Nissan Frontier Bed Rack
Frontier Bed Rack Review
The Nissan Frontier of America’s most sought-after pickups. It's not just a stylish rig but a powerful machine, the newest model boasts a 310-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 engine that handles everything from overlanding to hauling contractor gear and materials.
In order to upgrade your Frontier to its full potential, an aftermarket bed rack is a must. However, we know there are plenty of options out there, and it can be tough to choose one. That's hby this guide reviews the best Nissan Frontier bed racks on the market, helping you compare, contrast, and choose the perfect fit. At Off Road Tents, we've sold them, used them and carefully analyzed them, letting you shop with confidence.
Best Bed Rack For Nissan Frontier Options
Time to dive into the best bed rack option for Nissan Frontier. The following list contains what we consider to be the top Nissan Frontier bed rack systems, based not only on experience of selling them, using them and installing them, but mostly after carefully analyzing them based on features and quality.
You will find different racks in this list for different uses. Remember, if what you want is to carry longer cargo such as kayaks or ladders, you want a taller rack, whereas a mid height rack works for other types of cargo. Therefore, it's important to analyze each model to understand what really suits your Frontier. If you still have questions, just ask: info@offroadtents.com.
Front Runner 2024 Nissan Frontier Bed Rack
Front Runner is a South African company, manufacturing their bed racks in house for over 20 years. The production and craftmanship is impeccable (trust us, we’ve visited their HQ), and the Slimline II Nissan Frontier Bed Rack kit from the 1997 to the current model is no exception.
This tough, high-capacity bed rack is designed to carry everything from rooftop tents to kayaks. Thanks to a 660 lbs load rating when parked, this Nissan Frontier bed rack can carry anything on it. It’s perfect for securely transporting your gear on overlanding expeditions, weekend camping trips, or any adventure you have in mind.
Be advised you’re looking at a mid-height bed rack, which essentially means the rack’s height isn’t adjustable, plus longer items, such as ladders, or very long kayaks, need to be carried, fastened and secured in very specific positions or otherwise there will be a lot of overhang at the back.
Installation might require drilling, but all the necessary instructions and components are included, making the setup straightforward. It can mount directly to the existing Nissan Utili-Track System, all you need to do is make sure you have the correct size square nuts that fit the tracks, and those can be found at any hardware shop. Plus, you’re covered by Front Runner’s Limited Lifetime Warranty, so you can trust in its durability for years to come.
Pros:
- High Load Capacity: Can carry up to 660 lbs, perfect for heavy-duty gear and accessories.
- Durable Materials: Constructed from black epoxy powder-coated T6 aluminum and 3CR12 stainless steel, ensuring long-lasting performance.
- Versatile Use: Ideal for carrying a wide range of outdoor gear, from rooftop tents to kayaks.
Cons:
- Installation Required: Drilling may be necessary, which could require some DIY effort.
- Mid-Height: Designed as mid height bed rack, it can be constraining when it comes to carrying longer items.
Leitner Bed Rack For Nissan Frontier
Leitner Designs makes perhaps some of the best bed racks in the whole world. Their Forged ACS is a work of art. A fully forged aluminum construction, all made in USA, weighing only 85 lbs, with the option of having multiple add-ons to it so it can become a fully Nissan Frontier overlanding bed rack.
Engineered with single-piece uprights forged from 6061 T-6 aluminum and secured with custom-grade 10.9 alloy steel fasteners, this Leitner bed rack for Nissan Frontier offers extreme load-carrying capabilities. The parked static load rating is of 1,400 lbs, practically the strongest in the market, and well, the materials back it up! Whether you’re loading up for an off-road adventure or a weekend getaway, this rack system is built to support your gear with confidence.
Leitner is all about versatility and smart rack accessories and with features like sliding load bars for easy access and optional integrated Gear Pods for secure storage, this system is as functional as it is robust.
Please keep in mind this very specific Frontier bed rack will only work for Nissan Frontier models from 2005 to 2021.
