Got a bed rack! Heavy Metal offroad

Alright spent time trying to sort out what was out there, what options I had for what I wanted to do.

Major thing was 3 kayaks up top. With the shark fin that was a challenge. I liked the looks of many of the "popular" overland racks but all sat below the cab. Obviously great for those who use tents on their racks.

Stumbled across Heavy Metal Offroad. Simple, solid, easily modified if I want, and not a bunch of pieces bolted together.

Most importantly, 21" tall option available. Makes sure that the center kayak won't snap the fin off.

Decided to go with the side plates partially to add rigidity when kayaks are loaded (though after getting the bars in hand, wasn't needed) and also so I can carry a couple rotopax water jugs instead of bottled water when we go camping.

Had tabs added on the rear bar as well as front bar for flood lights. Have some tweaking to the lights I am going to use (I hate cool white lights, so changing the leds) then I'll get those installed. Have to finish deciding how I'm going to do any further lighting before I install/wire them up.

Decided to see how rustoleum bed liner will hold up, used 3.5 cans over the course of 2 days to make sure there is a solid coat.

Another huge plus, doesn't take away my visibility out of my back window.

I wasn't sure if I would like it at first being its a bit short(length). However it sits nice and high, unintrusive for my bed space and I can stand on them. Happy to take simple and rugged over the fancy stamped sheet metal bolt together racks.

 

That thing looks a bit small .. IMO it does not look good sorry man .. hell if u like it cool.

 

I know it's a bit "small" for what many likely want (even I think it looks small), it's the layout I chose based on spacing for kayak mounts and so on. I may switch to the longer plates but until I can fit kayaks I went with info I had on spacing for the saddles.

That's the nice thing, the set up has options if I want to change (or someone wants something different)

Me I wanted something simple that kept my bed completely useable as this isn't just a weekend rig, it's getting used for the day to day things as well. Not for everyone but perfect functionally for what I was looking for. Take function over cosmetics at least till I can get everything done and going.

 

thats what she said

 

Wouldn't be the first time I heard that. Thankfully its how my wife likes it.

Ps: I was letting someone else be the first to go there.

 

ok

 

Looks good!

 

Looks like it fits your needs perfectly. I like it!

 

Have you tried to mount a kayak up there yet? I'd be curious to see how they sit, I'm getting ready to have a bed rack made to get my kayaks out of the bed. I only haul 2 at a time on the rack, so I was thinking closer to 18"-19" high.

 

Not yet. I'm sitting on the money to buy them at the moment, gotta get the trays for them.

The mounts do raise the kayaks another couple inches from rack height so if just running 2 won't need these 21" tall ones.

 

Color me impressed.

So the original set up was based on etrailer's spacing recommended for kayaks. Ya it's OK if your tying to your front and back bumpers over the roof I guess.

Heavy Metal when I was talking to them had mentioned longer plates were on the way, told them I'd be interested, let me know when some are ready. 44" long aluminum plates.

Got an email, pics and such when the first sets were ready. Liked what I saw so ordered a set. Needless to say, very impressed. Sent me some hardware as well as I mentioned liking the style they used for pics.



Will get coated this week and installed, will post pics when done.

 

Got the new longer plates installed, lights mounted and such as well.

Looks much better and more versatile as well.

 

I like that rack. Is the load weight supported by the bed rails or the bed sides? ...or both?
Thanks.

 

If any one is looking for a beast of a rack, I got one I need to get off my truck, as I need something different for the roof top tent coming. https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/what’s-it-worth.706803/
More photos in my build thread.

 

^^^ looks to have L Brackets welded to the base of the bar, so im assuming the weight lies on the bed. The rail just keeps it fastened

BTW, i like it alot better with the new side panels. looks great! and the truck is beautiful. my favorite color!

 

The OPs looks like it’s using the bed rails, first pic first post.

 

Yah but i dont think the “weight” is actually loaded onto the rails. The weight should be loaded onto the plates. The plates are then fastened to the bedrail.

 

you don't think that will push out the bed sides? I agree some is going to pushed down on the bed sides, but I would think that some pressure would be on the sides as well. That being said, how heavy are a couple kayaks going to be.

 

Sir; let me ask you..what does the bed rails mount to? Lol

 

Sir when I think of the rack not pushing on the bed sides out ward, I think of something like this. Again, it’s not as bad as some I have seen, but that design would make me think there is still pressure pushing the bed sides out ward. It I’m no engineer nor did I sleep at a Holiday Inn last nigh, so what to fuck do I know?