Welded bed rack for construction

Hi guys,

Does anyone here ever made their own truck bed like this? I was looking at the Thule truck bed xsporter but not sure if it's strong.

 

I made a couple for work before.

 

I’ve made a few years ago, except bigger. They ran the full length of the truck, supported at the front welded to the frame. For transporting gates & fence panels.

Nowadays you can find those weld in corner braces, all shapes, sizes, thicknesses at hardware and welding stores. Easier than making them yourself and cheap.

You can drive down the road looking at other home made ones. Make note where they’ve sagged, bent, cracked. Then design yours better. The ones I’ve seen with the big overhanging section above the cab always want to sag down or crack in the middle section behind the cab.

Triangles are strong, make lots of them. A fully welded piece isn’t always stronger than one with staggered welds. Too much heat can cause cracks.

Those Thule racks are nice. They made attempts to be aerodynamic. I don’t have a need for one but would consider a Thule over homemade if I did.