3rd Gen External Bed Cage

Lately I've been really thinking of designing an external cage for my truck. One that would go around my fiberglass camper shell so I could safely mount things to the side and support more weight on the roof.

I searched around for a bit and it seems like not too many people have tried this and not many fabrication companies make such a thing.

Anyone know of past builds or existing products they can possibly share?? Would love to get some ideas on how to accomplish this. I attached the following picture so you guys have an idea what I'm talking about.

 

These is one designed to go around a soft topper, might work for a hard top too

 

I like it. But are those Ford mirrors?

 

*whispers* it is a Ford in the picture

 

Hahaha I thought that was a 2nd gen taillight!

 

From what I've seen, most of them mount on top or inside the bed rails so it wouldn't really work with my camper. I'll keep doing my research though, maybe there might be one out there.

 

lmao! Ignore that it's a ford guys. (Pic for reference only)

 

The only company that manufactured an exoskeleton type roof rack was GOBI, don't know if they still make them.



I considered buying one for my FJ40 Land Cruiser.
They would be the ones to make one for a Taco, here's their web site, just ask them and they'll make it for you. The weight of the rack rests on the body not the roof:
https://www.gobiracks.com/product-category/toyota/

 

Might want to take these photos to a local fab shop and see what they can do for you. I live in LA/OC and there is a member here that makes sliders, he might be interested. Or if you’re up in the Bay Area, Bay Area metal fab (BAMF) might be able. They have the skills

 

I'll check them out! I like what they did in that second picture. It seems like you can winch the roof rack off for easy access.

 

I was leaning on designing it myself then going to a fabrication company to have them make it. Just looking for ideas at this point.