer no-modification installation!
Let’s dive into the Heavy Metal Off-Road bed rack to explore all the features and benefits provided to you…
First and foremost, these bed racks offer an adaptable load capacity to meet your needs. With 1500-pound static and dynamic load ratings (the best in the industry!), you can bring a lot of gear on your trips. Better still, these racks seamlessly integrate with your truck, ensuring the most functionality while also looking dang good!
These racks are also built for hard work. They’re reinforced to ensure durability for long-term usage, and the high-quality welds make these racks virtually indestructible. Of course, the excellent craftsmanship enhances the rack’s ability to handle a heavy load.
You’ll find military-style molle panels at the ready for securing shovels, RotoPax, and other necessities within easy reach. And with the ability to directly mount accessories to the rack, you can quickly and easily add your own gear – from lights to awnings to a rooftop tent – without the need for additional brackets.
There are also ROCK-IT accessories available for the racks. For example, you can add a ROCK-IT winch mount to your rack to make the process of loading dirt bikes, ATVs, or hunted game a breeze. Alternatively, you could add an HMOR ROCK-IT bike mount to easily transport your mountain bike to the trailhead. Or, my personal favorite, the HMOR ROCK-IT grab bars (shown above), give you the ability to get into the bed of your truck with much less effort (which I appreciate much more now that I’m 50!).
Other key features include the following:
- Built-in cable management system with hidden chase holes to keep the wiring hidden from the front of the rack to the back.
- Compatibility with different models of bed covers to ensure the bed cover remains available for use.
- Accessory slots for custom mods and HMOR products.
- Future-proof design so you can continue using the bed rack for years and years to come.
Additionally, these bed racks come with everything you need for installation. This includes the pillars, cross bars, and side bars, as well as the molle panels, runners, and mounting hardware.
It’s easy to see why these steel powder-coated, made-in-the-USA bed racks are a top choice. They’re impeccably designed, beautifully built, and offer all the functionality and utility you could ever need. That’s why the ROCK-IT rack system was the 2023 winner of the prestigious SEMA 35Under35 Innovation Award!
When you invest in a bed rack, you want something that gives you a lot of bang for your buck. Well, you’ll find that’s the case when you purchase a Heavy Metal Off-Road ROCK-IT rack!
Learn more about Heavy Metal Off-Road
Best Bed Racks of 2024: Front Runner
Front Runner makes all sorts of high-quality products for camping, overlanding, and off-roading, and their SlimLine II is no exception. This bed rack is crafted from black epoxy powder-coated T6 aluminum and high-strength steel, so it’s engineered for durability. This robust construction ensures the rack gives you long-term usage and is suitable for a wide range of adventures and heavy-duty use.
The SlimLine II kit includes a cargo-carrying rack with dimensions of 56 x 53.5 inches, offering ample space to securely transport your belongings. Additionally, the kit comes with four pickup truck bed universal legs designed to seamlessly fit into existing factory/OEM bed tracks, providing a sleek and integrated appearance.
Safety and security are paramount when it comes to transporting gear, and the SlimLine II features t-slots on the tops and bottoms of the rack tray slats and edge profiles, accommodating standard 8mm bolts. This design ensures a secure mounting system, giving you peace of mind during your drive that the gear you’re bringing along will stay put.
The kit also includes all necessary components for installation, including the universal load bed legs, a load bed nut kit, and the Slimline II Tray itself. With an approximate installed weight of 52 pounds, it strikes a balance between strength and weight efficiency.
Of course, Front Runner provides comprehensive installation instructions with every rack kit, simplifying the setup process. Moreover, all Front Runner Racks are backed by a Limited Lifetime Warranty, ensuring customer satisfaction and peace of mind for the long haul.
In other words, the Front Runner SlimLine II bed rack distinguishes itself as one of the best options in 2024 due to its dependable construction, ample cargo capacity, and secure storage features. The easy installation process and robust warranty coverage are nice features, too. Whether you’re embarking on off-road adventures or tackling everyday tasks, this rack provides the reliability and functionality you need to confidently transport your gear!
