Bed Bars vs Full Bed Racks: Which Setup Makes Sense for Your Truck?

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 actually use your truck.

In Canada, that often means balancing weekend trips, work duties, and long seasons of mixed weather rather than one single use case.

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 or seasonal setups

Key Characteristics of Bed Bars

• Minimal design: Fewer components and a clean, low-profile look
  
• Lighter weight: Adds less mass to the truck
  
• Lower cost: Typically less expensive than full racks
  
• Quick installation: Straightforward mounting with fewer parts

For many Canadian drivers, bed bars provide everything they need—especially when the goal is carrying a rooftop tent without committing to a more permanent or complex setup.

What Is a Full Bed Rack?

A full bed rack uses vertical uprights and horizontal load bars to create 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 or remove accessories as needs change
  
• Higher load capability: Better suited for complex or multi-gear setups
  
• More structure: Supports a wider range of configurations

Full bed racks are often chosen by owners who expect their setup to evolve over time or who want one system that works for camping, work, and everyday use.

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 is how much additional gear you want to carry—and how adaptable you want your setup to be.

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 or changing with the seasons—a full bed rack offers significantly more flexibility.

Weight, Cost, and Practicality

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 mounting options and accessory support

For drivers prioritizing simplicity and occasional use, bed bars often make the most sense. For those building a multi-purpose truck that sees year-round use, 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 at all. Some drivers prefer the flexibility even if they don’t use it on every trip—especially when a rack also supports work gear, winter equipment, or daily hauling.

Can I switch from bed bars to a full rack later?

Yes—but bed bars and full bed racks are different systems. In most cases, components don’t transfer between the two, so switching later usually means replacing the rack rather than upgrading individual parts.

If you’re still deciding between rack styles, you can start with our overview here: Bed Rack or Bed Bars: Which Is Right for You?

Ready to explore rack options? View our Truck Bed Racks and Bed Bars.