- First Name
- Jeff
- Joined
- Jul 18, 2025
- Threads
- 1
- Messages
- 14
- Reaction score
- 8
- Location
- Argyle, TX
- Vehicle(s)
- 2025 Tacoma Trailhunter / 2022 Bronco Badlands
- Thread starter
- #1
If you don’t like the ARB sport bar, you can move on to the next thread. I happen to like it but I wanted a tonneau cover too. I had 2 ideas to make both possible. The first idea was to make a plate that sits under the lip of the cover and allows you to bolt the bars on after cutting them up a bit. The second idea was more expensive and raised the bars up 3/4” higher, but it was easier, so here’s how I did it:
Remove the bars and cut all 4 mounting tabs off, flush with the base plate. Grind it smooth and hit it with flat black (or dark gunmetal) paint.
Install your favorite tonneau that has T-Slots. I went with the RetraxPro XR. The bonus with this setup is there is plenty of room to add track accessories later. Mark the T-Slot lines on the bottom of the bars and drill 2 holes in each section. I bought M8x25 T-slot anchors off Amazon and they worked perfectly. I would not go any longer, but you could go down in length to 18mm with no problems.
Toss the bars back on and you have the best of both worlds!
Remove the bars and cut all 4 mounting tabs off, flush with the base plate. Grind it smooth and hit it with flat black (or dark gunmetal) paint.
Install your favorite tonneau that has T-Slots. I went with the RetraxPro XR. The bonus with this setup is there is plenty of room to add track accessories later. Mark the T-Slot lines on the bottom of the bars and drill 2 holes in each section. I bought M8x25 T-slot anchors off Amazon and they worked perfectly. I would not go any longer, but you could go down in length to 18mm with no problems.
Toss the bars back on and you have the best of both worlds!
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