1988 GMC C/K Pickup 2500 Topper Racks

Benefits of Topper Racks

Camper shells and toppers are a terrific addition to any pickup, providing weather-resistant, lockable storage for your cargo. However, they come with one major shortcoming—it’s nearly impossible to transport oversized goods like ladders and lumber after installing a camper. 

Fortunately, you don’t have to compromise. We offer a wide selection of topper racks at RealTruck®, allowing you to load everything from kayaks and bikes to building materials above your topper. 

Topper racks help you safely transport oversized cargo without risking damage to your pickup or other vehicles on the road. Most feature sturdy cross bars to support heavy loads and ample tie-down points to secure them. Check out our extensive inventory for additional racks and carriers.

Choosing Your Topper Rack

While choosing the right topper rack for your ride isn’t overly complex, there are a few factors to consider.

Fitment

Each manufacturer uses different dimensions for their truck beds. As a result, it’s vital to select a topper rack that both fits the length and width of your truck’s bed and is compatible with the height of your truck’s cab and topper.

Some topper racks are universal, like the Kargo Master Pro III Truck Topper Rack, featuring adjustable legs to fit a variety of makes and models. However, others offer fixed positioning, like the Rhino Rack Aero Topper Racks. In either case, take multiple measurements to ensure compatibility with your pickup and topper. 

Additionally, some top-mount topper racks are engineered for use with particular camper shell constructions (steel, aluminum, fiberglass). Before ordering, verify that the rack is compatible with your camper shell type.

Load Capacity

How much weight are you planning to carry? We offer a wide selection of racks with different maximum capacities, ranging from 300 pounds on the low end to 1,700 pounds on the high end. Whether you’re a trades worker or a weekend DIY-er, verify that the rack you purchase can handle the weight you plan to haul.

Construction

Topper racks are available in several materials and finishes, featuring different aesthetics, levels of durability, and overall weights. When shopping for a new rack, consider the payload of your vehicle, the weight of the rack, and its corrosion resistance, especially if you live in an inclement climate. Popular topper rack constructions include:

Steel

Steel topper racks are incredibly durable, making them the ideal choice for trades workers. However, they’re also the heaviest and most corrosion-prone. For this reason, most steel racks feature corrosion-resistant zinc plating or powder coating.

RealTruck Expert Pick: Kargo Master Pro III Truck Topper Rack

Why we love it: 

• High tensile strength steel construction

• Durable and corrosion-resistant finish—zinc primer base with marine-grade powder coat finish

• 1,000-hour ASTM salt spray resistance

• Adjustable mounts

• Made in the USA

• Limited lifetime warranty

Aluminum 

While not as stout as steel, aluminum racks are rigid and durable. They’re also incredibly lightweight—ideal for light-duty pickups and lighter cargo like ladders and PVC pipe. Though aluminum oxidizes when subjected to corrosives, it does so purely aesthetically, making it ideal for harsh climates.

RealTruck Expert Pick: Rhino Rack HD Topper Racks

Why we love it: 

• Lightweight yet rigid aluminum construction

• Offered in silver or black corrosion-resistant finishes 

• Convenient quick-release legs

• Available with fixed mounts or adjustable track systems

• Compatible with pickup toppers and van roofs

• Compatible with Yakima and Thule tracks

• Limited lifetime warranty

Adjustability

While some racks are stationary, others feature integrated track systems to adjust the position of the crossbars depending on the cargo size and type. If adjustability is a must-have, browse racks with integrated track systems, like Kargo Master Pro III Truck Topper Racks or Rhino Rack Aero Topper Racks. 

Installation Type

Installation type is the factor with the most variance, as some racks mount like standard ladder racks, resting on your pickup’s bed rails and sandwiching between the topper. In contrast, others bolt to your topper’s roof via tracks or stationary feet. If you aren’t keen on drilling holes into the roof of your topper, consider a ladder-rack style, like the Vanguard Topper Rack. Alternatively, bolt-on, cross-bar-style racks, like the TracRac CapRac, offer a sleeker profile.

Warranty

A lengthy warranty and excellent customer service are vital for those who regularly use and abuse their pickups. Luckily, most topper racks and carriers come backed by a limited lifetime warranty against defects. However, review the warranty statements on each product’s page to verify warranty length and coverage. 

As always, contact the experts for additional information and ordering assistance. We’re available seven days a week to assist with your purchase.