Retrax XR slot rails in action

[Hudnut]

Just showing off some of the ways to use the T-slot rails on the Retrax XR cover. The biggest thing I wanted to do was to load bikes on top of the cover while keeping luggage dry underneath. I made a simple rack using 8020 extrusion and carriage bolts to fix in the T-slots. I also made tiedown anchors to affix bins, coolers, or whatever else wont fit under the cover. I have room for up to 4 bikes with mounts for various fork types (i leave them off for aesthetics). All the hardware is either aluminum or stainless with the exception of the fork mounts. I also designed and 3d printed little trim pieces to finish it off.

 

[Hullguy]

With the bike on top of the cover are you concerned about wind or sudden stops causing the bike to pivot on the headset?

 

[Hudnut]

With the bike on top of the cover are you concerned about wind or sudden stops causing the bike to pivot on the headset?

when on top I use the tiedowns and run a strap through the back wheels to keep them from moving around. I also use velcro straps to affix the front wheels to the bikes to maximize storage space under the cover.

 

[Slappy McGee]

Very cool. I have a Retrax Pro XR on order (seems like they have a 4-week lead time these days), although I still don’t have an actual truck to put it on!

 

[gtotco]

Nice wheels I have a SB4.5

 

[Fishbike]

Just showing off some of the ways to use the T-slot rails on the Retrax XR cover. The biggest thing I wanted to do was to load bikes on top of the cover while keeping luggage dry underneath. I made a simple rack using 8020 extrusion and carriage bolts to fix in the T-slots. I also made tiedown anchors to affix bins, coolers, or whatever else wont fit under the cover. I have room for up to 4 bikes with mounts for various fork types (i leave them off for aesthetics). All the hardware is either aluminum or stainless with the exception of the fork mounts. I also designed and 3d printed little trim pieces to finish it off.

Great solution! Very clean and I especially like how you can retract the cover and let the bikes sit down inside the bed, which is how I imagine transporting my road bikes

 

[desertlivin]

Here is my Retrax XR slot rails with Yakima rails and a Yakima MegaWarrior basket.

 

[azDcab21]

With the bike on top of the cover are you concerned about wind or sudden stops causing the bike to pivot on the headset?

What size tnuts fit on the xr slot? Where did you find them?

 

[Hullguy]

What size tnuts fit on the xr slot? Where did you find them?

https://www.etrailer.com/question-501128.html

 

[Bgriffin613]

Hi. Can you share photos of the Retrax Canister installed on your truck so I can get a better idea of the space I will be losing? Thanks

 

[Hudnut]

Hi. Can you share photos of the Retrax Canister installed on your truck so I can get a better idea of the space I will be losing? Thanks

The space under the canister is about 10" high and 13" deep

 

[petemill]

 

[kmayer]

I’m looking at doing exactly the same thing. what rack and cross bars are you using? Would love to see a side picture. Thanks so much. My retrax arrives next week.

 

[petemill]

I’m looking at doing exactly the same thing. what rack and cross bars are you using? Would love to see a side picture. Thanks so much. My retrax arrives next week.

it's the Yakima tonneau cover kit. Comes with feet and bars specifically for T Slot tonneau covers. And then the Yakima HighRoad bike carriers. I positioned them as far forward as possible so that the tires are just shy of the cab. And the cross bars are the minimal distance allowed by the manual. That gets them out of the way of the bed access. My tonneau is actually the Pace Edwards Ultragroove picked up for $2100 at Real Truck (they'll give you a discount if you DM on the other forum).

 

[kmayer]

it's the Yakima tonneau cover kit. Comes with feet and bars specifically for T Slot tonneau covers. And then the Yakima HighRoad bike carriers. I positioned them as far forward as possible so that the tires are just shy of the cab. And the cross bars are the minimal distance allowed by the manual. That gets them out of the way of the bed access. My tonneau is actually the Pace Edwards Ultragroove picked up for $2100 at Real Truck (they'll give you a discount if you DM on the other forum).

Thanks so much. I’m going to get those ordered pretty quick. I ordered my retrax from real truck as well. Have been pleased with them so far.