simple / cheap cross bar rack for bed

[url=http://www.tacomaworld.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/353
[url=http://www.tacomaworld.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/353115/cat/50

Here's some pics of my Thule bars. I use two methods of attaching to the bed rail clamps. For quickie use I put a fender washer under the clamp and a wing nut. For longer term use I substitute a nylock nut for the wing nut. Very quick and easy, very solid as the weight is on the bed sides.

 

Well, that didn't work. Try again.

http://www.tacomaworld.com/gallery/data/500/medium/P10102771.JPG

 

I got these from a cowrker and made my own bars to fit. Love them. Might actually be selling them soon though.

 

Here it is with the bikes on it. If I keep it I want to add a basket between the bike mounts.

 

This inspired me to make my own today. Being a cheap Yankee I didn't want to spend several hundred dollars on various brands.

some old 2 x 4's and a half can of black paint were laying around the garage.

So I went to Home Depot, got some hardware for $ 10.88 and made the following to hold my Yakima Space booster,

Used the plates from the Space Booster as clamps for the 2 x 4's. Drilled 1/4-20 clearance holes at 3 and 3/8" centers (to Match the rail cleats) and bolted together with 4" bolts and nylock washers. Extremely solid with the 2 x 4's resting on the plastic bed rail caps and bed.

 

I REALLY like this setup. Its simple, cheap and easy.

I was brainstorming on how to rig up a cheap crossbar setup that ties in the C channels.
I was thinking of using slotted L brackets to tie into the existing cleat bolt and then using a slotted C Channel bar as a cross bar.

http://www.es-refrigerants.com/products/w/id/288/t/stainless-l-bracket-3462/details.asp


http://www.homedepot.com/p/Superstr...ing-Channel-ZA12HS10PG/100156509#.Ui9ggvlll7c

Or even use a sign post as a crossbar.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Brady-8-ft-Steel-U-Channel-Sign-Post-97204/100676656


Any thoughts on whether this will work?

 

subd

 

These are my bed brackets: http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/273017-bed-brackets-pic-heavy.html

 

About 2 1/2 hours and 30 bucks worth o' steel.


Uses stock rail hardware to mount.

 

If you decide to sell the brackets, PM me, I might be interested

 

If I sell it will probably be the whole setup. Brackets, bars, and bike mounts. Though I can always keep the bike mounts if needed.

 

Love2surf makes a similar bracket but don't sell them anymore. I just spent the extra money and got Inno

 

Those are the love 2 surfs that I have that he's talking about.

 

sweet, i had the fat cats on my 4unner, this winter they are going on my bed rails!!!

 

I love ALL the great ideas guys! Keep the pictures coming please. I'm looking for a way to keep these racks theft-proof. Any ideas would be appreciated. My simple / cheap rack and even my INNO rack don't have much to keep it from walking away.

 

What bumper is that? I have a N-Fab front bumper with PIAA lights and I may want to add a rear bumper like the one you have. Looks tough!

 

I love it! You could use ANY cross bar with that set up. Thanks for sharing!

 

No problem. It is very solid and in fact am taking it on a 300 mile trip tomorrow.

 

That's an Avid rear bumper guard. Its very tough. I may have backed into the corner of a house once. Took a chunk out of the wall and didn't do anything to the bar. Very stout, great product.

 

Nice!!