If you've ever wondered whether you can mount an overland bed rack on a second-generation Honda Ridgeline, the answer is yes—and it's easier than you might think.
One of the biggest challenges with the Honda Ridgeline is that it doesn't have a traditional pickup bed. Because of its unique bed design, many universal bed racks don't bolt directly to the truck. After months of testing different mounting methods, I finally found a solution that works.
In this guide, I'll show you how I mounted a bed rack using 1-5/8" strut channel, why it works so well, and what you'll need to make your own setup.
Why a Honda Ridgeline Bed Rack Isn't So Simple
Unlike most midsize trucks, the Honda Ridgeline features a composite bed and an integrated trunk, which means traditional clamp-on bed racks aren't always compatible.
After experimenting with several different mounting ideas, it became clear that 1-5/8-inch strut channel (often called Unistrut or Superstrut) provides one of the strongest and most versatile mounting solutions.
The result is a solid foundation that can support a variety of bed rack systems while allowing flexibility for future accessories.
What You'll NeedTools
T30 Torx driver
Ratchet
Cutoff wheel, grinder, or drill
Measuring tape
Safety glassesMaterials
1-5/8" strut channel
Mounting hardware
Bed rack of your choice
Longer mounting brackets (depending on your rack manufacturer)Installation OverviewStep 1: Remove the Factory Bed Rail Bolts
Begin by removing the three factory Torx bolts securing the bed rail.
Use a T30 Torx bit to remove the hardware.
You'll also want to remove the plastic washers around each bolt before installing the new hardware.
Step 2: Prepare the Strut Channel
One thing you'll notice is that the mounting slots aren't perfectly symmetrical.
Depending on which side of the truck you're working on, you'll need to rotate the strut channel 180 degrees so the mounting holes line up correctly.
You'll also need to cut or drill an opening for the center mounting bolt.
Once modified, the channel bolts securely into all three factory mounting points.
Step 3: Install the Strut Channel
With the center slot modified, bolt the strut channel into the factory bed rail mounting locations.
The result is an extremely solid mounting surface that runs the length of the bed.
Step 4: Mount Your Bed Rack
Here's where this system really shines.
Most bed rack manufacturers already have compatible mounting brackets. The only change many setups require is a longer mounting bracket to reach down into the strut channel.
Instead of redesigning an entire rack, you simply adapt the mounting bracket to the new mounting surface.
That means many popular bed rack systems can be made compatible with the Honda Ridgeline.
Why I Like This Setup
After testing several different ideas, this became my favorite solution because it's:
Strong
Modular
Easy to customize
Compatible with multiple rack brands
Great for rooftop tents, recovery gear, traction boards, awnings, and other overland accessories
The strut channel also gives you countless mounting locations for future upgrades.
Things to Consider
Installing a bed rack may reduce the amount of usable bed space depending on your configuration.
For example, after installing my rack, I could no longer stand my spare tire upright in the bed. However, lowering the rooftop tent improved aerodynamics and gave the truck a cleaner overall profile.
As with any modification, it's important to think about how you'll actually use your truck and choose the setup that best fits your adventures.
Frequently Asked QuestionsWill any bed rack fit a Honda Ridgeline?
Not directly. Most racks will require longer mounting brackets or slight modifications to work with the Ridgeline's unique bed design.
Why use strut channel?
Strut channel creates a strong, modular mounting platform that's easy to modify and works with a wide variety of accessories.
Can I mount a rooftop tent?
Yes. Many overland enthusiasts use bed racks to support rooftop tents, provided the rack manufacturer rates the system for the intended load.
Always follow the rack manufacturer's weight limits and installation instructions.
Is this a permanent modification?
No. The system uses the factory mounting locations, making it possible to return the truck to its original configuration if desired.
Watch the Complete Installation
Want to see the entire installation from start to finish?
Watch my full YouTube video below, where I walk through the mounting process, explain why this solution works so well, and share what I learned after months of testing different bed rack options.
https://youtu.be/ArbcD4-I3v0?si=Qdo8OiH0iDJKakqt
Purchase The Unistrut Kit Today
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