ERMB's D-I-Y Rack System Build

I've been working on the rack in the little spare time I've had this week. I finally got to the first test fit today. I still have a few things to clean up and make the side pieces for aesthetics. Then it'll be time for paint.


I do have one small issue. When I installed my tracks I placed them very near the edge of the roof for strength. This makes the tracks sit like \ / a little bit instead of like | |. So I can't really tighten the rack onto the risers without pulling the outside edge of the track away from the shell. @ERMB Did you run into this? I think I can get away with just snugging the bolts just enough so I don't pull the tracks up and use some blue locktite for insurance. This has been a fun one. Thanks for the inspiration.

 

What tracks did you install and how hard was it? I'm trying to stay away from having a dealer install them

 

http://www.prolineracks.com/proline-roof-end-track-slats.html
Ive been using them for over a year. They work great
And they're Much cheaper than the name brand versions. The install is super easy. Measure twice. Mark the holes. Drill. Put a dab of silicone on the holes and bolt the tracks down.

 

I had made little shims on the chance that happened but mine snugged down tight without much issue. Also another reason I added the internal struts.

 

Im thinking this on the roof to make it modular to pop off and on. Get 2 of the 5" kits and do one in each corner and then there's some adjustability of the rack.
https://www.realtruck.com/core-trax-tie-down-track-system/

Same set of tracks but cheaper for 6ft

$89 US Cargo Control Ancra 6 Foot L Track, Heavy Duty Grade 6351 Aluminum Airline Style, Versatile Tie Down Track for Van, Utility Trailers, or Truck Beds, Securing Motorcycles, ATVs, Dirt Bikes

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00L8...pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=L+track&psc=1

Angled to be more flush

Steadymate 15546 Series L Track Angled Surface Mount

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0026..._UL390_SR390,345_&refRID=18PJGX0EHR9MMYCW1B5H

 

So these are the parts I'll be using to build the cab rack minus the 47" cross members which are in my truck currently. Best part is ALL of these parts are left over from the original build so other than the bolts I will have to purchase to bolt down to the factory rivnuts this rack will be a freebie!!!!

 

Looking forward to seeing how this is going to go together. I think using those things for tracks could be a real cool way of making it a truly quick release feature. Also I thought I saw this product in an anodized black somewhere too or maybe it was PC'd

 

@JimboAnz found it for even cheaper
http://www.uscargocontrol.com/Ratchet-Straps-Tie-Downs/L-Track-Tie-Down-Rails

 

Thanks again for the inspiration. You made this site a little better with this thread, and I appreciate it.

 

That came out incredible!!! Nice job Carter!

 

looks awesome congrats, what did you use for the side panels ? thanks

 

1/8" x 2" aluminum from Tractor Supply

 

That's the same material I used too, I got lucky and found it at my local mom & pop hardware store.

 

@rngr
NICE! can you show/explain some details on how you attached the "legs" or "base" to your existing track (that is attached to camper shell)?

 

I used the cone nuts (Pictured in the OP of this thread). However, I removed the nut itself from the blue plastic "cone". I discarded the cone, slid the nut into the roof track, and threaded a bolt through my "feet" into the nut. Each foot has two nuts & bolts. Clear as mud, or does that make sense?

 

You won't have to use the same nuts as I did. I just had some extras. Any square nut that is small enough to fit in the track but too large to spin inside the track will work.

 

thanks for the explanation. I've done some preliminary fittings and the only thing holding me back is finding the right nut that will fit the tracks. so far, I've only found washers that seem to fit... not sure if washers alone will be strong enough.... i'll keep on searching.

 

Sub'd

 

I will be changing mine up soon as well and will require me taking some precise measurements. What your looking for are called T nuts and they come in many shapes and sizes. I know you can get them through fastenal but they had so many without knowing the dimensions I couldn't give them an exact size at the time. @rngr mentioned using the cone nut that's part time of the super strut system, but in my tracks I would have to shave off the edges with an angle grinder in order to make them work. Depending on the maker of your track system you may be able to find the correct size t-nut for your application since they are relatively common in track system use. I use the Rhino system and I've found the part number but not the actual size, so it may end up being trial and error for me.

 

The only T-nuts I found so far are at Home Depot, and I think they are intended for wood. They had protruding "teeth" that I think are meant to dig into what's being fastened... this won't work on metal. I'll keep looking.

Another challenge I have is that my track has end caps, so I can't simply slide something from the end (like @rngr can)... I have to insert from the top (sort of at an angle). The closest solution so far is using washers that are slightly smaller that the track opening width... again, I have concerns about strength of said washers.

My track system is factory installed from ARE... suppose to be Yakima friendly