Half Height Bed Cover

A prototype was built in wood and it lasted 2 years. Now a metal one is needed.
The rough plan is angle around the edge to attach to the bed.
1x1 and 1x3 tube with 0.065 wall for the structure.
aluminum diamond plate skin.
Total height 5 inches over edge of bed.
60* angle on the sides.
mounting for water tanks
mounted for lights
rails for CVT RoofTopTent
mounting for CVT awning(s).

 

put some angle around the edge of the bed and welded it in place. Also put on a temp piece of 1x1 to hold the shape across the back.

 

made a wood jig to hold the pieces while getting welded and cut 1x1 angle for the front hoop.

 

Used the same wood jig and some spare aluminum to clamp the rear hoop in place and weld it.

 

Test fit it on the truck, and it looked like a silly spoiler.

 

Added a connecting pieces in 1x1 and 3x1. Added some 1.25x0.065 strap along the sides to attach the diamond plate.

 

welded on some angle and nuts to hold the water tanks. It was very tricky to figure out how to mount the round water tanks and not take up too much space when they are not both installed. The angle cradles the PVC tube and the strap pulls the PVC tube into the angle so it does not move.