Bed Bars vs Full Bed Racks: Which Setup Makes Sense for Your Truck?
The Bottom Line: Bed bars and full bed racks can both work for overland truck builds, but they serve different purposes. Bed bars offer a simpler, lighter setup for carrying rooftop tents or minimal gear, while full bed racks provide greater versatility, accessory mounting, and room to expand over time.
Why This Decision Matters
Choosing between bed bars and a full bed rack isn’t about which option is “better”—it’s about how you plan to use your truck.
This choice affects:
- How much gear you can safely carry
- What accessories you can add later
- Overall vehicle weight and handling
- How flexible your setup is as your needs change
Many owners start with one setup and later realize they need something different. Understanding the tradeoffs up front helps avoid replacing components down the road.
What Are Bed Bars?
Bed bars (sometimes called crossbars) mount across the bed rails of a pickup truck. They provide a raised mounting surface without enclosing the entire bed area.
Common Uses for Bed Bars
- Rooftop tents
- Light cargo boxes
- Kayaks or bikes
- Simple adventure setups
Key Characteristics of Bed Bars
- Minimal design: Fewer components and a cleaner look
- Lighter weight: Adds less mass to the truck
- Lower cost: Typically less expensive than full racks
- Quick installation: Simple mounting with fewer parts
For many drivers, bed bars provide everything they need—especially when the goal is to carry a rooftop tent without overcomplicating the build.
What Is a Full Bed Rack?
A full bed rack consists of vertical uprights and horizontal load bars, creating a complete framework above the truck bed.
Common Uses for Full Bed Racks
- Rooftop tents
- Storage boxes and cases
- Fuel and water storage
- Recovery gear
- Lighting, awnings, and accessories
Key Characteristics of Full Bed Racks
- Maximum versatility: Multiple mounting points on all sides
- Expandable: Easy to add accessories over time
- Higher load capacity: Better suited for complex setups
- More structure: Supports a wider range of gear configurations
Full bed racks are often chosen by owners who plan to evolve their setup or carry varied gear depending on the trip.
Load Capacity and Rooftop Tent Compatibility
Bed Bars
- Well-suited for rooftop tents when properly rated
- Limited mounting locations beyond the bars themselves
- Best for simpler, lighter overall setups
Full Bed Racks
- Easily support rooftop tents and additional gear
- Distribute loads across multiple mounting points
- Better for heavier or multi-accessory builds
Key takeaway: Both options can handle rooftop tents. The difference lies in how much additional gear you plan to carry alongside the tent.
Accessory Mounting and Expandability
Bed Bars
- Limited space for accessories
- Minimal side mounting options
- Best for “set it and forget it” builds
Full Bed Racks
- Multiple mounting surfaces for accessories
- Supports awnings, lighting, MOLLE panels, and storage
- Designed to grow with your build
If you expect your setup to evolve—adding accessories over time—a full bed rack offers significantly more flexibility.
Weight, Cost, and Simplicity
Bed Bars
- Lower overall weight
- Lower upfront cost
- Simpler appearance and installation
Full Bed Racks
- Heavier due to added structure
- Higher cost depending on configuration
- More components and mounting options
For drivers prioritizing simplicity and minimalism, bed bars often make the most sense. For those building a multi-purpose overland truck, the added structure of a full rack is usually worth it.
Which Setup Is Right for You?
- Choose bed bars if you want a clean, lightweight solution for a rooftop tent or minimal gear.
- Choose a full bed rack if you want maximum versatility, accessory mounting, and room to expand.
There’s no wrong choice—only the setup that best matches how you actually use your truck.
FAQ
Can bed bars handle a rooftop tent?
Yes, when properly rated and installed, bed bars can safely support rooftop tents and typical camping loads.
Are full bed racks overkill for casual trips?
Not necessarily. Some drivers prefer the flexibility even if they don’t use it on every trip - the function of a bed rack extends far beyond camping and overlanding. Others prefer the simplicity of bed bars for occasional travel.
Can I switch from bed bars to a full rack later?
Yes—but it’s important to understand that bed bars and full bed racks are completely different systems. In most cases, components don’t transfer between the two, so switching later typically means replacing the rack rather than upgrading individual parts.
If you’re still deciding between rack styles, you may want to start with our overview here: Bed Rack or Bed Bars: Which Is Right for You?
Ready to explore rack options? View our full lineup here: Truck Bed Racks and Bed Bars.
