DIY Bed Cross bars.

Total: $50
Purchased everything from Home depot. (sorry do not know the dimensions).
I added another bar because I needed the height so it would go over my toolbox.
Have not got to test weight yet but will update when I can.

Hope this helps someone else one day looking for cross bars and do not want to spend $200.

+

 

Looks a little sketchy

I’d recommend a better way to attach it to the trucks rail system

 

Maybe add a short plate to add another bolt. If you could figure a way to go directly to the track that would be even better. However, I do like where this is heading.

 

A for effort, but that bolt can't be properly sheer rated with that much left over extension.

 

Thanks for the comments, I will look into a better way to attach to the rails. Maybe another section down and then finding a bolt that goes into the railing system. I am looking something that is easily moveable in the railing system soft when I need to move it back to get into the toolbox. Once it is complete I will be welding it all together for extra strength.

 

What basket is that? It's pretty nice

 

Thanks man, it is the ROLA 59504 V-Tex Rooftop Cargo Basket with extension.

Bought them both of Amazon used for $150. Came in actually really good condition for being used and that shaved off about $100.

 

I built a similar system but with 2x4's when I was waiting for my rack to be built. Used it for almost 6 months trouble free with the RTT doing 90 on the highway

I bought uni-strut square nuts and put them into the track then bolted into them. You want something with more sheer though........ I cut 3/4 plywood and used it as a brace to provide sheer strength. Mine also wasn't as tall so the weight went directly onto the rails, I'll see if I can dig up some pictures.

The low mounted basket looks clean man! Don't mean to be sh!ting on your concept.

 

Pictures would be awesome and the uni-strut square nuts are a great idea.This is what I fucking love about the forum, post the ideas, and then figure out where it needs fixed and how to improve it. I need to look more into sheer and where the majority of the weight is being applied.

 

Here you go @Rileyk700

This looks like the best picture I have, this super lo-pro system worked great for me.

There is a short piece of 2X4 screwed onto the cross piece right next to the rail that was a bolt and washer that goes into the rail and threads into the uni-strut stuff. I have since learned that you can get square washers that fit a little better than the uni-strut but the uni-strut works.

Good luck on your system!

 

I just noticed the conundrum you got yourself in with the tool box and full length rack..... I see a bedslide in your future sir. Now that is something that needs a good DIY option, has anyone seen one?

I miss my behind the cab toolbox from my first gen. Kept so much junk out of the cab.

 

Just a suggestion.. at Home Depot they have the flat, boxed, U-channel, struts, and angle metal. Might try picking up a piece or two and use them to bolt straight to your rails with either 1/2 carriage bolts or a channel nut.

Maybe something like this https://www.homedepot.com/p/Superstrut-1-5-8-in-x-10-ft-Metal-Framing-Channel-ZB14HS10PG/100183826

You could have used it to increase the height of your boxed bar. You could still leave a few inches, maybe a foot, to allow you to raise it higher when needed for more cargo room under your basket. I will suggest you put a plate, or another piece of strut, to reinforce the corner where it meets you rack.

Best of luck!!

 

These aren’t DIY crossbars, but rather DIY brackets for some Yakima rain gutter towers I had laying around.

I think I spent less than $30 on the hardware and angle iron.

A simple angle iron bracket would work for your setup @Rileyk700. You could bolt or weld your bars to the angle iron.

 

I like what you did. Nice work.

I would have suggested what others have said / shown to extend your bars and let them bars rest on the bed rail. Put a piece of thick rubber between your bars and the bed rail, and you'll be set for a long time.

Also, it looks like your are using plain steel sections and fasteners. I'd hit those with at least some good paint primer to keep them rust free.

 

Better?

 

Yep. You're gonna be a lot happier with that.

 

Looks good.

A little rust proofing/painting and you are set!!

 

Hey Rileyk, how's this been working out for you? I am looking to do the same thing. Except I will be using regular Yakima round cross bars. I'm unsure why you cut the top bar short of the bed and bolted on the bottom piece (for rise?), but I would've suggested taking it all the way across to the bed and bolted both bars to the L bracket. Where did you get those L brackets from? Did you use a cleat on the bolt, or just a nut?

I don't need the rise and will be taking the single bar all the way across and have the bed carry the weight than the bracket. I just need to find a nice, sturdy bracket and some security torx bolts.

Anyone know where I can get some L brackets that would be ideal for a job like this?

 

Last setup looks better. I'd posit you want the weight of the rack and whatever is on it to rest on the BED, not the rails. Securing to the rails would be done to prevent the rack from sliding back and forth or side to side, and possibly also to prevent it from 'hopping' if you should do some Dukes of Hazzard type shit.

 

I have been searching for something like this since before I bought my truck. This idea seems genius. How much have you tried to load it up with? Also how well has it held up. Again great job and very ingenious.

I'm going to also try and use a similar concept to design a bed slide