Tried and Failed. Harbor Freight Ladder Rack with no drilling.

[Irvinec32]

I think it is still doable, but more effort than I was willing to do.

The plan was adjust the universal rack to a small size. Check.
Cut down the front so it won't extend so far. Doable but did not cut yet.
But.... the mounting plates started the problems.... Like I said, probably still doable, but more effort than I wanted to put in.

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[Johnkn]

You’ll need a Maverick-specific rack as opposed to a Harbor Freight generic.


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[Maverick Life]

You’ll need a Maverick-specific rack as opposed to a Harbor Freight generic.

Looks like he happened to have the generic one on hand and was just seeing what he could do to adapt it.

Thanks for posting @Irvinec32 - interested to watch when I get a few mins.

 

[unclerunkle]

I'm planning on going with Rack-it part#1019.3
https://www.mavericktruckclub.com/forum/threads/best-ladder-rack-rack-it-installed.19650/

 

[Maverick Life]

I think it is still doable, but more effort than I was willing to do.

The plan was adjust the universal rack to a small size. Check.
Cut down the front so it won't extend so far. Doable but did not cut yet.
But.... the mounting plates started the problems.... Like I said, probably still doable, but more effort than I wanted to put in.

Just watched. Looks like the rack has fixed size crossbars. I wonder if they would help prevent the tilting on the rails?

 

[Irvinec32]

Just watched. Looks like the rack has fixed size crossbars. I wonder if they would help prevent the tilting on the rails?

Definitely will help. I just was not comfortable with the tilt and squishing the plastic that was causing it. Thought about shimming some metal plates to even the surface, but decided that was more modifications than I wanted to do. But like I said, I think it is possible to make it work. But for me, it no longer was worth it.

 

[FabMav]

Seems like a metal bar placed under the bracket to act as a shim might solve the problem with the bracket hanging up on the bed cap lip and tipping in.

Once the whole rack is installed, the top cross bars will push outward forcing the brackets to lay flat on the shim.

Also, here are some other options for inexpensive 2-piece kits:
https://wmastore.com/product/800-no-drill-clamp-truck-rack/

https://www.amazon.com/AA-Racks-Non-Drilling-C-Clamps-Pick-up-Utility/dp/B081CTZCVT/ref=sr_1_51?keywords=Truck+clamps&qid=1683733461&sr=8-51&ufe=app_do:amzn1.fos.18ed3cb5-28d5-4975-8bc7-93deae8f9840

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