Let's see your frugal DIY mods!

I'll have to wait for warmer weather to start on it , but I can form up a bracket with hinge that would bolt to the stronger steel corner support and allow the can to rotate for better access like the swing-out toolbox . I like the toolbox idea but there is no way it would seal well enough for those not running a cover or topper .
Opinions ?
Sarge

 

If you mean the ammo cans. They are sealed really well with a rubber gasket that is under the lid. I have no problems with mine getting wet inside.

 

Yes , basically a kit to install an ammo can - designed to hold however much weight you can stuff in it , I don't build anything that is lightweight . Probably shoot for the 20mm size , just depends on clearance line to the wheel well . Hate to lose what little space is in the bed .
Sarge

 

I hope that you have those boxes supported by more than just the bed rails. My spare tire was mounted to the rails and sat fully on the floor of the bed, but still managed to move enough to crack the bedside under the rail cap.

I can dig up the pictures of my cracked bed if you want to see them. I like the idea, but they're going to need more support.

 

The best way to support them IMO is the aluminum bed rail bracket things.. They are a "J" shape with the curve touching the bedside. By not allowing them to twist your bed rail off they should be able to withhold a large downward force and be safe.

 

I didn't see LUSETACO's solution before posting mine. Not dogging his

 

The design of the bedside is the issue. The composite bed goes straight up and stops. The metal bedside then wraps over the composite and is connected with the bolts holding the side rail. We don't have a fully boxed steel bedside like other pickups. Any repeated load on the bolts attaching the side rail to the bedside will cause issues.

 

Eww.

 

Hence my suggestion to make a bracket to attach to the steel corner support for the tailgate - it's the strongest point in the bed other than the floor .
That , and I'm going to ditch that stupid plastic storage box on the driver's side - lid keeps finding it's way off and my dumb hitch rattles like crazy . Old , grumpy fabricator - I have a solution ....
Sarge

 

Just trying to help a guy out before he damages the bed of his truck.

 

Yup, that corner post is a good support point.

 

What about tire carriers that use the bed rails, but with 1/3 or 1/4 the load on each point? Will that eventually break too? If so, will attaching it to the bed rail and also on top of the bed side solve the problem?

 

oh yuck :/ There is not much weight in them right now nor do they bounce but after seeing that I'm going to be looking at some other mount options once the weather warms up.

Maybe 2 jerry's where the Cans are now and put the cans on the tire swing out that will eventual be on the rear, mhh I must ponder this some more.

 

Yeah, they do flex a bit with my bed rack attached to the rails. Makes me wonder if I should rethink my design.

 

What are you cheap bastidges using to cushion the tailgate reinforcement so it doesn't gouge up the paint? Just standard foam tape? I was thinking - in keeping with this thread - to use pieces of old innertube, but I don't know how tightly the top fits and whether the rubber will stay in just from pressure, without adhesive. Ideas? I got a used Relentless Fab powdercoated one coming on Sunday for $100 and want to install it soon.

 

If you ran it behind like a gasket you could put the bolts that hold it on right though the rubber to keep it in place.
Personally I'd go with a foam sticky back weather sealer.

 

This damage is from the bedrail Spare Tire Carrier, correct?

I was REALLY close to buying or building one like that, until I saw your thread.

I still like the concept and use of space with that design, but it would need an addtl. brace tied-in to the bed or rear tailgate pillar to help displace the weight and lessen the shock/strain placed on the rail.

 

So if you used a rail spare tire carrier and also used tie down straps and connected it to the bed, do you think this damage would still occur?

 

I've been thinking about building a custom box that swings out that basically fits over the wheel well, but when open is essentially the width of the tailgate or close to. I'm thinking since my bed is covered from the elements I would use cabinet grade plywood. Could be kinda a fun project when the weather gets a little better. If Sarge fabs up that bracket hinge he was talking about I'd be interested in a purchase if he's willing to sell.