How to Install a Bed Rack on Your Toyota Tundra (DIY Guide for Added Storage & Overland Capability)
If you’re building your Tundra into a true overland or weekend-explorer rig, one upgrade delivers more capability than almost anything else: a bed rack. It opens the door for rooftop tents, MAXTRAX, RotopaX, recovery gear, and modular storage that you can adjust for every trip.
Better yet—installing a bed rack is totally doable at home with basic tools, and the Tundra’s factory bed rail system makes it even easier.
Today’s blog breaks down how to install one, what to expect, and which racks on TundraLifestyle.com offer the best durability, adjustability, and value.
Top Bed Rack Options for Toyota Tundra
BillieBars for Tundra
https://tundralifestyle.com/collections/billiebars
A premium low-profile option with incredible strength. Great for rooftop tents while keeping overall vehicle height lower.
Uptop Overland Bed Rack
https://tundralifestyle.com/collections/uptop-overland
A modular, aggressively styled rack system with multiple mounting panels, accessory plates, and crossbar configurations.
Rough Country Bed Rack
https://tundralifestyle.com/collections/rough-country
A high-value, budget-friendly system that still offers strong load capacity and accessory mounting points.
These racks are in stock, fit Tundra platforms, and have strong margins + consistent demand.
Tools You’ll Need
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10mm–17mm socket set
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Torque wrench
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Allen key set
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Tape measure
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Blue Loctite
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Optional: Rubber mallet, anti-seize
Step-by-Step: Installing a Bed Rack on Your Tundra
1. Prep the Bed Rails
Most Tundras come with a factory bed rail system.
Clean the rails and remove any tie-downs or accessories currently mounted.
If your rack uses drop-in clamps instead, skip to Step 2.
2. Install Mounting Brackets
Attach the rack’s main brackets to the bed rails using:
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T-slot nuts (BillieBars/Uptop)
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Clamp plates (Rough Country)
Leave everything finger-tight—you’ll adjust positioning in a moment.
3. Assemble the Rack Uprights
Build the uprights according to the brand instructions.
Most racks assemble with crossbars, side plates, and uprights on the ground first.
Pro tip:
Keep all bolts loose until the entire rack is positioned on the truck.
4. Set the Rack Into the Bed
With help from one person:
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Lift the assembled rack into the bed
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Align uprights to your mounting brackets
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Thread hardware into place
Make sure the rack sits perfectly square relative to the cab.
5. Install Crossbars
Crossbars often define the rack’s load and tent-mounting points.
Measure spacing to match your rooftop tent mounting plates if you plan to add one.
6. Torque All Hardware
Once aligned and level:
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Torque bolts to manufacturer specs
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Add Loctite to high-vibration areas
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Double-check all T-nuts and clamps in the bed rails
A properly torqued rack won’t shift, creak, or loosen even on dirt roads.
7. Add Accessories
Now the fun part. Mount:
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Rooftop tents
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RotopaX fuel/water packs
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MAXTRAX
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Camp lights
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Hi-Lift jacks
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Shovel/axe mounts
Uptop and BillieBars both offer modular accessory plates for clean mounting.
Why a Bed Rack Transforms the Tundra
More Storage Without Losing Bed Space
Carry gear above the bed while still loading coolers, tools, or bikes underneath.
Better Weight Distribution
A rack positions bulky items low and centered—ideal for off-road handling.
Perfect Foundation for Overlanding
Most rooftop tents require a rack with strong dynamic load rating.
Looks Amazing
Let’s be honest—bed racks instantly give the Tundra an aggressive, trail-ready stance.
Upgrade Your Tundra’s Storage & Adventure Capability
A bed rack is one of the most useful, versatile upgrades you can add to your Tundra—perfect for camping, hauling, or making your truck more functional every day.
Shop top racks today:
👉 BillieBars: https://tundralifestyle.com/collections/billiebars
👉 Uptop Overland: https://tundralifestyle.com/collections/uptop-overland
👉 Rough Country: https://tundralifestyle.com/collections/rough-country