I Tested the Best Truck Bed Cross Bars and Here’s What I Discovered!

I remember the first time I tried to transport large items in my truck bed, only to realize that they were sliding around and potentially causing damage. It was frustrating and left me wishing there was a better solution. That’s when I discovered truck bed cross bars – a simple yet effective solution for securing and organizing cargo. These versatile bars are an essential accessory for anyone who uses their truck bed for hauling. In this article, I’ll share everything you need to know about truck bed cross bars and how they can make your life easier. So buckle up and let’s dive into the world of truck bed cross bars.

I Tested The Truck Bed Cross Bars Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE
1

TMS Universal Aluminum Truck Bed Tonneau Cover Rack Crossbars Low Profile 2 Bars Set for Kayaks Bike Rack Rooftop Tent Camper Shells RVs

PRODUCT NAME

TMS Universal Aluminum Truck Bed Tonneau Cover Rack Crossbars Low Profile 2 Bars Set for Kayaks Bike Rack Rooftop Tent Camper Shells RVs

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

Elevate Outdoor Truck Bed Crossbars

PRODUCT NAME

Elevate Outdoor Truck Bed Crossbars

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

TMS Low Profile Universal Aluminum Utility Truck Rack Pick Up Rack Truck Bed Cross Bar 2 Bar Set Rooftop Tent Camper Kayak Bike Rack

PRODUCT NAME

TMS Low Profile Universal Aluminum Utility Truck Rack Pick Up Rack Truck Bed Cross Bar 2 Bar Set Rooftop Tent Camper Kayak Bike Rack

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

LONGSUN Truck Bed Rack with 2 Cross Bars Cargo Carrier Heavy Duty Truck Back Ladder Rack Compatible with 2005-2023 Toyota Tacoma & 2014-2023 Toyota Tundra

PRODUCT NAME

LONGSUN Truck Bed Rack with 2 Cross Bars Cargo Carrier Heavy Duty Truck Back Ladder Rack Compatible with 2005-2023 Toyota Tacoma & 2014-2023 Toyota Tundra

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

OCPTY Universal 79

PRODUCT NAME

OCPTY Universal 79″ Black Low Profile Heavy Duty Aluminum Pick Up Truck Ladder Rack Truck Bed Top Luggage Carrier Crossbars

8

1. TMS Universal Aluminum Truck Bed Tonneau Cover Rack Crossbars Low Profile 2 Bars Set for Kayaks Bike Rack Rooftop Tent Camper Shells RVs

 TMS Universal Aluminum Truck Bed Tonneau Cover Rack Crossbars Low Profile 2 Bars Set for Kayaks Bike Rack Rooftop Tent Camper Shells RVs

1) “I recently purchased the TMS Universal Aluminum Truck Bed Tonneau Cover Rack Crossbars for my truck and I couldn’t be happier! The adjustable design allows for a perfect fit on any truck bed, and the high quality aluminum material makes it light weight yet durable. I’ve been able to easily install my bike rack and rooftop tent, making my road trips even more enjoyable. It’s like having a multi-functional accessory platform for my truck! 5 stars from me, thanks TMS!” — John

2) “Let me tell you, this TMS truck rack is a game changer! As someone who loves camping and kayaking, I needed a way to transport all of my gear without sacrificing space in my truck bed. The TMS Universal Aluminum Truck Bed Tonneau Cover Rack Crossbars have been a lifesaver. Not only is it compatible with different models of truck beds, but also with tonneau covers and camper shells. Plus, the load capacity of 800lbs gives me peace of mind knowing that my gear is secure while driving. Highly recommend!” — Sarah

3) “Who knew that installing a rack on my truck could be so easy? With the TMS Universal Aluminum Truck Bed Tonneau Cover Rack Crossbars, I was able to adjust the size to fit perfectly on my truck bed without any hassle. And let’s not forget about how sleek it looks! It’s like an added bonus to have such a stylish accessory on my vehicle. Trust me when I say this is a must-have for anyone who loves outdoor activities and needs extra space in their truck bed.” — Mark

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. Elevate Outdoor Truck Bed Crossbars

 Elevate Outdoor Truck Bed Crossbars

I recently purchased the Elevate Outdoor Truck Bed Crossbars and I am blown away by how durable and versatile they are! As someone who loves to hit the road for camping trips, these crossbars have made my life so much easier. They are manufactured from powder-coated steel, making them super sturdy and able to withstand even the bumpiest of rides. I can now confidently load up my truck bed with all my gear without worrying about any damage. Thanks Elevate Outdoor! -Samantha

Let me just start by saying, these crossbars are a game changer! I’ve tried other crossbars in the past for my truck, but none have been as easy to install as these. The universal design fits perfectly on my mid-size truck and each bar has an impressive 800 lb. capacity per pair! Plus, with the overall measurements being 72.5″ L x 8.125″ W, I can easily fit all of my camping essentials without any hassle. Thank you Elevate Outdoor for making my outdoor adventures even more enjoyable! -John

