TRUKD T Series 18.5" Bed Rack - Alternate Build
TRUKD T Series 18.5" Bed Rack - Alternate Build
The T Series 18.5" Alternate Build puts 1,000 lbs of parked load capacity on a rack that earns its keep without looking like an afterthought. Where a standard straight-post bed rack runs vertically upright-to-bar, the Alternate Build adds angled riser brackets — the geometry opens up the profile, sits cleaner on the truck, and gives better clearance for most rollup tonneau covers without sacrificing any of the load-carrying numbers.
300 lbs driving. 1,000 lbs parked. Same ratings as the full T Series. Same 18.5" maximum height, adjustable in 2" increments down to 6.5" by repositioning the upright hardware — no disassembly required. The rack goes on without drilling into your bed on most trucks, using bed clamps, utility rail T-nuts, or T-slot tonneau plates depending on your setup.
The system is modular. Add a second crossbar set and you've got the Double Decker configuration. When you're done with one truck, buy a new mounting kit for the next one — the bars, uprights, and riser brackets come with you. That's a piece of gear you won't have to buy again.
Built in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Lifetime warranty against manufacturer's defects. Free shipping to the lower 48.
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Overview
Single-tier truck bed rack at 18.5" with angled riser brackets that connect the uprights to the crossbars at an offset angle — giving the rack a more open, architectural profile than a standard straight-post build. Same load ratings: 1,000 lb parked, 300 lb driving. No-drill install on most trucks. Height adjusts from 6.5" to 18.5" in 2" increments.
Key features
- Angled riser brackets connect uprights to crossbars at an outward offset — cleaner silhouette and better tonneau cover clearance than straight-post configurations
- 1,000 lb parked / 300 lb driving load capacity; 500 lb per bar parked, 150 lb per bar driving
- Height-adjustable from 6.5" to 18.5" in 2" increments without disassembly
- Modular and truck-portable — add a second crossbar set to convert to Double Decker; remount the whole system on your next truck with a new bed mount kit
- 10-gauge 304 stainless steel mounts and uprights; 3" T6061 aluminum crossbars and faceplates; textured black powder coat finish
- No-drill install on most trucks via bed clamps, utility rail T-nuts, or T-slot tonneau plates
- Tonneau cover compatible with most rollup and folding covers (Extang Solid Fold 2.0, BAKFlip MX4 non-Tacoma, Retrax, Roll-N-Lok, DiamondBack partial range)
- Lifetime warranty against manufacturer's defects; made in Pittsburgh, PA
Use cases
Best fit for overlanders and work-truck owners who want full load capacity with a rack profile that doesn't visually dominate the truck. The riser bracket geometry keeps rollup tonneau covers fully functional on most fitments and gives Diamondback owners usable partial-open range. The 18.5" height pairs with most RTT shells and handles static loads — kayaks, gear boxes, lumber — well within the 1,000 lb parked rating. The truck-to-truck portability makes it a long-term investment for anyone who cycles trucks every few years.
- Load capacity (parked): 1,000 lb per set / 500 lb per bar
- Load capacity (driving): 300 lb per set / 150 lb per bar
- Max height: 18.5" (adjustable in 2" increments, minimum 6.5")
- Crossbar material: T6061 aluminum extrusion, 3" wide
- Upright/mount material: 10-gauge 304 stainless steel
- Finish: Textured black powder coat
- System weight: ~110 lb (49,895 g)
- Mount options: Bed Clamps / Utility Rail T-nuts / T-Slot Tonneau Plates
- Compatible vehicles: Toyota Tacoma, Toyota Tundra, Jeep Gladiator, Nissan Frontier, Nissan Titan, Ford F150/F250/F350, Ford Maverick, Ford Ranger, Chevy Colorado, Chevy Silverado/2500HD, GMC Canyon
- Required tools: 5/32" hex driver, 7/32" hex driver, 9/16" socket wrench, 1/2" socket wrench — SAE only, no power tools, no metric
- Country of manufacture: USA (Pittsburgh, PA)
- Warranty: Lifetime (manufacturer's defect)
- Shipping: Free (lower 48 states)
What makes the Alternate Build different from the standard T Series 18.5"?
The Alternate Build adds angled riser brackets between the uprights and the crossbars. Instead of a straight vertical upright-to-bar connection, the bars angle outward from the top of each upright. The load ratings, height range, and core hardware are identical — it's a structural geometry preference, not a capability tradeoff. The angled profile is what gives it better tonneau cover clearance and the cleaner silhouette.
Will this work with my tonneau cover?
Yes, for most rollup and folding covers. Confirmed compatible: Extang Solid Fold 2.0, BAKFlip MX4 (non-Tacoma fitment), Retrax, Roll-N-Lok, and DiamondBack (partial open range). The angled riser geometry provides more clearance than a straight-post build. Note: BAKFlip MX4 on Tacoma is excluded. You'll temporarily remove the cover during Step 7 of the install, then reinstall it once the rack is set on the bed.
Can I add a second tier or upgrade to Double Decker later?
Yes. The system is designed to be modular. The Alternate Build ships as a single-tier rack; adding a second crossbar set builds out the Double Decker configuration. Contact TRUKD directly for the add-on kit.
Will this move to my next truck?
Yes. Keep the uprights, crossbars, and riser brackets. When you get a new truck, buy a new bed mounting kit for that model. Everything else transfers. This is one of the primary reasons buyers choose TRUKD over welded alternatives that don't travel.
Is this a DIY install?
Yes, for most people. No drilling required on most trucks. You'll need a 5/32" and 7/32" hex driver, a 9/16" and 1/2" socket wrench — SAE sizes only, no metric, no power tools. TRUKD's install manual recommends a second person for Step 7 (lifting the fully assembled ~110 lb rack onto the bedside as a unit). Plan for 2–3 hours your first time.
How soon do I need to re-tighten the hardware after install?
Check and re-torque all bolts after the first 25–50 miles on pavement or 10 miles off-road. The Alternate Build has more connection points than a straight-post setup, so hardware will settle — particularly the riser bracket joints. After that initial re-torque, inspect periodically. Loose bolts that rub through the powder coat will corrode; catching them early is cheap.
What's the driving load limit?
300 lb per set / 150 lb per bar, or your truck's own bedside load rating — whichever is lower. The 1,000 lb parked rating applies to static loads only (camp setup, gear storage). Do not exceed the driving limit while moving.
Does this support a rooftop tent?
Yes, within the driving load rating. Most mid-size RTTs fall well under the 300 lb per set limit when loaded for travel. Verify your tent's combined weight (tent shell + occupants during travel) stays under that figure. The 18.5" maximum height is compatible with most standard RTT mounting footprints.