Aftermarket Tonneau Covers?

[kd1yt]

That is not the same track but some guys are trying to use it. Looks like a lower profile, so I would avoid it for the Alu-Cab.

I've never seen the OEM Jeep rails, but the rails that BuiltRight uses are unistrut 3000. Another guy on here, @Red Hot Sloth made a nice write up on some DIY rails here. Red Hot Sloths Sensible-ish Build

If you got the time and like to tinker, you can save some money. If you want a nice set already done, contact Builtright, https://www.builtrightind.com/jeep-gladiator-products/2020-jeep-gladiator-utility-rail-system

I have used unistrut for all kinds of things and generally really like it, but for the purposes of alternatives to TrailRails, I think I am leaning towards the L-Track as some other folks on here have used (I first saw it in this discussion: https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...arket-cargo-management-diy.20800/#post-319916 ) Strut channel relies on clamping force in order to not slide lengthwise, the L-Track locks in place, but with the lock points at 1" intervals (so that you have lots of adjustability), and there are a variety of different-type attachment points available, all of which are very moderate in cost. Best price I have found yet is at the following link, although I haven't decided yet if the 46 inch that's one of their standard length increments is quite long enough https://www.cargoequipmentcorp.com/...option=No Mounting Holes&l_track_length=92 IN

But you wouldn't go wrong with unistrut, it's very strong and there are many ways to connect to it. Fastenal is a great place to get the unistrut channel and various items that go with the strut channel.

Sponsored

 

[steffen707]

I have used unistrut for all kinds of things and generally really like it, but for the purposes of alternatives to TrailRails, I think I am leaning towards the L-Track as some other folks on here have used (I first saw it in this discussion: https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...arket-cargo-management-diy.20800/#post-319916 ) Strut channel relies on clamping force in order to not slide lengthwise, the L-Track locks in place, but with the lock points at 1" intervals (so that you have lots of adjustability), and there are a variety of different-type attachment points available, all of which are very moderate in cost. Best price I have found yet is at the following link, although I haven't decided yet if the 46 inch that's one of their standard length increments is quite long enough https://www.cargoequipmentcorp.com/Heavy-Duty-L-Track?quantity=1&l_track_profile=Regular&l_track_mounting_option=No Mounting Holes&l_track_length=92 IN

But you wouldn't go wrong with unistrut, it's very strong and there are many ways to connect to it. Fastenal is a great place to get the unistrut channel and various items that go with the strut channel.

That L track is cool, but since mopar chose unistrut type channel, that's what everybody aftermarket is going to make their adapters, brackets ect to work with. That's my guess anyways, maybe i'm wrong.

 

[kd1yt]

That L track is cool, but since mopar chose unistrut type channel, that's what everybody aftermarket is going to make their adapters, brackets ect to work with. That's my guess anyways, maybe i'm wrong.

I don't think that the Mopar OE channel is unistrut, or has dimensions the same as Unistrut. When I first looked at a Gladiator on a dealer lot that had the OE trail rail, the rails looked exactly like what the OE rails had been in my 2011 Tacoma (which was definitely not unistrut). The Mopar adjustable tie down points look _exactly_ like the ones I'd had in my Tacoma, to the point that I'd expect that one might interchange with the other.

So it seems like there are (at least) three branches in the road: Mopar TrailRail, Unistrut, or L-track. They're all reasonably similar but not identical in form and function, so if you are reasonably mechanically handy, you can probably adapt many things intended for one of the three to work in one of the other products.

 

[JcrOffroad]

I don't think that the Mopar OE channel is unistrut, or has dimensions the same as Unistrut. When I first looked at a Gladiator on a dealer lot that had the OE trail rail, the rails looked exactly like what the OE rails had been in my 2011 Tacoma (which was definitely not unistrut). The Mopar adjustable tie down points look _exactly_ like the ones I'd had in my Tacoma, to the point that I'd expect that one might interchange with the other.

So it seems like there are (at least) three branches in the road: Mopar TrailRail, Unistrut, or L-track. They're all reasonably similar but not identical in form and function, so if you are reasonably mechanically handy, you can probably adapt many things intended for one of the three to work in one of the other products.

Correct, similar, but not the same dimensionally.

 

[xpcdoojk]

I ordered a diamondback SE in black, supposed to be here in early February.

I had a Bak flip F1 on my 2011 Nissan Frontier and hated it after it started getting waterlogged and stripping the screws out of the cross bars that kept it locked to the bed. So, I am willing to spend more for something that is solid and not aluminum foil wrapped foam. Hopefully, this will be a better decision. ;-)

JC

 

[Dcoins]

@Dcoins and @markleone22, looking great!

Any chance you would be able take some pictures/comment on how this mounts?

Looking to see the side/underneath view of the mounting situation at rear of the bed and especially where the canister mounts.

