Looking to get a bed rack for my 21 XLT Tremor

[Moran43]

Any suggestions for bed racks would be greatly appreciated. I don’t really want to spend more than $1000 but i’m open to all options. I’m currently fully stock.

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[Mighty Little Blue]

Any suggestions for bed racks would be greatly appreciated. I don’t really want to spend more than $1000 but i’m open to all options. I’m currently fully stock.

I have the RCI 12 inch high aluminum rack with Tonneau cover adapters. I liked this one because of the adjustability and the 3 cross braces. I drilled into the bed rail did not feel secure enough with clamps for off-roading. I paid around $1100-1200 over 3 years ago.
Online I just seen Truck Brigade has them on sale steel ver is around $629 and aluminum is $989. I believe shipping was free and no tax from out of state also.

 

[priaandr17]

I have the Max Modular 14” rack and I love it. I have had it for going on 3 years and have no issues. The 14” puts the tent just above the back window so you can still use your rear view mirror. And they have tonneau cover adapters as well.

 

[ranger7424]

I am looking at this one for my truck:

https://xtrusion-overland.com/colle...ar-kit-for-ford-ranger?variant=40067806199865

 

[Colo_Ranger]

Take some time and ask yourself what you're going for with the bed rack.

I loved my Billie Bars (8") but I couldn't use them after I got the Decked installed. The Decked is 12" tall and my cooler wouldn't fit between the Decked and the Billie Bars.

After that, I moved to the RCI bed rack (12". I believe). This kept my tent at ~roof height when installed. This worked great until I had a kiddo.

After the kiddo arrived, I needed dry storage for ... all the things that come with a kiddo. I swapped the RCI rack for the SmartCap.

Had I known then, what I know now, I would have forgone the Billie Bars and the RCI rack and just bought the SmartCap. Obviously, the SmartCap is not in your budget, but the point was about thinking ahead to know what I want/need and go for that first.

 

[EJH]

I've got the Yakima setup (Outpost rack) and like it. It is easy to remove (leaving only the small, flat base plates) when you need to haul large items.

I mount my RTT, ski/board rack and bike racks to the bed rack. All are Yakima.

 

[pickettf3nce]

Tomorrow, I'm picking up a used "Thule Xsporter 422XT" from a local FB Marketplace listing. I'll come back and post some pictures once I get it mounted and installed. (fingers-crossed it fits flawlessly) While a new unit exceeds your budget, used Xsporter kits can be found for considerably less on eBay and FB Marketplace.

The adjustable height settings and not having to drill into the bed rails were big selling points for me. Along with the wide base of the foot and reinforced L brackets, which should help with lateral forces from sharp turns and bumping around offroad. The feet clamp onto the bottom of the bed rail with a c-clamp style bracket.

As cool as the big bulky overland racks look, I figured this would be a better option in the long run. Adjustable height means I can strap our kayaks on top and have them hangover the cab, while still leaving the bed accessible for coolers and gear. Or drop the height low to have a RTT or bikes sit down behind the cab. Plus, the whole system can be dissembled and removed when I don't need it. Meaning, less weight and wind resistance on the back of the truck for commuting.

 

[bmidd]

I have the Elevate rack and just use it for ladders. I chose it because it can be dismounted in a couple minutes and I can throw a motorcycle in the back. It's in the lowest position in this picture, 18" above the cover.

 

[Moran43]

Take some time and ask yourself what you're going for with the bed rack.

I loved my Billie Bars (8") but I couldn't use them after I got the Decked installed. The Decked is 12" tall and my cooler wouldn't fit between the Decked and the Billie Bars.

After that, I moved to the RCI bed rack (12". I believe). This kept my tent at ~roof height when installed. This worked great until I had a kiddo.

After the kiddo arrived, I needed dry storage for ... all the things that come with a kiddo. I swapped the RCI rack for the SmartCap.

Had I known then, what I know now, I would have forgone the Billie Bars and the RCI rack and just bought the SmartCap. Obviously, the SmartCap is not in your budget, but the point was about thinking ahead to know what I want/need and go for that first.

Thanks for the input! It’s funny i took it to the best truck accessories place near me and they recommended the decked and smart cap they look nice. Do you happen to still have the RCI rack?

 

[Moran43]

I have the Elevate rack and just use it for ladders. I chose it because it can be dismounted in a couple minutes and I can throw a motorcycle in the back. It's in the lowest position in this picture, 18" above the cover.

Thanks i’ve been checking this one out i like being able to have the Tonneau cover with the rack

 

[bmidd]

Thanks i’ve been checking this one out i like being able to have the Tonneau cover with the rack

I almost went with the BakFlip tri-fold cover, but it would have required me to run the cross bars higher. Plus the tri-fold is 2x more expensive, although the tri-fold has the T-rails built in. The cover is the Truxedo LoPro.

 

[Mighty Little Blue]

Lot of good advice best is to think it through and make sure your wants and needs are the same. I love my rack setup and no issues. You need to remember if you want a tonneau cover it will most likely need to be a rollup ver. My only dislike is the RTT on the rack having to fold it up if wanting to camp in the same place multiple days, but also drive during the day. That is why I am looking for a small offroad trailer to mount the tent on.

 

[pickettf3nce]

Tomorrow, I'm picking up a used "Thule Xsporter 422XT" from a local FB Marketplace listing. I'll come back and post some pictures once I get it mounted and installed. (fingers-crossed it fits flawlessly) While a new unit exceeds your budget, used Xsporter kits can be found for considerably less on eBay and FB Marketplace.

The adjustable height settings and not having to drill into the bed rails were big selling points for me. Along with the wide base of the foot and reinforced L brackets, which should help with lateral forces from sharp turns and bumping around offroad. The feet clamp onto the bottom of the bed rail with a c-clamp style bracket.

As cool as the big bulky overland racks look, I figured this would be a better option in the long run. Adjustable height means I can strap our kayaks on top and have them hangover the cab, while still leaving the bed accessible for coolers and gear. Or drop the height low to have a RTT or bikes sit down behind the cab. Plus, the whole system can be dissembled and removed when I don't need it. Meaning, less weight and wind resistance on the back of the truck for commuting.

See attached for Xsporter fitment:

Seller previously had the rack on a Colorado and trimmed the front legs to clear the wheel wells. I measured about 3in off the front risers.

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