DIY Bed Rack

I bought a 2019 Tacoma a few months ago. I have always liked the way a bed rack looks and can see it being functional. I wanted one that I can put my kayak mounts on that would allow the kayaks to set a few inches above the cab. Also wanted one that is structurally strong. I looked at all the options and decided to use different features from those to make one.

The entire rack is 5 large pieces ( 2 side hoops, bottom connection, and the two top cross braces). It took me 20 minutes to assemble/install it and 5 minutes to remove it. I did make an additional cross braces in case I needed one later.

When disassembled, I can hang it on two large hooks screwed to the studs on the wall in my garage.

 

I used 1.75 .095 erw steel tubing on the side hoops and 1.5 .065 erw on the cross braces. Overall it is about 75lbs. I used my budget tube bender and was able to get the bends the same on both sides. I used an L beam for the four mounts.



The side hoops will be angled inward to match the profile of the Tacoma's cab. I made a jig out of wood that has magnets screwed into it that holds the hoops in the correct position when I tack welded them. Had the battery disconnected when ever I was tack welding on the vehicle. I did have some warping from the welding. For those pieces, I cut a relief with a sawzall then rewelded it. Probably couldn't get away with that if it were a rollcage.

I wanted the rack to be solid. The side pieces are each one piece. I welded a 12" piece of the 1.75 tubing on each side piece and connect them with a 4ft piece of 1.5 tubing that slides into those 1.75 tubes.

 

I have used raptor bed liner before and like that it is tough and easy to touch up if scratched. For this rack, I used Raptor's primer first. I let the Raptor cure for a few weeks before I did any additional work. Wanted to make sure it couldn't be scratched off.
After I knew it was good, I hit it with some steel wool the top coated it with flat black paint. The Raptor liner is good stuff but too shiny. I sprayed a lot of it in the crevices and anywhere snow or ice could settle. Never really had an issue with rust because Colorado generally has a dry climate. However if there were any pinholes or exposed bare metal the melting snow could cause it to rust. A couple coats of Raptor should keep the rust away.







I welded roll cage clamps to the cross braces. This allows me to move the cross braces to any position. I am in the process of getting two 12" x 48" pieces of aluminum to use on the sides as the panel mount.

 

That's pretty badass, nice work!

 

Thanks. Going to build a 4 piece aluminum tonneau cover next that will will work with this.

 

Dude the rack looks incredible! Very professional work. Love the punched out hole look!