Ideally I want to mount a RTT with a tonneau and this is the best choice for a cover so far, but not sure if I could squeeze in some rack brackets around this tonneau.

Is there room for rack brackets to slide around/under the edges of this system? Are the mounting points for the tonneau fixed or can they be adjusted along the trail rail? I'm sure some custom sealing would need to be done to eliminate water seeping in, but that's not a huge concern. My main concern is if rack brackets could fit around/under this to mount to the trail rail system without affecting functionality. Also, most of the rack systems I'm seeing would likely sit forward in the bed and need to be mounted at/close to the canister. Any pictures you're able to obtain would be greatly appreciated.

Leaning towards the road armor adjustable rack at this time; other considerations are the JCR vs Rebel Xplor racks

TIA,
DrJ
ps. first post here
pps. I have seen pictures of a GMC canyon with the TruckcoversUSA and a rack mounted, but nothing close-up

 

[Dcoins]

@Dcoins and @markleone22, looking great!

Any chance you would be able take some pictures/comment on how this mounts?

Looking to see the side/underneath view of the mounting situation at rear of the bed and especially where the canister mounts.

Ideally I want to mount a RTT with a tonneau and this is the best choice for a cover so far, but not sure if I could squeeze in some rack brackets around this tonneau.

Is there room for rack brackets to slide around/under the edges of this system? Are the mounting points for the tonneau fixed or can they be adjusted along the trail rail? I'm sure some custom sealing would need to be done to eliminate water seeping in, but that's not a huge concern. My main concern is if rack brackets could fit around/under this to mount to the trail rail system without affecting functionality. Also, most of the rack systems I'm seeing would likely sit forward in the bed and need to be mounted at/close to the canister. Any pictures you're able to obtain would be greatly appreciated.

Leaning towards the road armor adjustable rack at this time; other considerations are the JCR vs Rebel Xplor racks

TIA,
DrJ
ps. first post here
pps. I have seen pictures of a GMC canyon with the TruckcoversUSA and a rack mounted, but nothing close-up

 

[CroweGladiator]

I just bought the Rugged Ridge Hard Folding cover and found I’m having trouble with water coming in from the front and some spots on the sides, even in light rains. Is anyone else having similar issues or have any suggestions?

 

[TYJ]

Regarding the Lomax/Weathertech tonneau cover...

Do all 3 panels fold up against the rear window (like the Rugged Ridge tonneau does) or do you have to remove all 3 panels to gain access to the entire bed when needed?

 

[DrJ]

@Dcoins

Thanks!

Are you able to re-mount the trail rail after install or not?

 

[Dcoins]

@Dcoins

Thanks!

Are you able to re-mount the trail rail after install or not?

Unfortunately no

 

[hjdca]

I just bought the Rugged Ridge Hard Folding cover and found I’m having trouble with water coming in from the front and some spots on the sides, even in light rains. Is anyone else having similar issues or have any suggestions?

No, I have not had any problems... Some tips:

1. Make sure you install the two drain hoses. These hoses drain the rails.
2. The front weather stripping should be flush with the edge of the cover. It should not stick out of the cover, it should be flush. The whole front of the cover should be flush with the front ridge -- no extra bumps, ridges, or spaces. If you put the weather stripping on the middle of the ridge, it should be close to the right spot.
3. Push the cover all the way forward, and leave about 1/4" spacing on each side of the rails - looking from the back.

Mine fits really well, so, you should be able to adjust it so that it do not leak.

 

[CroweGladiator]

No, I have not had any problems... Some tips:

1. Make sure you install the two drain hoses. These hoses drain the rails.
2. The front weather stripping should be flush with the edge of the cover. It should not stick out of the cover, it should be flush. The whole front of the cover should be flush with the front ridge -- no extra bumps, ridges, or spaces. If you put the weather stripping on the middle of the ridge, it should be close to the right spot.
3. Push the cover all the way forward, and leave about 1/4" spacing on each side of the rails - looking from the back.

Mine fits really well, so, you should be able to adjust it so that it do not leak.

Okay, I'll try taking it apart and reinstalling with some new weather stripping and some adjustments. Thank you for the advice and feedback.

 

[Rollcast]

@Dcoins

I hate to keep bugging you but I have another question about your completely awesome and great looking cover. What's the height from the top of the ridges in the bottom of the bed to the cover?

I have a fridge that I'm concerned might be too tall to let that cover close.

 

[Dcoins]

@Dcoins

I hate to keep bugging you but I have another question about your completely awesome and great looking cover. What's the height from the top of the ridges in the bottom of the bed to the cover?

I have a fridge that I'm concerned might be too tall to let that cover close.

No worries, I’m actually traveling and away from my truck. Once I return home (week and a half) I’ll measure it for you.

Sponsored