I'm considering getting a couple roof rack bars for my F150. Why? It's a 4 door short 5.5 bed. Basically, close to a 5.5' square about 18" high when using the tonneau cover. Hauling a long ladder would be easier, on top or even if I did the angle the ladder in the bed over the cab. I'm NOT tying anything against the cab roof unless it's an emergency ;)I'm looking at no drill strap on roof racks.Anyone already have done this?Which brand rack?I have a soft bag roof luggage carrier from a previous vehicle that I could use again as a bonus.

That's one reason I just don't understand why pick up manufacturers build such a short bed. 6' should be the minimum and even that is too short for many items. If you had a 10' ladder or 8' sheet of plywood, think how much would stick out past the truck...

I've used Yakima roof racks on several different trucks, never an issue.

Thermoguy wrote:That's one reason I just don't understand why pick up manufacturers build such a short bed. 6' should be the minimum and even that is too short for many items. If you had a 10' ladder or 8' sheet of plywood, think how much would stick out past the truck...Classic boomer response, lol.

I use a Thule roof rack in combo with a Yakima bed rack for our kayaks. The reason for the combo is I have a tool box mounted permanently behind the cab. Without the tool box you could use a pair of Thule on roof or a pair of Yakima on the bed rail. Yakima and Thule are not cheap but Very stable. Both can be easily removed.2018 F150 CC short bed EcoEdit: The Thule is not strapped on. The have rubber pads designed for a specific vehicle and are tightened down with a hex wrench. Real nice fit

My new Silverado is tall enough. I wouldn’t add to that height.

Pickup truck roof racks? | Good Sam Community

Grit_dog
Navigator
Feb 14, 2020
"Barely enough to haul a washer or dryer by themselves. Buy a set, and it will take two trips."

Whatever bud. And get off my lawn! lol
SpeakEasy
Explorer
Feb 14, 2020
Would THIS work for you? If so, I have one for sale on craigslist. PM me for the link. I wouldn't want anyone to think I was using this site to promote something I'm selling.

-Speak
riven1950
Explorer
Feb 14, 2020
Of course since station wagons have gone away, a SB CC is now filling that role... Some of these beds are incredibly short... Barely enough to haul a washer or dryer by themselves. Buy a set, and it will take two trips.

Show me a picture of a station wagon with a washer and dryer in it. I think both would fit in a SB pickup but most SB pickup owners are smart enough to let the seller deliver,unpack,setup and haul away for free;)
jaycocamprs
Explorer
Feb 14, 2020
The only way I'd think about those super short bed truck would be with a regular cab. It would be like like having a half cab Bronco or Blazer wich I always liked. Of course they only come in four door so, no thanks.
Huntindog
Explorer
Feb 14, 2020
riven1950 wrote:

Millions of buyers disagree with you. I've hauled lots of 10' long drywall with my 5.5 bed. With the tailgate down it is almost 7.5 feet. And my crew can fits in my garage.

I agree. Everyone does not want or need a long bed
When it comes to bed length... Bigger is better.

Size matters.

Of course since station wagons have gone away, a SB CC is now filling that role... Some of these beds are incredibly short... Barely enough to haul a washer or dryer by themselves. Buy a set, and it will take two trips.
riven1950
Explorer
Feb 13, 2020

Millions of buyers disagree with you. I've hauled lots of 10' long drywall with my 5.5 bed. With the tailgate down it is almost 7.5 feet. And my crew can fits in my garage.

I agree. Everyone does not want or need a long bed
Grit_dog
Navigator
Feb 13, 2020
We'll See wrote:
Thermoguy wrote:
That's one reason I just don't understand why pick up manufacturers build such a short bed. 6' should be the minimum and even that is too short for many items. If you had a 10' ladder or 8' sheet of plywood, think how much would stick out past the truck...

Millions of buyers disagree with you. I've hauled lots of 10' long drywall with my 5.5 bed. With the tailgate down it is almost 7.5 feet. And my crew can fits in my garage.

True story, and some folks just like to complain about other people’s choices.
That said, I really wish the mfgs would make CC LB 1/2 ton trucks.
There’s a large industry that can make use of that type of vehicle that are saddled with standard size beds as the best option.
Grit_dog
Navigator
Feb 13, 2020
Lwiddis wrote:
My new Silverado is tall enough. I wouldn’t add to that height.

That’s nice.
ppine
Explorer II
Feb 13, 2020
I used to haul canoes all the time. The older trucks were simple to put racks on because they had rain gutters. Now it is more expensive and requires drilling holes. I am thinking about a new rack on my Ford to haul a kevlar Old Town which weighs around 49 pounds.
NRALIFR
Explorer
Feb 13, 2020
Consider a headache rack behind the cab.

:):)