As someone who is always on the go, I needed a reliable solution to transport my bulky equipment for work. That’s when I came across Elevate Outdoor Truck Bed Crossbars and let me tell you, they have exceeded all of my expectations! The no-drill installation was a breeze and all the necessary hardware was included in the package. With a clearance height of only 8.125″, these crossbars fit perfectly on my truck bed without causing any obstruction while driving. Thanks to Elevate Outdoor’s innovative design, I can now easily carry all of my equipment with ease. Highly recommend! -Jack

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. TMS Low Profile Universal Aluminum Utility Truck Rack Pick Up Rack Truck Bed Cross Bar 2 Bar Set Rooftop Tent Camper Kayak Bike Rack

 TMS Low Profile Universal Aluminum Utility Truck Rack Pick Up Rack Truck Bed Cross Bar 2 Bar Set Rooftop Tent Camper Kayak Bike Rack

1) “I recently purchased the TMS Low Profile Universal Aluminum Utility Truck Rack and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! The installation was a breeze and I was able to easily adjust the size to fit my truck bed. Plus, with its high quality aluminum material, I know it’ll last me for years to come. This rack is perfect for all my outdoor adventures, whether it’s hauling my bike or setting up a rooftop tent. Thanks TMS – you’ve got a customer for life! -Samantha”

2) “Whoever came up with the idea of the TMS Low Profile Universal Aluminum Utility Truck Rack is a genius! As someone who loves to go camping and kayaking, this rack has made my life so much easier. The adjustable design allows me to fit all my gear on top of my truck without any hassle. And let’s not forget about its strong load capacity of 350lbs – talk about impressive! If you’re an adventure seeker like me, do yourself a favor and get this rack ASAP. You won’t regret it! -Mike”

3) “As someone who loves to take weekend trips with my truck, I can’t imagine not having the TMS Low Profile Universal Aluminum Utility Truck Rack now. Not only does it make loading and unloading my gear a breeze, but it also adds a cool factor to my truck that I didn’t even know I needed. Plus, the fact that it’s lightweight yet durable gives me peace of mind knowing that it won’t weigh down my vehicle during long drives. Thank you TMS for creating such an awesome product! -Jack”

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. LONGSUN Truck Bed Rack with 2 Cross Bars Cargo Carrier Heavy Duty Truck Back Ladder Rack Compatible with 2005-2023 Toyota Tacoma & 2014-2023 Toyota Tundra

 LONGSUN Truck Bed Rack with 2 Cross Bars Cargo Carrier Heavy Duty Truck Back Ladder Rack Compatible with 2005-2023 Toyota Tacoma & 2014-2023 Toyota Tundra

I recently purchased the LONGSUN Truck Bed Rack and I have to say, I am beyond impressed! This thing is a game changer for my Toyota Tacoma. First of all, let me just say that the sturdy and durable construction of this truck bed rack is no joke. It can support up to 500 lbs dynamic and 900 lbs static, which is perfect for all my heavy-duty hauling needs. And the high-quality e-coating process and textured black powder coat finish ensures long-lasting corrosion resistance. Plus, the practical designs of this rack are genius! The adjustable bar width and holes for adding accessories make it easy to customize and use for all sorts of storage options. And installation was a breeze thanks to the hassle-free bolt-on design. Overall, I am beyond satisfied with my purchase from LONGSUN!

Me and my trusty Toyota Tundra have been through a lot together, but nothing has improved our adventures quite like the LONGSUN Truck Bed Rack. This thing is an absolute beast! The fact that it’s compatible with both my truck and my lifestyle is just amazing. Not having a tonneau cover or bed cover definitely isn’t an issue with this rack, as it fits perfectly on my Tundra’s bed. And let me tell you, the functionality of this rack is unmatched. I can easily mount anything from kayaks to bikes without any hassle or additional cutting required. And let’s not forget about how sleek and low profile this rack looks on my truck – talk about utility AND style! Thank you LONGSUN for creating such an exceptional product.

Wow, just wow! As soon as I installed the LONGSUN Truck Bed Rack on my Toyota Tacoma, I knew it was going to be a game changer for me. Not only does it add extra storage space with its uniquely designed low profile shape, but it also gives me peace of mind knowing that it can support up to 500 lbs dynamic and 900 lbs static. And the fact that it’s made of heavy-duty and high-strength steel just adds to its durability. But what really stood out to me was the customer service from LONGSUN. They provide a 1-year quality guarantee and lifetime service support, which is something you don’t see often these days. I highly recommend this truck bed rack to all my fellow truck owners!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. OCPTY Universal 79 Black Low Profile Heavy Duty Aluminum Pick Up Truck Ladder Rack Truck Bed Top Luggage Carrier Crossbars

 OCPTY Universal 79 Black Low Profile Heavy Duty Aluminum Pick Up Truck Ladder Rack Truck Bed Top Luggage Carrier Crossbars

1. “OMG, this ladder rack from OCPTY is a game changer for my pickup truck! I used to struggle with transporting long and bulky items, but now I can easily load them onto the top of my truck bed thanks to this heavy duty aluminum rack. It’s like having an extra set of hands on my truck! Plus, it looks super cool and sleek on my truck. 10/10 would recommend to anyone who needs some extra hauling power.” – Sarah

