Opinions/help needed

So I’m trying to decide how to build out the back of the truck.
Right now I just have a simple flat bed that holds my fuel cell.
I want to make some sort of rack/rear roll bar/cage to protect the rear cab corner and to carry stuff on top etc.
I want a spare tire mount or place to strap it. Cooler mount. Tool box mount. Place to put lumber or kayak or whatever.
Here’s what I’ve got now.




Here are some I’ve seen. Not a huge fan of all of them. Need some ideas from everyone.

Not a straight up ladder rack.. but I would like to be able to carry one. lol
Need some triangulation for possible roll overs too

 

Go on @HolyHandGrenade build page his flat bed build out is probably the coolest and most well thought out I've seen.

 

Thanks for that. I’ve seen way cooler beds than mine, but it suits my particular needs well.

I actually stole the design from the Trail Toys guy, his user name escapes me now, and tweaked it.

The build is in the last few pages of my build thread if OP wants to check it out.

Actually, it starts here.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...d-thread-now-with-flat-bed-37s.439791/page-61

There are so many ways to go with a flatbed. For me, not having, or knowing how to use, a tubing bender narrowed down the options substantially...

 

This one has my vote. Seems like all you need to do is the tubing frame added to what you already have.

 

I’d vote for a tube/frame hybrid with removable rear high hoop for hauling lumber up high. Gut factory box sides and mount them for side skins that keep the factory look flowing

 

I have a nice bender and notcher. I like your set up. I’ll probably do something similar out of tube with some high hoops to carry stuff over the cab with.

I’m wanting to run a hoop over the rear cab. From slider, over to the other slider. Then build from there.
Probably brace the hoop back to the flatbed to keep it from crunching into the cab when it gets it. Also will probably use some tube flanges where I weld it to the slider to make it removable.

 

Sounds like a pretty sweet setup. Can’t wait to see what you come up with.

 

I don’t want to add too much weight to it. It’s already pretty heavy as is. Trying to figure out a simple, somewhat light weight option.

 

I struggled with that as well. Mine is built all out of 1/8” tube where it’s structural. I used angle to make the cross bars for the spare, toolbox, and the extra crossbars to mount the deck.

The heaviest part is the 1/8” plate deck. If I did it again, I might use expanded metal there.

That’s what I did when I built my hitch carrier. I was going to use 1/8” plate there too. I cut it, set it on there, and was like “yeah, no...”.

 

Started on it this weekend. Got the main parts tacked together.
May drop the rear a couple inches to match the curve of the roof. Slight slope back.

 

Weld up a 1 inch square frame and attach some color matched fiberglass fender panels,like O Neil's or so.

 

I like that. Sounds expensive though lol.