High Desert Bed System Removal

Daryl Davis · March 11, 2023

Yes you are correct. That is why I was hoping to trade because most aftermarket covers didn’t require the stock bed caps to be removed. The tailgate cap is also removed for the install of the High Desert package. All three pieces run approx.

$150 each to purchase new from Chevrolet. Thank you for the input.

JimCost2014 · March 11, 2023

20 minutes ago, Daryl Davis said:

Yes you are correct. That is why I was hoping to trade because most aftermarket covers didn’t require the stock bed caps to be removed. The tailgate cap is also removed for the install of the High Desert package. All three pieces run approx.

$150 each to purchase new from Chevrolet. Thank you for the input.

Think they are (Factory caps) a one and done deal. At least by the looks of this video, I know his are trashed, but they do not come off easy.

Daryl Davis · March 11, 2023

It does look like he was having a rough time with that. I have some tools he could borrow next time.

Daryl Davis · March 13, 2023

It appears that this system was never meant to be removed. It took a little less than a day to remove it, and I disassembled a lot of extra stuff that probably wasn’t needed, but I was trying not to break anything and had no idea where the main anchor points were.
I will try to explain what I found out the best I can.

First I removed the four 10mm bolts in the floor of the bed. Then moved to the three 10mm bolts in what I will call the front bulk head of the bed, right behind the cab. This attaches the front seal plate. With a lot of work with a nylon knife in the front corners to separate the sealant and easy prying with long vinyl coated pry bars this front seal can off.

I then moved to the inner plastic bed sides. Removed the four tie down locations and all the plastic retainers, I think there were eight per side. The tailgate seal inside the bed will need to be removed from the bed sides, held on with plastic retainers. Then the plastic inner bed sides can be removed, be carful on the drivers side not to damage the lights.

after that there are five plastic retainers at the bottom of the front bulk head that need to be removed and then this front plastic piece can be removed.
I then moved to the outside of the bed. The trim right below the toolbox on both sides needs to be removed and there are three torx head screws below that on each side that need to be remove. Inside the grab handle that you use to climb in the bed there are two torx screws to remove. On the outside of this save piece there is a small black trim piece that needs taken off and there is one more screw under that. Then the tail lights need to be removed and straight up about 3 inches from the back of the top of the bed rail the is one 10mm bolt that needs to be removed. Through the tail light holes is also th best place to unplug all the electrical connections for the liner.

Now let’s move to the front and what I will call the roll bar, even though it doesn’t serve that purpose. The outer plastic on the roll bar or light bar support needs to be removed, it’s about eight small torx screws on the inside and one very important one one the top. There are also two plastic retainers in between this rail and the back of the cab that are a whole lotta fun. Disconnect all the lighting plugs and remove the outer and inner plastic covers and you are lift with a stamped metal support. In the very front upper corner of the bed is a 10mm bolt to remove, long handle ratchet wrench works well. Then inside the stamped metal support at the very back, inside, where it meets the bed rail is another 10mm bolt to remove. Back outside the bed close to the front is one Torx screw through a bracket that mounts it to the bed rail. This needs to be removed.

Back inside the bed, in the front, you need to look up high on the bed side and behind the water drainage system there is a 13mm bolt that goes into the front stake pocket, this needs to be removed, of corse on both sides of the bed. The roll bar/light bar thingy can then be removed.

To the back. Inside the raise up divider there are two Torx screws on both sides, that little extra storage area in the corner, that need removed. After this the the bottom of the bed liner will slide out.

After that there are six 10mm bolts that need removed, both sides, that go through the floor of the bed.

In the back stake pocket behind the drainage system, again up high and hard to get to or see, is another 13mm bolt that needs removed. Bothe sides.
Outside the bed, inside the tool box is one small Torx screw that holds the latch for the locking mechanism needs removed.

After this the whole side assembly will come out. I know I’m old, but this thing is awkward and heavy.
There is a bracket left on the top of the bed rail that is held on with two more 10mm bolts.

the removal of the stuff on the tailgate is pretty straightforward it all came off easy. Just a lot of screws and bolts.

On my truck the third brake light on the cab was inoperable because it’s not visible behind the light bar. To fix this simple remove the two Torx screws and remove the third brake light and plug in the connector. Then open the hood to access the fuse box and install a 10 amp fuse in slot 38 and the third brake light and cargo light come back into normal operation.

Im sorry if there are errors. I did not proof read this. I hope it helps you out. Like I said it took a little less than a day, about 6 hours and I took apart a lot more than necessary because I was flying blind. I hope this makes it an easier process for the next person. Sorry no pictures. I was going to video it and became frustrated trying to do both and put the phone down and went to work.

JonnyH · November 25, 2023

I just bought a 2017 LTZ with High Desert package. I will be removing it. Hopefully no issues. It is fine condition, I just want my tonneau cover and Ladder/Kayak racks on it. Will sell it as is ... I will post pictures as I do it as I see there are plenty of others trying to do the same.

D.hoopes11 · April 9, 2024

If anyone is looking or a complete High desert cargo system, I have mine up for sale. Contact me on here or on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/dillon.hoopes/