Pros:
- Unmatched Durability: Forged from 6061 T-6 aluminum, this system is built to withstand the harshest conditions.
- High Load Capacity: Supports up to 1,400 lbs when parked, ensuring your gear stays secure in any situation.
- Customizable and Modular: Offers endless mounting options and is compatible with a variety of accessories, allowing for complete customization.
Cons:
- Installation Required: Some assembly and setup are necessary, which could be time-consuming.
- Vehicle Compatibility: Specifically designed for certain Nissan Frontier from 2005 to 2021, won’t fit later models, yet.
Thule Nissan Frontier Ladder Rack
Do you use your Frontier for carrying materials, tools and contractor gear? If so, then you’re probably looking for a ladder rack, a reliable, sturdy and reasonable priced Nissan Frontier ladder rack. Well, Thule makes just that with the Xsporter Pro.
The Xsporter Pro features a unique, easy-to-adjust bar height system that lets you carry long ladders with an overhang over the cab rather than at the back of the bed. Plus, its wind tunnel-optimized design ensures minimal noise and drag, improving your driving experience (yup, no more crazy wind noise) and fuel efficiency.
Installation is quite simple with no drilling required, so you can get your rack set up quickly and securely. With a load rating of 450 lbs when properly installed, this rack is ready to take on your next adventure, whether it’s a weekend camping trip or a day at the beach.
Pros:
- Adjustable Height: Custom Adjust Bar Height system offers versatility for a wide range of cargo types and sizes.
- Aerodynamic Design: Integrated AirTrip and WindDiffuser technologies reduce noise and drag.
- Easy Installation: No drilling required.
Cons:
- Load Capacity: While 450 lbs is a solid amount, it may not be sufficient for extremely heavy items!
OVS Nissan Frontier Overland Bed Rack
If you’re searching for a rugged, affordable bed rack that can handle the toughest trails, the Overland Vehicle Systems (OVS) Discovery Rack deserves a spot at the top of your list. Designed to accommodate a wide range of gear and accessories, this rack is a versatile solution for both overlanders and contractors, offering exceptional durability and functionality.
The bed rack itself sits at 33” tall, so slightly above the cab of your Frontier. Once again, a perfect fit for those looking to have roof top tents, or carry longer accessories such as kayaks, canoes or boards. Installation is a breeze with the no-drill, easy mount setup, designed specifically for mid-size trucks with short beds.
Thanks to an impressive 1350 lbs of static load rating, paired with the countless mounting points and options, this is what we truly call the Nissan Frontier Overland Bed Rack. First, thanks to 1350 lbs of weight capacity you can mount the heaviest roof top tent over the bed rack, then pack heavy gear such as water tanks, shovels, and more on the side molle panels without any concern. And as said, the multiple mounting options come from the two side panels, the three-square load bars at the top and even an adjustable mounting shelf. OVS thought of it all.
Pros:
- Heavy-Duty Capacity: 1,350 lbs static weight capacity, ideal for heavy loads and rooftop tents.
- Easy Installation: No drilling required, with a straightforward bolt-on process.
- Perfect For Overlanding: Multiple tie-down points, side panels with molle mounts, and a removable shelf provide endless customization options.
Cons:
- Vehicle Compatibility: Specifically designed for mid-size trucks with short beds, limiting compatibility with other truck types.
UpTop Nissan Frontier Bed Rack System
Why do we like the UpTop Truss Nissan Frontier bed rack system, and why should you heavily consider buying it too? Well, it offers a perfect blend of durability and lightweight engineering. Constructed from powder-coated aluminum, the TRUSS bed rack was designed for the harshest weather conditions.
This Frontier bed rack has reinforced pre-drilled armor plates on both sides, which allows you to mount to the sides heavier gear such as water tanks with no issue whatsoever. On top of that it comes in two height options, the mid height sitting right below 12” and the full height going at 19”. That’s versatile, that’s smart.
