Bed Mounted Cargo Cross Bars

I am considering fabricating a product similar to the discontinued OEM Toyota Cargo Cross Bars as shown in this pic:


In addition, I am thinking about incorporating some improvements to the design that would improve the versatility for my particular use of this product as well as aesthetics and theft prevention.

What I need from you guys is any potential design improvements you would like to see, realistic price point recommendations, and any other useable advice anyone has to offer related to this product.

These products could be available to market in as little as 30 days but I want to make the right product from the get go. This thread will monitor the development of these products in as much detail as possible and a future Group Buy will be extended to Tacomaworld members for any design assistance.

 

I have two that are completely adjustable. I think I paid about $12 each. They are powder coated and have held up well for over a year. They have ball - lock coarse adjustments with rubber pads on threaded rods on each end for fine adjustment. They fit against the side of the bed, and you can move them up or down the height of the bed, making them pretty flexible. I'll try to take a pic if you'd like.
But if you are planning on using them where you are not concerned about something low in the bed moving, then your fabrication idea may be just what you need.

 

I know the cargo bars you are referring to but the product in consideration here is one that is appropriate to install bike mounts, ski/snowboard racks, surfboard pads, canoe mounts, etc, to. Probably use a tubing similar to Yakima or Thule so their line of mounts could be used on these cargo bars.

 

I have seen those but I am thinking the design could be elaborated on to promote a wider range of functionality as well as being more sophisticated aesthetically. While the product you linked is certainly functional in some ways...quite frankly, it looks like something that would be installed on a rusted out 1982 Chevy truck to keep the bedsides from falling off. No disrespect intended toward the manufacturer, it's just not fulfilling the portion of the market that I happen to be a member of.

I am looking to make something that will satisfy my needs as well as those who a product like you linked doesn't satisfy. If that product works for ya, great but I'm not interested.

 

Gotcha! Thanks and good luck!

 

Something like this?

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/121719-installed-l2s-yakima-rack.html

 

Your input is appreciated.

 

YEAH! That's headed in the right direction. I would like something that eliminate the need to mount them to the cleats, ie directly to the bed rail and maybe cantilevered them so that the rear one would be out over the tailgate. Thanks for the link and I saved the website in my favorites for future reference.

 

if you make it, ill buy it

 

Harbor Freight.

RZ Rob

 

Have you gotten anywhere with the set up

 

Shameless bump for an old thread. New Aluminum crossbars.

 

Are those being fabd and sold???

 

I thought I was the only one making something like this....

 

I've made a few sets for some local guys, but that's about it.

I've been building stuff for people for a long time now. It used to be a job, now it's just a hobby.