Learn more about the Front Runner SlimLine II
Best Bed Racks of 2024: Rebel Off Road
Rebel Off Road makes some excellent gear, and innovative gear, at that. The XPLOR bed rack from Rebel Off Road stands out as one of the best options in 2024 due to its innovative design, exceptional strength, and versatile customization options.
On the one hand, the XPLOR bed rack is engineered with personalization in mind, allowing you to mount carrier plates on the outside, inside, or even on top of the rack. This level of customization empowers you to create the ideal configuration tailored to your unique off-road requirements, providing flexibility and adaptability for various expedition setups.
On the other hand, the XPLOR bed rack offers the ultimate in strength and reliability. With 1/2″ bolt-mounted, powder-coated construction, this rack system ensures enhanced durability and versatility for a wide range of off-road adventures in your Jeep Gladiator.
Featuring 1/2″ bolts for secure mounting to factory frame rails and 3/8″ carriage bolts throughout the frame, the XPLOR bed rack boasts superior strength and dependability. The powder-coated finish undergoes a rigorous process including sandblasting, iron phosphate wash, and zinc-rich primer application, followed by a textured black powder coat finish for maximum durability.
The XPLOR bed rack system is compatible with both the Halo Rack and Rhino Rack Pioneer Platform, offering additional mounting and storage solutions. Multiple built-in light mounting locations and the ability to drill into the frame for further customization provides you with endless possibilities for your lighting and accessory setups.
The package includes front, middle, and rear uprights, along with corresponding crossbars and mounting hardware. With a maximum static capacity of 900 lbs while parked and a maximum dynamic capacity of 750 lbs while driving, this bed rack system offers ample strength and stability for transporting gear and equipment.
Whether choosing RAW (unpainted bare steel) or textured black powder coat finish, you have the option to customize your XPLOR bed rack to match your Gladiator. Additionally, the vanity plate provides an opportunity for further personalization, allowing you to add a unique touch to your off-road adventure machine.
Backed by the Rebel Off Road name, the XPLOR rack not only has a lot to offer, but it also has the reputation of quality and innovation to back it up!
Learn more about the Rebel Off Road XPLOR
Best Bed Racks of 2024: Rock Slide Engineering
The Rock Slide Engineering Overland Rack is yet another option to consider in 2024. Designed for both daily drivers and weekend overlanding rigs, the Overland Rack is specifically designed for the Toyota Tacoma, and on this list in large part because of its straightforward assembly process.
Made from robust 11-gauge steel, it bolsters the factory rail mounting system in your truck bed, ensuring a secure and hassle-free installation. With an estimated install time of just 2 hours, it’s a convenient choice for those looking to enhance their vehicle quickly.
This rack offers compatibility with various rail-mount roll-up tonneau covers on your Tacoma, allowing you to seamlessly integrate cargo and gear management solutions with your truck bed. The inclusion of multiple mounting and tie-down points enhances its versatility, accommodating a wide range of gear and equipment for different adventures.
The Basic rack configuration includes standard fixed sides for mounting gear, along with removable top cross members. This modular design enables you to adjust the rack based on your cargo requirements, facilitating the transportation of taller items in the truck bed when needed. Additionally, the rear grab handles provide added convenience, making it easier to access the truck bed area.
Crafted from 11-gauge steel and finished with a powder-coated textured black coating, the Overland Rack offers both durability and a sleek aesthetic for your Tacoma. The powder coat not only enhances the rack’s resistance to rust and corrosion but also ensures a long-lasting finish that withstands the rigors of off-road travel.
This rack is assembled in the USA, and reflects a commitment to quality craftsmanship and manufacturing standards. You can trust in the reliability and performance of this bed rack for your adventures, too, as it comes with a limited warranty. This rack has everything you need and nothing you don’t!
Learn more about the Rock Slide Engineering Overland Rack
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