With an impressive static load capacity of 1,100 lbs, this rack supports everything from heavy rooftop tents to other overlanding gear, all without the need for drilling into your truck bed. The no-drill installation is made easy by utilizing your Frontier's existing cargo tracks and includes all necessary hardware, washers, and threaded inserts, ensuring a secure and hassle-free setup.
Pros:
- High Load Capacity: Supports up to 1,100 lbs static load, perfect for heavy gear and rooftop tents.
- No-Drill Installation: Simple setup uses the existing factory cargo slides in the bed.
- Durable and Lightweight: Powder-coated aluminum construction.
Cons:
- Tonneau Cover Incompatibility: Not compatible with any tonneau covers, limiting some bed cover options.
Billie Bars Nissan Frontier Bed Rack With Tonneau Cover
The perfect Nissan Frontier bed rack to use with a tonneau cover: Billie Bars. Made in USA, this is a two bed bar system that fits any Frontier from the 2005 to the current version. They are easy to install, are strong and sturdy, and most importantly allow you to install any T-slot compatible tonneau bed cover, such as Retrax, Pace Edwards, etc.
Made in USA from premium high-strength aluminum, these Nissan bed bars are available in four different heights—6", 11", 17", and 24"—to suit your specific needs. The bed bars feature a dual-stage powder coat with a zinc base, providing excellent resistance to scratches, corrosion, and the harsh elements often encountered during overlanding trips.
Even though they’re built tough, the bed rack bars weigh less than 50 lbs, and are designed to maintain your vehicle’s aerodynamics even when fully loaded. On top of that, an impressive 1,000 lbs static weight capacity let you mount over them whatever you need, yes, even heavy roof top tents. So picture this: bed rack with a roof top tent or gear on top, your tonneau cover under the bed rack and gear kept safe, dry and private underneath it. Yes, the perfect Nissan Frontier setup exists thanks to these bars.
Pros:
- High Load Capacity: Supports up to 1,000 lbs, perfect for heavy-duty gear and rooftop tents.
- Customizable Heights: Available in four different heights, allowing for tailored use depending on your cargo needs.
- Tonneau Cover Compatibility: Works seamlessly with T-slot compatible covers like Retrax, Roll-N-Lock, and Pace Edwards.
Cons:
- Clearance Considerations: The clearance provided by the brackets may vary, so it's important to check if it meets your needs, especially for taller cargo.
Thule Nissan Frontier Bed Rack Under $1,000
You need a bed rack for your Frontier, but you don’t want to break the bank. Are there affordable Frontier bed racks? Is there such as thing as a Nissan Frontier bed rack under $1,000? Yes. The Thule TracRac TracOne is an outstanding choice for those seeking a high-capacity truck bed rack without the hassle of a hefty price tag.
With an impressive 800 lbs weight capacity, this rack allows you to transport heavy items without any question. Despite the affordable price, the quality is solid, the materials are reliable, such as the aluminum construction, and the design is smart. One of the key features of the TracOne is its aluminum load stops, which provide secure support for various cargo sizes and weight.
Installation is quite easy with a drill-free mounting system, so you can have it up and running in no time. Whether you're loading up kayaks, ladders, or tents, the Thule TracRac TracOne has you covered with reliable, high-performance design.
Pros:
- High Weight Capacity: Supports up to 800 lbs, perfect for carrying heavy and bulky items.
- Easy Installation: No drilling required, making setup quick and hassle-free.
- Affordable: Priced under $1,000!
Cons:
- Basic: Not many tie-down or securing points. It fits a purpose: carries gear on top of it, and that’s it.
Kuat Frontier Bed Rack
Let’s see, you’ve probably heard of Kuat before due to their bike racks and bike carrying systems. But, did you know Kuat makes an excellent Frontier bed rack? Now you do, and you should keep on reading!
