Cheap DIY bed rack that works with tonneau cover

[TheSEARCH]

I included this link to t-slit fasteners just for reference. You don't need to buy it. As I said each gusset comes with 4 fasteners. So you need 2 feet rails, 12 gussets and 2 cross beams from Amazon. That's it.
Oh, by the way, don't forget to buy small bottle of loctite to fix all these fasteners in place

Bringing up an older thread.

I am finally at the point of ordering this setup. BUT it seems like the corner gussets are SUPER pricey. Is that 24.08 a piece for each gusset is that correct?? That would mean the gussets will cost 12 x 24.08= 288.96 for just gussets ?? Is this correct?
Gussets link
https://www.mcmaster.com/47065T798/

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[Blacksmith]

Bringing up an older thread.

I am finally at the point of ordering this setup. BUT it seems like the corner gussets are SUPER pricey. Is that 24.08 a piece for each gusset is that correct?? That would mean the gussets will cost 12 x 24.08= 288.96 for just gussets ?? Is this correct?
Gussets link
https://www.mcmaster.com/47065T798/

Seems like this is the cheapest option from McMaster. For the 2 bolt bracket in black color. I ordered it there because I can buy from them with significant clearance (company is doing business with them). I ordered 3 different types of brackets from them:
47065T798
47065T451
3574T24

 

[51mavhatter]

I've been looking for the cheap bed rack which will work with my Truxedo pro x15 for the last two years. And didn't find anything.
Truxedo cs is the most popular option here, but still 900 USD +.
The other racks doesn't work with the cover.
So I found this simple solution on the jeepgladiator forum and decided to adopt it for my Mav.
https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...t-slot-rack-for-bak-revolver-x4s.59111/page-4
Bought 1.5" t slot beams, brackets, fasteners, can of loctite from mcmaster and pair of cheap cross beams from Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B09NZPDZZ1?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title
It took less than an hour to assemble it and install on my truck.
Here is the result.
It's sturdy and my kayak will definitely fit there.
I didn't feel any excessive noise on the highway and don't see any drop in fuel consumption. At least so far

PS: Sorry for the duplicated last photo. Looks like delete button doesnt work on this forum

I like this, Looks like on your 4 risers you got the slots on 3 sides and flat to the outside. It is available with slots on 4 sides which would give you a fastening point on the outside for accessories. Just a thought. This is a very wallet friendly way to go with the Amazon crossbars and even with the t slot rails you need to also have a tonneau cover. nicely done.

 

[Blacksmith]

I like this, Looks like on your 4 risers you got the slots on 3 sides and flat to the outside. It is available with slots on 4 sides which would give you a fastening point on the outside for accessories. Just a thought. This is a very wallet friendly way to go with the Amazon crossbars and even with the t slot rails you need to also have a tonneau cover. nicely done.

Yep, it's definitely flexible. You can attach as many tight downs as you need. Or just remove unneeded

 

[51mavhatter]

Yep, it's definitely flexible. You can attach as many tight downs as you need. Or just remove unneeded

I see in your photo you added another brace over the gusset. Looks like you removed the cab side gusset to get the rack closer to the cab.

 

[Blacksmith]

I see in your photo you added another brace over the gusset. Looks like you removed the cab side gusset to get the rack closer to the cab.

Yep, I did. Still playing with this thing. This additional brace isn't needed, I added it just in case

 

[TheTesterMan]

Dumb question but I just want to completely understand this... To do this I would still have to purchase the RealTruck 50" rack system Rails, correct ?

 

[Blacksmith]

Dumb question but I just want to completely understand this... To do this I would still have to purchase the RealTruck 50" rack system Rails, correct ?

Thats right. But its cheap

 

[TheTesterMan]

Thats right. But its cheap

Isn't that around $250 ?

 

[Blacksmith]

Isn't that around $250 ?

I dont know how much is it right now. I bought it for 130$ from realtruck 2 years ago

 

[51mavhatter]

I've been looking for the cheap bed rack which will work with my Truxedo pro x15 for the last two years. And didn't find anything.
Truxedo cs is the most popular option here, but still 900 USD +.
The other racks doesn't work with the cover.
So I found this simple solution on the jeepgladiator forum and decided to adopt it for my Mav.
https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...t-slot-rack-for-bak-revolver-x4s.59111/page-4
Bought 1.5" t slot beams, brackets, fasteners, can of loctite from mcmaster and pair of cheap cross beams from Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B09NZPDZZ1?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title
It took less than an hour to assemble it and install on my truck.
Here is the result.
It's sturdy and my kayak will definitely fit there.
I didn't feel any excessive noise on the highway and don't see any drop in fuel consumption. At least so far

PS: Sorry for the duplicated last photo. Looks like delete button doesnt work on this forum

Hey there Blacksmith,
Getting ready to do the same thing on my Maverick. Got all the hardware figured out. My question is the crossbars from Amazon. They come 68" long. Did you go with that length or shorten them any. regards Jeff

 

[TheSEARCH]

Hey there Blacksmith,
Getting ready to do the same thing on my Maverick. Got all the hardware figured out. My question is the crossbars from Amazon. They come 68" long. Did you go with that length or shorten them any. regards Jeff

I also got the 68 inch long bars. Cut 4 inches off it. I used only one bar. I have Yakima roof bars too. I haul long kayaks over 16 feet. My setup used Tnutz upright bars.

 

[51mavhatter]

I also got the 68 inch long bars. Cut 4 inches off it. I used only one bar. I have Yakima roof bars too. I haul long kayaks over 16 feet. My setup used Tnutz upright bars.

Hey Dan,
Also going with TNUTZ on all the hardware and it looked like I could shorten those crossbars a little. Looking to carry 2- 12' kayaks. Like your set up. This is a very cost friendly way to go. Thanks

 

[IHateSpeedbumps]

I have the Ford hard tri-fold (I'm pretty sure it's rebranded but I can't remember what the other forums users said it was).
Do you know if it can have rails?

I have the Ford hard tri-fold and a set of Elevate TS rails.

 

[Deano777]

I also got the 68 inch long bars. Cut 4 inches off it. I used only one bar. I have Yakima roof bars too. I haul long kayaks over 16 feet. My setup used Tnutz upright bars.

In this last pic, it looks like it is a DIY roof rack. Is that what it is? If so, are there instructions?

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