Hello everyone,

I jut picked up a 2008 Dakota 4th gen. quad cab. it came with these aluminum rails that are flush mounted just inside the bed, they have adjustable hook points, and a T style track on the top I've been trying to figure out what this is called? is it OEM? what tonneau cover are compatible with it?

any advise is welcome.

thank you in advance.



this aluminum rail is it OEM? what is called?

 

you have a thirdgen dakota .05-11 is considered thirdgen. Other than that I am of no further help. I do not think it a factory option though, probably a dealer installed kit.

 

my bad, still learning this stuff, any idea what the thing is called?

 

Your rail is OEM. It was a factory option available from 2008 through 2011. They're called utility rails in the truck's brochure. Part numbers: 55112536AD (right) and 55112537AD (left). They've been discontinued. (https://www.mymoparparts.com/v-2011-...--box-assembly)

Std equip on (per sales brochures):
2008: SLT, TRX4, Sport, Laramie
2009: TRX4, Laramie
2010: TRX4, Laramie
2011: Laramie

They still use them on the Ram 1500s, just different lengths.

When buying a tonneau cover, just be sure to get one that is compatible with the utility rails. I prefer the soft, tri-fold covers like these.

 

Philipat, thank you for the answer. I'm hoping I can find a good hard cover that will match up with this truck, wouldn't it be easier to get a cover if i took the rails off?

 

It might be easier to find a cover if you took the rails off because there are probably more options. But, there are hard, folding covers and solid, fiberglass covers, including OEM, that work with the rails. I use my rails quite often, even added some D-rings to the top channel for using a bed net and a tarp. If Dodge had placed the rails under the lip of the bed side like other truck manufacturers, then I would have replaced my soft, folding tonneau cover with a SofTopper. But, SofTopper doesn't make a top to go around the utility rails. So, I stick with a tarp and a bed net when hauling camping gear, furniture, etc.

 

Where? How? Dose one search for a cover that works with the rails? Is it the dimensions? (What dimensions?)

My biggest problem is that I live in Puerto Rico, so I dont have. Store to go to, dry fit covers..... at least not that I know of.

[This is also the reason I need it to be a hard locking cover]

On that note, what option would y'all suggest for converting the tailgate to locking? OEM with the remote? OEM with just a key and latch? Are there more options? Or maybe even a macgyver style?

 

Any cover that does not have a "rail" system of it's own will work. I had a roll up soft tonneau cover and the side rails would make it not compatible with that you have.

So get a hardtop tri-fold tonneau cover as those normally only have brackets at the front and back and will not block or interfere with the utilirails.


There is a "power" lock kit available. I was going to do it to mine before i sold it. search the forum, there are a few write ups.

 

Best place to start in looking for covers is Google and online Mopar parts stores. I would also peruse etrailer.com; carid.com, and realtruck.com. Those are good for getting some ideas of what is out there. Checking out the threads on the forum is another good place.

Pop&Lock makes a power lock for the tailgate as well as a key lock. Again, Google "dakota tailgate lock" for some ideas.

Tonneau covers that work with the utility rail system will have that as an option or a specification. If it doesn't say that it does, then it probably doesn't. But, you could always confirm with the vendor.

 

I put a set in my 2005 quad cab. Bro in law has a body shop and a totaled Dakota came in that had them. Couple of small tweaks and they fit right in my truck.