Contents
Make sure your received everything in the correct quantities for installation:
Components
- 4 Upright Brackets (18.5")
- 4 Faceplates (18.5")
- 4 Riser Bar Brackets
- 2 Crossbars
- 8 Connector Brackets
- 4 1.5" aluminum connector sections
- 2 Adjustable Braces
- 4 Bed Clamps (truck models without bed side utility rails)
- 8 Utility Rail T-nuts (truck models with bed side utility rails)
- 4 T slot Stud Plates ( T-slot Racks only)
- 4 Bar End Caps (24.5" only)
Hardware
Bag 1
- 8x ⅜ - 16 bolts
- 8X 3/8" Lock Washers
- 8x 3/8" Flat Washers
Bag 2B
- 24 1/4-20 x ⅜" screws and washers
Bag 3
- 8 3/8-16 x 1" screws
- 8 large shoulder washers
- 8 small shoulder washers
Bag 4B
- 80 t-nuts
- 80 ¼ -20 x .5" screws
- 80 Flat Washers
1X tube of blue thread locker
Tools Required:
- Measuring Tape
- Hex Drivers (4 Sizes)
- Anti-Seize Grease
*we do not recommend using power tools for this installation
***PRE INSTALL NOTES: You will likely need to remove your Tonneau cover to attach the brackets in step 4. After the brackets are installed and in position you will need to reinstall your Tonneau cover before attaching the crossbars. Racks with bedside rails must be removed and depending on placement of the uprights, others may need to be removed as well. ***
Step 1
Prepare Screws and Brackets
Add 1 small drop of thread locker to the end of each screws from bag 4B. Using the screws and t-nuts from Bag 4B pre install 6 into each bar bracket, 24 total with flat washers. (some earlier kits may not include the washers) 5 into each connector plate, 40 total. 8 into each adjustable connector, 16 total. Every screw should have a washer.
Step 2
Attach bar ends and connector plates to your aluminum cross bars.
Push the riser bar brackets onto the ends of the aluminum crossbars so the outer face is roughly 3 inches away from the end of the crossbar (Install Wisdom: line up the t-nuts to fit in the slots before sliding the ends on the crossbars). Tighten one screw just enough so the bar bracket doesn't slide off. Place the small nylon shoulder washers from Bag 3 on each of the alignment pins. Then position 4 connector plates on each crossbar. These should be set up in pairs of 2 above/below each other. Measure their placement on the bar and try to match the placement as close as possible on the second crossbar.
Step 3
Attach Faceplates to Upright Brackets
Add a small drop of threadlocker to each screw from Bag 2B. Use the screws and washers from Bag 2B to attach your faceplates to each corner bracket. Tighten these down now.
*If you are installing an accessory panel, do not attach your faceplates. Instead attach your accessory panels! Follow this link for a quick video showing how to do that.
Step 4
Attach each bracket to your truck bed.
Add a drop of thread locker to each bolt from Bag 1. Using the supplied utility rail nuts or bed clamps, use the bolts and washers from Bag 1, 3/8-16 to attach the bracket to your truck bed. It is recommended that you have an extra pair of hands to hold the brackets while you tighten the bolts. Attach each one loosely then use a measuring tape to ensure that they are placed across from each other and move as needed to align the brackets. Once the brackets are aligned, tighten them down making sure the upright is vertical. Adjust if needed to ensure each bracket is vertical. If you are using bed clamps, do not over tighten. Tighten the bolts until the clamp grabs the bedside and the upright bracket cannot move front to back, and tighten an additional turn. Do not over tighten to avoid damage to the clamp and rivet nuts. You can deform the steel by over tightening.
Step 5
Attach the Cross Bars.
With the help of a friend, position your crossbar with the bar brackets loosely attached at your desired height setting. Make sure not to drop the nylon shoulder washers on the alignment pins. Use the alignment pins to locate the bar bracket on the upright bracket. Using Bag 3, the supplied 3/8-16 screws, washers, and nylon shoulder washers attach the bar bracket to each upright bracket. Slide the brackets as needed in order to maintain the upright's vertical position. Use 1 drop of thread locker per bolt.
*Helpful Tip - Having a friend's help to hold the crossbars up while you attach them is nice but sometimes friends are busy and you are all alone. You can use a clamp to hold your bar end bracket in place while you put the screws in. The clamp is your friend.
Step 6
Attach Front to Back Braces
Slide one end of each connector brace into one pair of the connector brackets. Once the brace touches the crossbar, tighten 2 of the screws. With the screws still loose on the brace, extend the brace to the second crossbar and connect the brace in the same way. Tighten all the screws on that brace. Repeat the process for the second brace on the other side.
Step 7
Tighten All Screws
Go over every screw in the system and ensure that it is tight. Care and attention should be paid to the t-nuts on the aluminum cross bar. These are designed to dig into the soft aluminum and will not move if tightened correctly. <<There should be a picture here showing correct and incorrect installation of T-nuts>> If you do not have proper contact with the T-nut, loosen it until it can spin and align with the channel, then re-tighten it - you do not have to completely separate the screw from the T-nut. This will keep you, your truck, and your fellow motorists safe during operation of your new rack! Once everything is tight your rack should feel very solid. If you push on the side and there is play, something did not go together correctly. Contact us if you have any issues. Excessive play will also cause parts to rub on each other wearing through the powder coat and opening up the possibility for rust to occur.
After driving with the rack installed for 25-50 miles on road or 10 miles offroad, check and tighten all bolts. Bolts may loosen as the rack settles. Periodically check your bolts to make sure they remain tight.
Final Words
Special Notes: We've done our best to make this product stand up to the elements, but if you accidentally scratch or damage the powder coat during assembly, we recommend using a black Plastidip spray paint(it matches the powder coat very well!) to cover any place where bare steel is exposed. Keeping your steel coated will make this product last for all of your trips and adventures to come!
Warranty: If your product arrives damaged, please let us know and send us pictures within 30 days of arrival and we will replace the damaged components free of charge. We warranty the coating for 5 years from the date of purchase. Typical wear and tear through use is not covered, but any type of manufacturer's defect such as the powder coat flaking off will be covered.
Thank You: Thanks for purchasing from TRUKD. We are a small business based out of Pittsburgh, with every part of our racks made in the USA. We appreciate every one of our customers, we wouldn't be here without you. If you are truly thrilled by our product, please leave us a review, post some pictures and tag us, or buy some accessories (to be announced later this year!). We hope to see you on the trails!