Sherpa Bed Rack: Setup Ideas and Use Cases

If you drive a truck and haul serious gear such as a rooftop tent, building materials or something else, a bed rack can drastically improve your organization and how you think about storage. Sherpa's PAK System is one of the most purpose-built bed rack solutions on the market that is engineered from precision-cut aluminum, loaded with universal mounting options and tested for over 100,000 miles over four years on real word trails and environments. Whether you're heading to a trailhead with a rooftop tent, managing your contracting business from your truck, or building a dedicated overland rig, the PAK System gives you a platform that adapts to the mission.

We carry the full PAK System lineup at Truck Brigade, from the mid-height configuration for low-profile builds to the rack-height version that matches your Sherpa cab rack seamlessly. This guide covers both options in depth including specs, construction, what's included, setup ideas and installation so you can choose the right configuration for your truck. For a broader look at the entire Sherpa lineup, start with our Sherpa Equipment Company Guide.

What Is the PAK System?

The PAK System is Sherpa's modular bed rack platform. It mounts to the bed rails of your truck using brackets and stainless carriage bolts which means no drilling and no modifications to your truck. The result is a rigid, bolt-on structure that spans your entire bed and handles up to 1,000 lbs of static load or 400 lbs while on the road.

What sets the PAK System apart is the integration with Sherpa's broader ecosystem of roof racks and accessories. The towers, cross bars, and side plates all feature pre-drilled and slotted holes that work perfectly for many of the rooftop tents and accessories out there today. It's a methodical and cohesive system, not a collection of parts that barely fit together.

The PAK System comes in two configurations: mid-height and rack-height. Each is built from quality materials and carries the same load rating, but they serve different purposes. For a broader comparison of bed racks vs. roof racks, our Sherpa Racks Explained guide walks through the full picture.

Mid-Height PAK System

The mid-height PAK System is designed for truck owners who want maximum cargo capacity without raising their center of gravity more than necessary. They are also a great option for those looking to mount a rooftop tent and want to limit the wind drag. The lower tower profile keeps gear centered over the axles and out of the wind, which matters when you're loaded down and navigating rough terrain.

Despite the lower profile, the mid-height PAK carries the same impressive 1,000 lb static and 400 lb dynamic load rating as the rack-height version. The towers are precision-cut from aluminum and the crossbars are built from cut and formed aluminum that is not only ultra-strong but lightweight.

Mid-Height Fitment

The mid-height PAK System is available for the following trucks:

• Toyota Tacoma — 2005+, 5-foot and 6-foot beds
• Toyota Tundra — 2007+, 5.5-foot and 6.5-foot beds
• Ford F-150 / Raptor — 2015+, 6.75-foot bed only
• Ford F-250 / F-350 — 2015+, 5.5-foot and 6.5 foot beds
• Jeep Gladiator — 2020+

This breadth of fitment makes the mid-height PAK one of the most versatile bed racks in Sherpa's lineup. Whether you're on a mid-size platform like the Tacoma or a full-size truck like the F-150 or Tundra, there's a configuration that fits your bed rails and works bolt-on with no modifications.

Rack-Height PAK System

The rack-height PAK System takes everything that makes the mid-height great and adds height including t-channel cross bars just like what comes with Sherpa roof racks. The purpose of the rack-height rack which can be implied from its name, is to lineup with the Sherpa roof rack on your truck and be one cohesive platform which is ideal for larger and longer items.

Rack-Height Fitment

The rack-height PAK System is currently available for the 2005–2023 Toyota Tacoma, 2020+ Jeep Gladiator, and 2021+ Ford F-150/Raptor. Sherpa continues to expand fitment as demand grows, so check our Sherpa Bed Racks collection for the latest availability.

PAK System Construction and Materials

Sherpa builds the PAK System to the same standards as their PEAK Series roof racks which means material choices, hardware specs, and testing protocols that most competitors don't come close to matching. Let their long history of having one of the highest-quality roof racks serve as evidence that this bed rack means business.

Aluminum Towers

The upright towers that anchor the PAK System to your bed rails are built from heavy-duty aluminum — a material chosen for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance. The towers are precision-cut, which means tight tolerances and a consistent fit across every unit rather than the looseness you find in lower-quality racks.

Crossbars

The crossbars are cut and formed aluminum with a stiffer profile than many competitive bed racks use. This design resists flex under load, which matters when you're running 700 or 800 lbs of gear over washboard roads. On the rack-height bed rack you still have the crossbars described here but you also get 1x2 inch extruded aluminum t-channel cross bars that will work with any of the Sherpa roof rack accessories.

Hardware

All fasteners are stainless steel so there is no worry about corrosion. Nylon lock nuts prevent loosening from trail vibration — a detail Sherpa has included across their entire lineup. The black oxide coating resists rust while keeping the hardware looking clean and cohesive against the black powder-coated aluminum.

