Hello,

Wondering if the bed rail is made out of aluminum? I'd like to install a track system on top of it. Will it crack under pressure?

 

2015+ bed is all aluminum, including the rail.

 

Backing plates

 

can I use wide washers? where can i get backing plates?

 

I have used rivet nut inserts like these. They work pretty well. You will bolt into them. You have to have the correct tool for installation, but they will hold a fair amount. If you space them out right, they should work just fine. This is what I would use if I was mounting railing.

 

I have set many of these with a tool like this.

 

Need to know how much you intend to load it. E.g. there is no bed rail system that I would consider adequate for tie downs on a motorcycle, but bicycle yes. Nobody can accurately give advice on this without knowing intended load, specifically tension load. Compression loads from adding accessories like a bike rack or top rack aren't such a big thing.
Regardless, the rail system will most likely be aluminum as well. Need to select hardware and installation with corrosion in mind. Loading will decide what hardware and spacing.

 

planning on using a roof top tent for 3 people 560lb ish for all of us. looked at wilco offroads adv sl rack but that wouldn't work with our roll up tonneau cover.