Yakima Overhaul Bed Rack

Like many of you all, I have the Yakima Overhaul Bed Rack for my truck (crazy expensive new, but fortunately I picked up a lightly used one for cheaper). I have it mounted to the bed rails with the Yakima rail mounting kit, but I was frustrated by how the pieces of steel strap they provide (that the rail mount bolts on) takes up 2.5' of each rail and how it can't be removed without partially unbolting the rail (even when the rack is off the truck). I take the rack off when I'm not using it, but generally leave the rack mounts attached to the bedside (since they're annoying to remove).


I decided to take advantage of that wasted space by tapping a few (3/8-16) bolt holes in the steel strap to attach some eye bolts as anchors as well as bolt in my recovery board mount. I marked the bolt holes with a paint pen so I can remember what goes where. I added a nut on the eye bolts so I can tighten them down without having them at a wonky angle. Seems like a better use of space and hopefully I don't have to take the bed rails off again anytime soon.

 

A few more photos of the setup

 

That's pretty clever, very nice way to make everything more useful. I almost cut down the straps that slide into the bed rail for this very reason, but will now take a long look at doing something similar to what you did. Nice mod, and thanks for posting it!

 

Thanks! I found it easier to take the whole rail off for accurate measurements on the side that I put the recovery board brackets on. If you're just adding tie downs you probably don't need to bother taking the bed rail off.