Real-World Testing

Sherpa doesn't just test the PAK System in their shop and ship it. The system has been run on over 100,000 miles across four years of real-world use before going into production. Sherpa is located in Colorado and have access to some of the toughest trails right in their backyard. If you don't believe us that they have tested this rack extensively, head over to their social channels for proof. That kind of testing catches the failure modes that shop conditions miss — fatigue cracks, hardware loosening, bracket wear — and it's reflected in the build quality you'll notice the moment you open the box. Every Sherpa product carries a limited lifetime warranty, so if something does go wrong, you're covered. We are still waiting for a customer to reach out for a warranty claim on their Sherpa bed rack.

What's Included with the PAK System

Every PAK System ships as a complete kit ready to install with basic hand tools. You won't need to track down additional hardware or figure out which brackets are compatible — everything is there. The kit contents differ slightly between mid-size and full-size trucks.

Mid-Size Trucks (Tacoma and Gladiator)

• 2 aluminum towers
• 2 crossbars
• 2 standard accessory braces
• 4 bed mounting brackets
• All stainless steel hardware

Full-Size Trucks (F-150, F250, F350, and Tundra)

• 3 aluminum towers
• 3 crossbars
• 2 standard accessory braces
• 6 bed mounting brackets
• All stainless steel hardware

Full-size trucks get an additional tower and crossbar in the middle of the bed to handle the longer span and maintain the same rigidity standards across both configurations. The standard accessory braces are included with both kits and give you immediate side-mounting options right out of the box.

If you want to expand your setup, Sherpa's PAK-specific accessory panels take things further. The PAK Standard Accessory Panel bridges the gap between towers and adds dedicated side-mounting slots for Rotopax and WaterPort. The PAK XL Accessory Panel is a larger version with specific cut-outs for Rotopax fuel containers and Waterport water systems. The PAK Interior Accessory Panel mounts inside the tower structure for a cleaner appearance. You can explore all the options in our Sherpa Bed Rack Accessories Guide.

Setup Ideas and Use Cases

The PAK System's modular design means it adapts to a wide range of missions. So much so that we constantly change what we carry depending on the weekend/trip. Here are five common configurations we see from our customers and how the PAK System handles each one.

Overlanding with a Rooftop Tent

This is the most popular PAK System use case especially for the mid-height models. Mount your rooftop tent directly to the crossbars and you have a platform that supports your tent on the trail and gives you usable bed space underneath for other gear and accessories. Pair it with a PAK XL Accessory Panel carrying a Rotopax fuel container on one side and a Waterport water system on the other, and your truck bed becomes a complete base camp.

Work Truck Utility

Contractors, guides, and field technicians who work out of their trucks find the PAK System equally useful. The 1,000 lb static load rating means you can stack heavy equipment, such as a ladders, on the crossbars without concern. The standard accessory braces and side panels give you places to mount shovels, fire extinguishers, first aid kits and other tools you want accessible but off the bed floor. Unlike a basic cargo rack, the PAK System keeps your tools organized and your bed interior available for larger equipment. The hundreds of tie-down options also help key gear secure no matter the environment.

Weekend Warrior

Not every setup needs to be built for a 30-day expedition. A weekend warrior build for say camping, hiking, or local trail riding benefits from the PAK System's simplicity. Load your cooler under the cross bars with storage bins on top, and let the tiedown points keep everything secure. The bolt-on install means you can run the rack on weekends and remove it when you need the full bed during the week, though most owners find they never want to take it off.

Recovery-Focused Build

Trucks that spend time on technical trails need quick-access recovery gear. Digging through your back seat to look for your Maxtrax which is buried under coolers and other gear is not fun, trust us. The PAK System is purpose-built for this with traction board mounts that carry MaxTrax or similar recovery boards on the sides of the rack that can be easily accessed when you need them without unpacking the entire bed.  Rock light mounting points are also integrated into the towers if you want underbody or bedside lighting for night recovery situations. The lighting is also hugely helpful when setting up camp or tying flies for the next day.

Fishing and Hunting

Anglers and hunters have embraced the PAK System as a way to keep their rigs organized in the field. Rod holders, gear bags and coolers all work well on the crossbars, and the height of the rack keeps everything accessible when you're pulling up to the water or glassing a hillside. The stainless hardware and aluminum construction handle the kind of exposure — humidity, saltwater, mud — that eventually destroys lower-quality racks. Browse our Sherpa Accessories collection for mounting options that work well in these builds.

Pairing the PAK System with a Cab Rack

One of the most popular configurations we see is the full cab-to-bed combo: a Sherpa roof rack on the cab paired with a full-height PAK System in the bed. This gives you two distinct, organized platforms across the entire length of the truck — and when you run the rack-height PAK, the visual result is a unified, cohesive rig that looks as deliberate as it performs. I mean who doesn't like that seamless look shown above?

Grand Teton + PAK for 2005–2023 Tacoma

One of the most popular and common products with our customer base is the Grand Teton cab rack for the 2nd and 3rd gen Tacoma. It is a 45-lb, 7-crossbar platform with a 400 lb dynamic and 700 lb static capacity. When you run the rack-height PAK System alongside it, the bed rack towers rise to match the cab rack height exactly. The result is a truck that looks like it was designed this way from the factory — not pieced together from separate products.

