Aluminum vs. Steel Bed Racks

Hey All,
Been doing research on what bed rack I’m going with. Decided on the Max Modular as the new Cargo Max pretty much sealed the deal for me.

Only thing I’m looking for now is first-hand experience with steel. Looks like the upside of the aluminum is the weight savings and protection from rust.

My question is: I live in Northern CA (Bay Area). Is rust really going to be an issue? I’m inland and not near the beach. Just wondering if aluminum is really worth it for me.

Don’t think it matters, but my set up is going to look like this:

-Max Module 14”-18” rack w/ tonneau brackets
-Cargo Max
-Pace Edwards Jackrabbit (regular, not full metal)

Any insight is appreciated!

 

I'm not sure about your case, but aluminum racks tend to also have a lower weight rating. I went with steel because the aluminum version of my KB Voodoo rack was rated too low. I've had a bit of surface rust on mine, but nothing to be concerned about. It happened where paint has been rubbed away by assembly and disassembly. And that surface rust is simply from a humid environment and not a salty one. But, that being said, we're talking so little that I can literally wipe it away with my finger and a little pressure.

But, if the weight rating is there, I'd say go for Aluminum.

 

That is a good point. I forgot to include, because I’m not committed to one yet, a RTT. I’d have to check the rating for whatever I go with.

 

The KB Voodoo Hi Rise cross bars are what I went with because of their low profile and their ability to work with a tonneau cover. But, those also have some of the lowest weight ratings I've found simply due to their design. But, they work for me and what I had intended. Anything mid height or higher will probably be rated for a higher weight, regardless of material, but obviously do your research first.

 

If u go steel ones get them powder coated to prevent rust .

 

@upTOPoverland all the way. Just installed it this weekend. Love it!

 

I went with the Voodoo max modular steel for the higher dynamic/static ratings.(and slightly lower cost) Im happy with it.

6 months in I have a few spots of rust in high use areas(tounneau backets) but nothing major.
I live in Ohio, use it every other week, and the rack lives outside most of the time.

The quality of the powder coating isn't the best. Seems the scratch easily. Every item I have bolted to the rack, I put a layer of 3M Butyl Mastic Tape 2212.
Just prevents any metal on metal rubbing.

 

Thanks, this is exactly what I was looking for!

I’m thinking I’ll go aluminum. I can get a little lazy, and don’t want it to turn into a huge problem.

Also, the weight rating is the same for the aluminum and steel for those wondering: 300 lbs. dynamic/600 lbs. static.

 

Ended up purchasing the aluminum. Came to CA from NY in less than a week! Customer service was great all the way.

Waiting on my replacement tonneau but getting antsy. Anyone know if I can install the Max Modular now and the tonneau after? Or will I have to remove it anyway?

 

Congrats!

You can install it now. You'll need to pull the rack off to install the cover, but it's not a big deal. Just 4 bolts and it comes right off. Brackets stay in place.

 

Thanks! That makes it much easier. Do you know of any install vids or detailed directions?

The attached directions weren’t very detailed, although it does seem simple enough.

Just would like something to reference as I go.

 

Once you get it out of the package it's all pretty straightforward. My wife and I did it without a video and didn't have any issues.

It helps to have a nice large flat surface and lay everything out on the ground first, to mock it up