simple / cheap cross bar rack for bed

Nice! I've just added that bumper to my wish list.

 

Looks like it could. You'll just need to make sure you get the right size square/rectangular nut that fits in the C-channel for the bracket. Ace Hardware maybe?? That bracket should allow it to rest on the bedrail for added support. If you do this post a couple pics to show us how it turned out. Thanks!

 

purchased from home depot:
two 10' lengths of channel, i cut them to 76" long each. $16 ea
four electrical superstrut 90 degree angle brackets (L brackets used to tie the conduit into the cleats). $2.55 ea
minor assorted hardware (nuts and bolts)
Total cost ~ $45.

I still need to do some more modifications. Perhaps painting to prevent rust, since this is steel. And I need to do some sort of padding where the crossbar sits on the bed rails as there is a small gap in between it right now.

 

looks good and "cheap"! a couple coats of paint should look good.

 

Thanks for the idea, just made my own yersterday :

(X2) 58" Alluminium square tube bars 1-1/2" X 1-1/2" (bought at metal shop nearby)
(X4) 1/4" - 2-1/2"" bolt
(X4) 1/4" butterfly nut
(X8) 1/4" washer

Total cost : around 50$ CAN

Still need to paint them black and maybe cut them to fit inside the bed

 

Based on experience... you might (or might not) find it more convenient to run that box on the opposite side, behind driver. I run a 6'+ SpaceBooster there & it barely impacts visibility at all.

 

Thanks for the tips, i'll try that way.

 

Absolutely.

I keep my ski rack to the drivers side, and I never see them, plus they're right there when I get out of the truck.

If they were in the driver side, they would block my vision all the time.

 

These all look solid and very well thought out. However, there seems to be one issue that is consistent with of these designs... the inability to quickly remove your bars. I wanted to figure out a way to re-use my existing Tracker II Fit Kit & TK3 bases to allow for quick removal of the bars should i need to load large items in the bed of my truck. I accomplished this using Heavy Duty Tie Wraps (UV Weather Resistant ,150 lb rated)
Here how it all came together:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/teRk3o05esNtwog12