Bed side rails curved ?

[Ranger_Rocks]

Anyone else have curved bed side rails ?

While installing our RetraxPRO XR, I noticed the Retrax rails do not sit down flat on the bed rails. There is more gap at both ends. Retrax rails are straight and very rigid.

How do owners mount topper shells on top of curved rails ?

Sponsored

 

[Texasota]

I've noticed that too. I have a LoMax tri-fold (Agricover) and its rails seem to flex enough for a mostly flush fit.

 

[HenryMac]

Yep, I noticed that when I was making the CAD drawing of the bed. My 4 foot level wouldn't sit flat.

I doubt that it's by design... it's likely more along the lines of "Good enough SHIP IT!" And I'm good with that.

 

[Big Blue]

I doubt that it's by design... it's likely more along the lines of "Good enough SHIP IT!" And I'm good with that.

No, I believe it is by design. I'm not sure why, but they are all that way. The molds for Ranger caps take it into account. Most tonneaus should be flexible enough th allow for it.

 

[ATGC]

Same thing in my Ranger. I also noticed it a few months back while installing the very straight and true rails for a tonneau cover. The curve sure looks like a feature, not a bug. Would love to know the technical reason for that if someone with inside knowledge can chime in.

 

[Big Blue]

Wow, so much discussion on something that has been there since the beginning. Must be running out of more serious issues. ?

 

[TONTO]

I have the RetraxOne MX that was already installed on my truck when I bought it. It sits perfectly flush from the front of the bed to the back. It seems a little strange that it is curved but since I didn't install it I can't give you much help other than to let you know how mine is.

 

[P. A. Schilke]

Phil @P. A. Schilke may know the reason.

What say you Phil ?

Hi RR,

I am of no help here...no idea why it was done with a gentle curve. Likely strengthening, but was probably carryover from the WildTrack. Never noticed this when I installed my Bak Revolver MX4...So I join the "I am puzzled" Club.

 

[Glocker]

I'm late to this party but I too noticed this when installing my tonneau cover. I wonder if it's flat under the plastic cap that runs over the bed rails.

 

[Dean Schaffran]

Sorry for the late comment--my 01 Trac was similar--curved in all three directions (dropping front-back, gap inside at the middle of the bed, and falling off toward the outside, and all curved, not straight lines). I think that when you enroll in designer school, if you show up with a straight-edge they immediately kick you out.

Sponsored