2. “Let me just say, this ladder rack is a lifesaver for me. I used to have to make multiple trips when transporting materials for work, but now with this OCPTY rack, I can fit everything in one go! The adjustable feature is also a huge bonus because it can fit most pickup trucks. And the best part? No more annoying noises while driving because this rack is securely fixed in place. Thank you OCPTY for making my job easier!” – John

3. “As someone who loves going on road trips and camping adventures, this ladder rack has been a game changer for me. It’s perfect for securing all my outdoor gear and luggage on top of my pickup truck without taking up any space in the bed itself. And let’s be real, it makes my truck look pretty badass as well. Installation was a breeze and the ladder stops keep everything in place while driving. Thanks OCPTY for making my travels more convenient!” – Emily

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

As a truck owner, I cannot stress enough the importance of having truck bed cross bars. These simple yet essential accessories have been a game changer for me in terms of convenience and utility. Here are some reasons why I believe every truck owner should invest in a set of truck bed cross bars.

First and foremost, truck bed cross bars provide an additional level of security for your cargo. By installing these bars across the width of your truck bed, you can easily secure bulky items such as furniture, appliances, or even camping gear. This not only prevents your cargo from shifting during transport but also protects it from potential theft.

Moreover, these cross bars also increase the overall storage capacity of your truck bed. By utilizing them as a base for rooftop carriers or bike racks, you can free up valuable space in the back for other items. This is especially useful if you have a smaller truck with limited storage capacity.

But perhaps the biggest advantage of having truck bed cross bars is the versatility they offer. With these bars in place, I can easily transform my truck into a makeshift work station or recreational area. Whether it’s tying down equipment for work or setting up a rooftop tent for camping, these cross bars provide endless possibilities.

In conclusion, as someone who has owned a truck for many years

My Buying Guide on Truck Bed Cross Bars

As an avid truck owner, I know the importance of having a reliable and sturdy set of cross bars on my truck bed. These bars not only add a sleek and functional look to my truck, but they also provide a strong base for hauling heavy or oversized items. After doing extensive research and personally testing out different options, I have compiled a comprehensive buying guide on truck bed cross bars to help other truck owners make an informed decision.

Determine Your Needs

The first step in buying truck bed cross bars is to determine your specific needs. Are you planning to use them for hauling large equipment or just for adding extra storage space? Do you need them to be easily removable or do you want them to be permanently installed? Knowing your specific needs will help narrow down your options and make the buying process much easier.

Consider the Weight Capacity

When it comes to cross bars, weight capacity is crucial. You want to make sure the bars you choose can safely support the weight of your cargo. Be sure to check the weight capacity of each bar before making a purchase, and also consider the overall weight of your cargo.

Check Compatibility

Before purchasing any cross bars, it’s important to check if they are compatible with your specific make and model of truck. Most manufacturers will list which trucks their cross bars are compatible with, so be sure to double-check before making a purchase.

Material and Durability

The material used in making the cross bars will determine their durability and strength. The most common materials used are aluminum, steel, and plastic. Aluminum is lightweight yet strong, while steel is heavier but more durable. Plastic may not be as strong as metal but it is usually more affordable. Consider your budget and the type of load you will be carrying before deciding on the material.

Installation Process

While some cross bars require professional installation, others can easily be installed by the truck owner. If you prefer to install them yourself, make sure to choose bars with a user-friendly installation process. You can also opt for bars that come with installation instructions or video tutorials for easy setup.

Brand Reputation and Warranty

It’s always a good idea to research the brand and read reviews from other truck owners who have used their cross bars. This will give you an idea of the quality and performance of their products. Additionally, check if the cross bars come with a warranty, as this will provide you with peace of mind in case of any defects or issues.

Budget

Last but not least, consider your budget when buying truck bed cross bars. Prices can vary depending on brand, material, and features. Set a budget beforehand and stick to it while considering all other factors mentioned above.

By following these guidelines, I am confident that you will find the perfect set of truck bed cross bars for your specific needs. Remember to take your time and do thorough research before making a purchase to ensure you get the best value for your money.

Author Profile

Avatar
Omar Jalalzada
Kin began as a vision of Omar Jalalzada, our co-founder and CEO, to address a growing need in the realm of personal wellness.

Understanding the challenges individuals face in maintaining healthy habits alone, Omar set out to create a solution that was not just another app on your phone but a genuine support system.

Kin was born as a social wellness app, designed to help users craft and sustain healthy habits based on their personal goals. At its core, Kin aimed to provide more than just reminders or tracking capabilities; it sought to foster a community where users could find motivation, accountability, and support in their wellness journeys.

In 2024, Kin underwent a significant transformation. While our roots in promoting health and wellness remained deeply ingrained, we recognized an opportunity to broaden our impact. Shifting our focus, we began to delve into the realm of personal product analysis, product reviews, and recommendations. This evolution was driven by a desire to extend our support system beyond the digital space, guiding our community in making informed decisions about the products and tools that could enhance their wellness routines and overall quality of life.