Ford DIY side rail video

[iam2sam]

I had intended to order side rails soon, but I was exploring the Ford vehicle owner information site, and came across this instruction video for a DIY version (I'm a bit stunned to find that there is a series of DIY storage videos for Maverick, instead of Ford just trying to sell us more stuff). I do need a clarification. The video refers to 12 ga slotted channel. Can someone who has done this, or who works with this kind of channel, confirm for me that what is shown is 12 ga 1-5/8" x 1-5/8" Unistrut P1000T compatible product? My product searches came up with a few variations on the L & W dimensions. Thanks. It's the 2nd video at the following link (I was unable to extract a standalone url for the video itself):
https://www.ford.com/support/how-to...ates-and-tailgates/the-ford-maverick-flexbed/

Sponsored

 

[Sticks]

That looks correct.

They specify the endcaps are for (Eaton) B-series channel, which is 1-5/8" wide. Their square profile would suggest a 1-5/8 height as well. Eaton B-series and Unistrut P1000T appear to be interchangeable.

 

[iam2sam]

That looks correct.

They specify the endcaps are for (Eaton) B-series channel, which is 1-5/8" wide. Their square profile would suggest a 1-5/8 height as well. Eaton B-series and Unistrut P1000T appear to be interchangeable.

Thanks! Amazon has that in aluminum in a 5' length for $42. I know that by the time I add fittings, I won't save a fortune vs. a ~$125 bed rail kit, but I like doing this kind of thing for myself. If for no other reason, it makes me more comfortable if I want to customize something.

 

[iam2sam]

That looks correct.

They specify the endcaps are for (Eaton) B-series channel, which is 1-5/8" wide. Their square profile would suggest a 1-5/8 height as well. Eaton B-series and Unistrut P1000T appear to be interchangeable.

A little more research indicates that there are 2 universal strut (unistrut) cross section standards, "12 Gauge", which is 1-5/8 wide x 1-5/8 high, and "14 gauge", which is 1-5/8 wide x 13/16 tall. Not sure how the metal gauge came to be used as the standard description, unless that and the height both relate to load capacity...

 

[Sticks]

A little more research indicates that there are 2 universal strut (unistrut) cross section standards, "12 Gauge", which is 1-5/8 wide x 1-5/8 high, and "14 gauge", which is 1-5/8 wide x 13/16 tall. Not sure how the metal gauge came to be used as the standard description, unless that and the height both relate to load capacity...

Perhaps there is a standard for specific applications, but they are offered in a wide variety of heights per the Unistrut catalog.

I think it's more likely that Ford's media team simply neglected to include the full component definition supplied by the engineers. That's happened with basically every product I have ever designed at other companies. Some marketing intern thinks they should make it more concise so it will look easier and sound better, failing to consider the entire purpose of the video.

 

[iam2sam]

Perhaps there is a standard for specific applications, but they are offered in a wide variety of heights per the Unistrut catalog.

I think it's more likely that Ford's media team simply neglected to include the full component definition supplied by the engineers. That's happened with basically every product I have ever designed at other companies. Some marketing intern thinks they should make it more concise so it will look easier and sound better, failing to consider the entire purpose of the video.

It would have been more accurate for me to write "at least 2 standards", although pretty much all the offerings I found on AMZ, Metalworks and a few other online suppliers referred to the 12 and 14 ga as if those defined the range. The only real variations I saw were unperforated single, and back-to-back double channels. You are correct that the video was not very complete wrt sourcing parts. Fortunately, I do a lot of small, shade tree type DIY projects, such as adding storage and equipment racks to canoes and kayaks, so I had a pretty good idea where to begin looking. Thanks for your feedback.

Sponsored