1st Gen Bed Racks!

Looking into either buying or building a bed rack for my 1st gen extended cab, whos got one they like!? Pics Pleaseeeeee

 

Heres mine I built for my rtt and stays on the truck full time now.

DSC_0984.JPG by Harrison M, on Flickr

Has 2 rotopax mounts, a Treds mount, Highlift, shovel, light tabs (for the future), and tie down points.

 

All pro expo rack

 

Built last weekend for the rtt

 

Im selling mine made by CBI

 

How do you mount it to the bed?

 

This is my version of a low height bed rack. The tent sits just at the cab height, has a perimeter frame that bolts to the bed, and the cross bars bolt in as well. About $50 in materials and hardware invested.

 

What a useful answer.

 

Just let it go - no need to call anything out - we're all kings of the castle when we're on the internet . Just let it roll off and TW will be a happier place!

(If you look at it from @TashcomerTexas side ... you did revive a thread from 2016, and the author you replied to hasn't even been online for 3 months.)

At any rate - I make/sell a similar rack to the one you asked about. I attach it to the bed rails with 4 bolts, through the angle and into the side of the rails.

 

Information is information. Old thread or not people will still be able to find this thread and reference it.

That being said thank you for the useful response. I've ordered a RTT and I think its time to get rid of my ARE shell.
Planning on making a bed rack skeleton with aluminum panels so that I still have a shell that can support the RTT.
I'll bolt it in like yours so that it doesn't move thanks

 

Excuse the alcohol. Did not see "how" in your question

 

Been thinking about bed racks recently... basic design just like above but with drawers underneath.

 

I was like, "Damn I know some people on TW are quick on the trigger but jeez". Haha glad to hear it wasn't true character.

 

Yeah I ordered roof rack for the shell but I'm just not happy with how it is. I don't trust it one bit with the tent on there. I'm scrambling to find a solution before my tent gets here haha.
Simple rack to support the tent can be made in under a day. I'm just wanting to get fancy and make a shell out of it. Might be a 2 part build. First make the rack so I can support the tent once its here, then make the sheet metal for the shell. I really don't want to lose the shell ability. I love it.
You think the drawers would be part of your rack?

 

you could use corrugated aluminum to keep the weight down. either way though you'll have to find a way to seal out the elements since the RTT will attach to the top leaving something exposed (bolts, frame, post, etc)

 

I like my Avid low profile bed rack for the same reason, keeps the RTT at cab height so it has less effect on the truck's center of gravity. I saw a lifted Jeep Wrangler on the highway yesterday with an RTT on top, looked like all it would take is a tiny jerk of the steering wheel and he'd go rolling. Be even worse out on the trail.

Only disadvantage to having the RTT at cab height is it blocks my rear view mirror completely, but you get used to it.

 

There is no holes that were premade on the bed sides so you'll need to drill and use a rivet nut. BAM, done.

 

Here is mine. BAMF, (Bay Aria Metal Fab)

 

BAMF is quality.
I'm going to come up with a preliminary design within the next couple days and show you guys. Simple tubing so I can panel it with sheet metal. I'm torn between keeping the tent below the cab line or above. Since my tent is 215 CM (84 inches), it will have to either stick out the back or over the top of the cab.
I like the idea of reducing the wind friction by keeping it under the cab but I will lose some space for my camper shell/rack idea.
I thin I will have it stick over the cab versus hang out the back.

 

you can also go this route, rack over the shell coming from, sliders and bumper, seems little easier than building a whole shell.



photo was taken from insta owners

@thewinchells