Not long ago Kuat launched the Ibex bed rack, a versatile and rugged bed rack system designed for serious adventurers. With its robust all-aluminum construction, the Kuat Ibex can handle up to 1,200 lbs of static weight, 600 lbs of dynamic load, and 300 lbs of off-road dynamic capacity, making it a perfect match for a Nissan Frontier.
One of the standout features of the Kuat Ibex is its adjustable height, allowing you to modify the rack’s profile for better aerodynamics or to accommodate different types of cargo. The telescoping crossbars can be mounted on top of the frame, and the rack is compatible with a variety of Kuat accessories, such as molle panels, bike racks, and shovel/axe holders, providing endless customization options for your adventure needs.
Pros:
- High Load Capacity: Supports up to 1,200 lbs static weight capacity.
- Universal Fit: Designed to fit most trucks, with J-hook and T-channel mounts included for versatility.
- Adjustable Height: Offers flexible height adjustments for improved aerodynamics and cargo accommodation.
Cons:
- Not Vehicle Specific: It's a universal rack, therefore it's not just for the Frontier, which at times can be seen as not ideal for some. Although it doesn't really impact performance or fit.
Tuwa Kayak Nissan Frontier Bed Rack
If you want a rack for your Frontier to carry kayaks, don’t want to break bank and also use it to carry other gear, the Tuwa Pro 4CX Series is a great, great choice. Designed with to b adjustable, this bed rack offers three different height configurations—17", 20", or 23" from the bed rail—allowing you to tailor the rack to your specific cargo needs, specifically for longer items such as kayaks.
Constructed from premium all-carbon steel, the 4CX Series Shiprock Bed Rack is built to tackle off road trails. It has a static load capacity of 800 lbs, making it ideal for carrying heavy gear alongside any kayak. On the move, it offers a dynamic load rating of 300 lbs, ensuring that your cargo remains secure even on rough terrain. This Nissan Frontier bed rack also features multiple tie-down options, providing flexibility in securing various cargo items even on the sides.
You can install it without the need of drilling, as it goes over the factory mounting points and rail of your Frontier. That makes it quite simple for a single person to handle the task.
Pros:
- Height Adjustable: Offers three height settings (17", 20", or 23") to suit different cargo needs.
- High Load Capacity: Supports up to 800 lbs static load and 300 lbs dynamic load.
- Durable Construction: Made from carbon steel for superior strength and longevity.
- No-Drill Installation: Mounts directly to factory points, requiring no modifications.
Cons:
- No Compatibility with Tonneau Covers.
Nissan Frontier Bed Rack FAQs
What Is the Nissan Frontier Bed Weight Capacity?
The newest Nissan Frontier, the 2024 model, has a payload capacity of 1620 lbs, which means it can carry a total of 1620 lbs on its truck bed whilst moving.
That’s an incredible amount of weight the Frontier can carry. Therefore, you know that you can safely mount any bed rack over it, as even the heaviest bed racks don’t go over 150 lbs, you can also add roof top tents, heavy cargo, and still you won’t exceed the Nissan Frontier payload capacity.
When it comes to the towing, the Nissan Frontier has a towing capacity of 6,720 lbs. That means you can pull off road trailers without any issue as long as they're in that weight range.
How much weight can a Nissan frontier bed rack handle?
That depends completely on the bed rack. As said before, the payload of the Frontier is of 1610 lbs. Most bed racks can handle around 600+lbs of static load rating, that means when the vehicle is not in motion.
What is the ideal Nissan Frontier bed rack height?
It will depend completely on what you want to use it for. Typically, there are 3 bed rack heights: low, medium and cab height. If you carry smaller items but heavier, perhaps you want to have a low or mid height bed rack. If you carry larger or longer items, those won’t fit on a med or low height bed rack, in said case you want a taller rack, a cab height rack.
Is it hard to install the bed rack?
Not really. Most Frontier bed racks are non-drill and will use the Utili-track in the bed to mount onto. However, please read carefully the instruction manual of each bed rack to see how to install them.
