How To Install A Weather Guard Truck Rack

Before You Start

The Weather Guard Truck Rack for full size trucks includes a full installation manual, go through the parts list before you start. Assembly happens on the ground first, then you lift it onto the truck. One person can do the ground assembly. Two people needed to lift it onto the truck. Lay down cardboard or moving blankets to protect the finish during assembly. Tools: rubber mallet, torque wrench. Final torque specs: 25 ft-lbs for larger button head bolts, 15 ft-lbs for smaller bolts.

Step-by-Step Weather Guard Truck Rack Installation

Step 1: Install the End Plugs

Press plugs into open tube ends on both rear side channels and both crossmembers using a rubber mallet.

Step 2: Identify Driver and Passenger Side Channels

Rear channels: Weather Guard logo faces outboard. Front channels: welded plate sits off-center, narrower side goes outboard.

Step 3: Apply Sealant and Join Front and Rear Side Channels

Two full beads of included sealant around every swage point. Carriage bolts inside-to-outside at each joint — smooth bolt face inboard to protect ladders and material. Washer and lock nut outside.

Step 4: Attach the Rear Legs

Two beads of sealant around the holes. Tie-down loops face outboard. Bolt direction: outside-to-inside.

Step 5: Attach the Front Legs

Slide front legs onto the ends of the front side channels. On short bed, slide as far back as possible. Clamping bracket with carriage bolts, washers, lock nuts. Leave loose and you'll adjust later. Tie-down points face outboard.

Step 6: Install Set Screws in the Front Legs

Two holes on the inboard face of each front leg. Start them now, don't tighten because you will still need to adjust leg position.

Step 7: Install the Center Crossbar

The crossbar without the Weather Guard logo. Two bolts, washers, lock nuts per side. Sealant around the holes.

Step 8: Install the Rear Crossbar

Has the Weather Guard logo, orient it facing rearward. Uses removable locking pins instead of bolts. Twist the pin clips to get them through the gusset opening.

Step 9: Install the Front Crossbar With Airfoil

Built-in welded airfoil slopes upward toward the front of the truck. Apply sealant at the joints.

Step 10: Install the Support Brackets

For beds under 8 feet: all four support brackets within 1 inch of the bend on the side channels. Four carriage bolts, washers, lock nuts per bracket going inside-to-outside bolt direction.

Step 11: Apply Rubber Protective Strips to Crossbars

Lay included rubber tape across the top of both crossbars and cut to fit.

Step 12: Install Front Leg Plugs

Eight total. Two outside and two inside of each front leg.

Step 13: Prep the Truck — Remove Stake Pocket Caps

Remove stake pocket caps from the rear bed rail on both sides. On 5.5-ft short bed F-150, the front stake pocket is covered by trim — use a razor blade to cut a rectangle approximately 2.25 x 1.75 inches, about 3 inches from the front of the bed rail and half an inch inboard.

Step 14: Install the Mounting Feet

No-drill installation using stake pocket brackets and clamp attachments. For 2016 and newer Chevy/GMC trucks, use the dedicated stake pocket brackets included. For all other trucks: loosely attach the bracket, slide it into the stake pocket back-first, rotate into position. Run the larger bolt with lock washer and washer through the bed rail clamp. On F-150, structural steel blocks the first hole — use the next one outboard. Hand-tight for now. Repeat on both sides.

Step 15: Measure, Adjust, and Lift Onto the Truck

Measure the distance between your forward and rear mounting foot centers. Adjust the front legs to match that measurement — on a 5.5-ft bed this came out to approximately 63 inches. With two people, lift the rack onto the truck and set the legs on the mounting feet.

Step 16: Final Torque and Safety Check

Torque all hardware: 25 ft-lbs for large button head bolts, 15 ft-lbs for smaller bolts. Tighten front leg set screws. Work through the safety checklist in the installation manual before loading.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this require drilling into my truck bed?

No, combination of stake pocket brackets and bed rail clamps. On the F-150 short bed, you will need to trim a small section of bed rail trim plastic to access the front stake pocket.

Can one person install this?

One person can do the ground assembly. Two people are needed to lift it onto the truck.

What's the weight capacity?

1,000 lbs evenly distributed. Weather Guard also makes a heavy-duty version rated at 1,700 lbs for 3/4 and 1-ton trucks.

Can I remove the rear crossbar without taking the whole rack off?

Yes, the removable locking pins let you pull the rear crossbar off to load pallets or materials that wouldn't fit under the rack.

What's the warranty?

Limited lifetime warranty.

Order the Weather Guard Truck Rack for Full Size Trucks at Upfit Supply.