- First Name
- Tom
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- Apr 11, 2024
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- 3
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- 247
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- 206
- Location
- Youngstown, Ohio
- Vehicle(s)
- Ford Maverick XLT 2022 2.0 L Ford Escape 2017
- Engine
- 2.0L EcoBoost
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- #1
I found a thread on this forum by Bry
https://www.mavericktruckclub.com/f...t-bed-rack-installed-on-side-bed-rails.28561/
about a low budget rack system that uses the Ford 'cargo management system C channel tracks for a ladder rack.
If you have this:
SKU: NZ6Z9955200A
Maverick 2022-2024 Cargo Management System Kit - Includes Cleat Tie Down Kit.
Then, with a bit of modification of this:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B7WJV9G3?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
(HECASA 4.9' to 7.8' Adjustable Aluminum Roof Ladder Rack Capacity 400 LBS Compatible with Open and Enclosed Trailers Cargo Vans Trucks Pickups Universal )
you can have this:
This rack system has an "Adjustable Design: Extendable Length: 59" to 94-1/8". Adjustable Height: 22" to 26". Designed to meet a variety of truck bed sizes "
The catches are that we all have different set-ups and spacing/spacers may be different. I have the Truxedo soft Tonneau roll-up and the side rails for the velcro attachments extend into the bed area a bit. As a result the spacing has to be fit so that the upright posts can fit between those side rails for the Tonneau.
From this above pic, you can see that the upright rack post just fits inside with about a 1/4" to spare.
To do this, I needed about 2" of space. I used an "L" square to measure the spacing. Between the C channels (On my truck) is about 54 1/2" of space and the Tonneau beam sits about 2" inside of the C channel. I figured that the extra inside and outside box channels that has to be cut from the ladder beams, I could build up to about 2" and With the 1/4" thick brace that is welded to the upright, that gave me the spacing. My bolts are 2 1/2" long 1/4-20 stainless attached to
"Strut Channel Nuts, 1/4-20 Spring Channel Nuts with Zinc Electroplate Finish, Long Spring Nuts Great for Use with Strut Channel (10 Pack)" that can be bought on Amazon.
The spacing pieces are about 8" long and I could actually cut 6 of the inside box channels from the two cross bars.
I could also cut two outside box channels from the outside with some left over for the approx 50" of width needed to clear the bed sides.
This can be done with a few power tools.
A simple hand jig saw with a metal blade, a drill, and some way to grind the pieces smooth and straight. Of course a belt saw and a stationary drill would be more accurate
One issue is that I tried to make the rack as tall as possible and in the center, it isn't quite above to cab roof line but I can always add some padding over the rails.
Anyway, I figure that this is about as sturdy as the Ford Cargo Management system can hold. I find that the rack feels solid. When fastened to the truck, there is about no wobble from side to side and fore-aft and if I try to find movement, the truck starts rocking on it's suspension springs. I figure that each rail can hold at least 200 lbs of dead weight and if properly tied down can carry my canoe or something like an extension ladder quite easily.
https://www.mavericktruckclub.com/f...t-bed-rack-installed-on-side-bed-rails.28561/
about a low budget rack system that uses the Ford 'cargo management system C channel tracks for a ladder rack.
If you have this:
SKU: NZ6Z9955200A
Maverick 2022-2024 Cargo Management System Kit - Includes Cleat Tie Down Kit.
Then, with a bit of modification of this:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B7WJV9G3?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
(HECASA 4.9' to 7.8' Adjustable Aluminum Roof Ladder Rack Capacity 400 LBS Compatible with Open and Enclosed Trailers Cargo Vans Trucks Pickups Universal )
you can have this:
This rack system has an "Adjustable Design: Extendable Length: 59" to 94-1/8". Adjustable Height: 22" to 26". Designed to meet a variety of truck bed sizes "
The catches are that we all have different set-ups and spacing/spacers may be different. I have the Truxedo soft Tonneau roll-up and the side rails for the velcro attachments extend into the bed area a bit. As a result the spacing has to be fit so that the upright posts can fit between those side rails for the Tonneau.
From this above pic, you can see that the upright rack post just fits inside with about a 1/4" to spare.
To do this, I needed about 2" of space. I used an "L" square to measure the spacing. Between the C channels (On my truck) is about 54 1/2" of space and the Tonneau beam sits about 2" inside of the C channel. I figured that the extra inside and outside box channels that has to be cut from the ladder beams, I could build up to about 2" and With the 1/4" thick brace that is welded to the upright, that gave me the spacing. My bolts are 2 1/2" long 1/4-20 stainless attached to
"Strut Channel Nuts, 1/4-20 Spring Channel Nuts with Zinc Electroplate Finish, Long Spring Nuts Great for Use with Strut Channel (10 Pack)" that can be bought on Amazon.
The spacing pieces are about 8" long and I could actually cut 6 of the inside box channels from the two cross bars.
I could also cut two outside box channels from the outside with some left over for the approx 50" of width needed to clear the bed sides.
This can be done with a few power tools.
A simple hand jig saw with a metal blade, a drill, and some way to grind the pieces smooth and straight. Of course a belt saw and a stationary drill would be more accurate
One issue is that I tried to make the rack as tall as possible and in the center, it isn't quite above to cab roof line but I can always add some padding over the rails.
Anyway, I figure that this is about as sturdy as the Ford Cargo Management system can hold. I find that the rack feels solid. When fastened to the truck, there is about no wobble from side to side and fore-aft and if I try to find movement, the truck starts rocking on it's suspension springs. I figure that each rail can hold at least 200 lbs of dead weight and if properly tied down can carry my canoe or something like an extension ladder quite easily.
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