upTOP TRUSS Bed Rack: What It Fits and How to Install It

The upTOP Overland TRUSS is a modular aluminum bed rack that turns a pickup bed into a platform for a rooftop tent, an awning, recovery boards, or fuel cans. This guide covers what it fits, how it mounts to your truck, what the install looks like, and the tools to have on the bench before the box shows up. Everything here comes from upTOP's own product pages and printed install guide.

Which TRUSS is which

Every TRUSS uses the same legs, side panels, and load bars. The difference is height and how it attaches.

• Mid Height TRUSS: about 11.75 in tall overall, about 10.25 in under the crossbars. Keeps a tent low, close to cab height on many trucks.
• Full-Height TRUSS: about 21.25 in tall overall, about 19.75 in under the crossbars. More room for gear in the bed underneath.
• Variable Height TRUSS: the leg height adjusts, so you can set it for your load and change it later.
• Soft Top Compatible TRUSS: built to work with BesTOP and Softopper soft camper shells. upTOP lists its height range as 22.5 in to 27 in, adjustable in half inch steps.
• TRUSS for DiamondBack covers: mounts to a DiamondBack hard bed cover instead of the bed rails.

What it fits

upTOP lists the Mid Height and Full-Height TRUSS for these trucks:

• Toyota Tacoma and Tundra
• Jeep Gladiator
• Nissan Titan
• Ford F-150, Raptor, F-250, F-350, and F-450
• Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, and TRX
• Chevy Silverado 1500, 2500, and 3500
• GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, and 3500

upTOP does not publish model years for the TRUSS. What matters more is bed length and what is already on your bed. The side panels interlock and adjust from 5 ft to 6.5 ft in 1 in steps, which is how one rack covers short and long beds.

The upTOP install guide also includes a drilling procedure for the Chevy Colorado, GMC Canyon, and Colorado ZR2 Bison, using a flip kit that moves the bolt holes to spots you can reach with tools. Those trucks are not on the product page fit list, so contact us before you order for one of them.

Pick your mount option

The mount option you choose at checkout sets which feet and hardware come in the box. Choose the one that matches your truck today.

• Has cargo rails: for trucks with a factory anchor channel inside the bed rails. No drilling. The factory rails are not included. upTOP calls this a direct bolt on for Toyota and Jeep.
• No cargo rails (clamp): a no drill clamp kit with 2 in bolts. upTOP notes it may not suit every truck and extra parts may be needed.
• Retrax XR bed cover: for Retrax XR and XR Pro covers. The rack bolts to the cover's side channels.
• RamBox: needs Ram's factory RamBox cargo rails, the raw aluminum rails with one slot facing into the bed and one facing up. The rack uses both slots. Without those rails the included feet will not fit.

upTOP states the TRUSS does not work with BAK Revolver X4TS tonneau covers.

How much it carries

upTOP rates the TRUSS at 400 lb dynamic, meaning while driving and on the trail, and 1200 lb static, meaning parked. That static number is what matters when people are sleeping in a tent on top. Both ratings assume the load is secured and spread evenly. Your truck's own bed and payload limits still apply, so check your owner's manual.

Tools you will need

upTOP says the install calls for a basic comfort with hand tools, small power tools, and a tape measure, and recommends a professional install if you are not comfortable with any step. For the common bolt on mount options, have these ready:

• 13mm wrench, or a ratchet with a 13mm socket
• 1/2 in wrench, or a ratchet with a 1/2 in socket and a 6 in extension
• 3/16 in Allen wrench
• 5/32 in Allen wrench (load bar bolts; a 7/16 in wrench if your kit has hex head bolts instead)
• 5mm Allen wrench
• Tape measure
• A torque wrench that reads in inch pounds, since every fastener has a torque spec

Drill mount installs also need a cordless drill and a marker. upTOP supplies the drill bit. The Soft Top Compatible version adds a 4mm Allen wrench and 10mm and 7/16 in wrenches.

Install, step by step

This is the cargo rail install as upTOP documents it. The Retrax, RamBox, clamp, and DiamondBack versions follow the same order and only change how the feet attach to the truck. Your printed guide has a section for each.

1. Check the kit. Hardware comes in numbered bags inside a master kit. Some installs finish with spare hardware left over, which is normal.
2. Build the load bars. Press an end cap into one end of each bar until it sits flush. At the other end, slide two threaded inserts into the top slot on both sides, then cap that end. The inserts slide freely so you can line them up later.
3. Attach the feet to the legs. Line up the holes in the bottom of each leg with the studs on its base, start the nuts by hand, then tighten with the 13mm wrench.
4. Bolt the side panels to the legs. Lay the legs face down, line up the panel's anchor points with the holes in the legs, and tighten with the 3/16 Allen and the 1/2 in socket. On the taller legs you can choose which holes to use. Repeat for the other side.
5. Set the inserts in your bed rails. Install one studded cargo insert in the factory rail for each leg, the same number on each side. You may need to remove factory tie down cleats or partly take apart the factory rail to get them in.
6. Set each side on the truck. Place one side on the bed rail, center it, and line up the inserts with the slots in the legs. Snug the nuts by hand, but leave them loose enough to adjust. Repeat on the other side.
7. Install the load bars. Put the supplied thread locker on the lower 5 to 6 threads of every load bar bolt and let it dry for 30 minutes before you use them. Nest each bar into the tops of the legs, slide the inserts to line up with the slots, and install three bolts per slot on both ends. Even out the overhang side to side, then tighten.
8. Torque everything. Go back over the four fastener groups (feet to legs, panels to legs, feet to truck, and load bars) and torque each one to the chart below.

After the first drive, and then from time to time, check the hardware and bring it back to spec.

Torque specs from upTOP

Shipping and delivery

The TRUSS ships direct from the maker. Freight is billed at checkout, and free ground shipping does not apply to it. upTOP estimates about 4 to 6 weeks to build and ship. That is an estimate, not a promise. When the freight arrives, open and inspect it right away and photograph any damage before you install. Unused racks in the original packaging can be returned within 30 days.

Where to go next

Compare heights and mount options across the upTOP Overland lineup, or browse every bed rack and roof rack we carry. Planning a tent on top? Start with rooftop tents and check the tent's weight against the ratings above. If you are not sure which mount option matches your bed, contact us with your truck and bed setup before you order.