Rainier + PAK for 2024+ Tacoma

4th gen Tacoma owners running the Rainier cab rack also commonly pair it with the the rack-height bed rack for a seamless transition. The Rainier uses Toyota's built-in hard mounting points and rubber roof seals for a direct load path and clean installation. For more on Tacoma-specific builds, our Sherpa Tacoma Rack Guide covers the full lineup.

Height Matching and Cargo Flow

Height matching isn't just aesthetic, it has practical implications for large cargo. Solar panels, lumber, kayak cradles and other long or wide items benefit from having two mounting surfaces at the same elevation. You no longer have to carry your 15 foot kayak with it sticking 8 feet off the back. When your cab rack and bed rack are at different heights, you're constantly shimming or improvising. When they're matched, everything sits flat and secure across both platforms. That's the intent behind the rack-height PAK, and it's why so many serious builders opt for the full combo. For more on cab racks across platforms, explore our Sherpa Roof Rack Guide.

PAK System Installation Guide

One of the things that makes the PAK System approachable is the installation process. There's no drilling, no custom fabrication and no need to take your truck to a shop. Most installs are complete in a couple of hours with basic hand tools.

Step 1: Install the Brackets to the Bed Rails

Start by seating the chair brackets into the bed rails on both sides of the truck bed. These brackets are the interface between the PAK System and your factory bed rail No modification to the bed rail is required.

Step 2: Bolt the Towers

With the chair brackets in place, position the aluminum towers and secure them using the stainless steel carriage bolts and nylon lock nuts included in your kit. Hand-tighten first to allow for adjustment, then torque to spec once positioning is confirmed. The nylon lock nuts keep everything tight under trail vibration without requiring constant re-torquing.

Step 3: Attach the Crossbars

Slide the crossbars onto the towers. Lock them into position with the included hardware.

Step 4: Install Accessory Panels and Braces

The standard accessory braces ship in every kit and install between the towers for immediate side-mounting options. If you're adding PAK Standard or XL Accessory Panels, they install at this stage as well. These panels bridge the gap between towers and give you dedicated mounting slots for gear, fuel containers and other accessories.

Step 5: Add Gear

With the rack fully installed, you're ready to add accessories. Many Sherpa mounts and other accessories bolt directly into the rack-height system using the same mounting slots found across the PEAK Series ecosystem. For mid-height models you do not have the same 1x2 aluminum crossbars but the crossbars that come with the mid-height rack are pre drilled and slotted. that same is true for the side panels and towers. All hardware is included with each accessory purchase.

The full installation is designed to be completed with hand tools you already own — no specialty sockets, no torque wrenches with unusual specs, no shop required. If you want to explore the full range of add-ons available, visit our Sherpa Bed Rack Accessories Guide or check out the Sherpa Topper Rack if you run a cap on your truck.

Frequently Asked Questions

What trucks does the Sherpa PAK System fit?

The PAK System fits the the Toyota Tacoma, Toyota Tundra, Ford F-150, Ford F-250, Ford F-350, Jeep Gladiator and likely others in the future. Check out our Sherpa Bed Racks collection for the most current fitment options.

Does the PAK System require drilling?

No. The PAK System uses a bolt-on chair bracket system that mounts directly to your existing bed rails with no drilling or permanent modification to your truck. All required hardware is included in the kit.

What is the load rating of the PAK System?

Both the mid-height and rack-height PAK Systems are rated at 1,000 lbs static (parked) and 400 lbs dynamic (while driving). This applies to both mid-size and full-size truck configurations.

What is the difference between mid-height and rack-height PAK Systems?

The mid-height PAK System uses shorter towers for a lower profile, which keeps your center of gravity down and is a good fit if you're not running a cab rack. The rack-height PAK System uses taller towers specifically dimensioned to match the height of a Sherpa Grand Teton or Rainier cab rack, creating a seamless height-matched look across your entire truck.

Can I mount a rooftop tent on the PAK System?

Yes. The PAK System is rated for rooftop tent use and features crossbar support. For a full RTT setup, our bed rack accessories guide covers compatible mounting hardware.

How many pieces come in the PAK System kit?

Mid-size truck kits include 2 towers, 2 crossbars, 2 standard accessory braces, 4 bed mounting brackets and all stainless hardware. Full-size truck kits include 3 towers, 3 crossbars, 2 standard accessory braces, 6 bed mounting brackets and all stainless hardware.

Can I add accessories to the PAK System after install?

Absolutely. The PAK System integrates with Sherpa's accessory ecosystem. Traction board mounts, Rotopax panels, Waterport mounts and more all bolt directly onto the rack. You can build your setup over time as your needs change. Browse the full selection at our Sherpa Accessories collection.

How does the PAK System compare to running a roof rack instead?

The PAK System keeps your cargo lower in the truck, which reduces wind resistance and keeps the center of gravity closer to the ground — both advantages for off-road driving and highway fuel economy. A cab roof rack is better for SUVs or trucks where bed space is too valuable to dedicate to gear storage. Many Tacoma and truck owners run both: a Sherpa cab rack for smaller, lighter items and the PAK System for heavier cargo and the rooftop tent. Our Sherpa Racks Explained guide covers this comparison in detail.