DIY Bed / Ladder Rack

[259Maverick]

I saw this video and though it was pretty cool. It looks like it would work with most tonneau covers out there as long as you slightly extend it past the bed on top so the cover can flip over the brackets and clear the sides of the vertical rack. I'm going to be getting some strut channel to make the DIY cargo tie downs running the entire 40" length of the bed, so might just grab 2 more and see if I can't make this a weekend project this spring.

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[JBEN110]

I saw this video and though it was pretty cool. It looks like it would work with most tonneau covers out there as long as you slightly extend it past the bed on top so the cover can flip over the brackets and clear the sides of the vertical rack. I'm going to be getting some strut channel to make the DIY cargo tie downs running the entire 40" length of the bed, so might just grab 2 more and see if I can't make this a weekend project this spring.

yea i got inspiration from that vid, the only thing im going to do differently is install the rack on the elevate ts bed rails just so its easy to remove and i can add tiedowns

 

[Maverickman74]

If ya live on the mainland. Extruded aluminum ones are pretty cheap as well. Just cutting and bolting work. I've built racks for several of my vehicles over the years. Usually using scrap steel. A good place to look is fence companies. They always have a scrap bin from take outs. Sometimes you can get a whole bunch of heavy wall galvanized or painted with vinyl pipe for 50 cents a pound. Spend $150 on a angle grinder, a drill. And a flux core welder at harbor freight and you got custom racks.

If you think you cant weld and don't wanna try. It's easy and you can just wear a mask and gloves and don't lean on the glowing metal!

 

[Joe Strummer]

Not sure I see the point of a ladder rack that doesn't clear the cab. But hey, as it's DIY I can make it any height I want.

 

[BLDDONR]

That’s a great DIY way to build a rack.

Not having or needing a tonneau cover, I made my rack in a way that utilizes the existing tie down points in the bed. It could easily be extended into a full over the cab ladder rack If one needed that. My build does not compromise the ability to put 4x8 sheets of plywood in the bed.
https://www.mavericktruckclub.com/forum/threads/homemade-bed-racks-front-rear.42794/#post-762956

 

[259Maverick]

That’s a great DIY way to build a rack.
https://www.mavericktruckclub.com/forum/threads/homemade-bed-racks-front-rear.42794/#post-762956

Very nice! I have a bunch of square tubing and access to more so I might make a hybrid of those 2. I prefer my tonneau cover and rarely actually need a ladder rack, so a modular system that could integrate into the DIY bed rails I'll also be building is something I want to try and plan out. There's tons of bearings and attachments I could think of that would integrate into the strut channel if needed. And if not then the traditional sit on top with some tonneau clamps or something like in their video. It's basically a blank canvas

 

[onemuir]

I saw that video too. I think the cost of the materials is probably a bit more than buying something off Amazon. Not to mention all the cutting and assembly. I guess if you have the time/skills/inexpensive access to materials definitely way to go.
I just picked up a height adjustable rack to carry a couple 10ft kayaks and the occasional Home Depot supply run. It’s a “clamp on” 800lbs rated. I run a soft bed cover 99% of the time so it won’t get a lot of use but handy for when I do. It was $200. On Amazon. I have it assembled (about an hour, instructions weren’t real clear). I’m going to use it this weekend so I’ll report on it afterwards. Looks/feels pretty sturdy. Looks similar to the “Thule” ones. I’ll post a couple pics if anyone is interested.

 

[Bigfoot7262]

Would like to see pics as well as make/model info.

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