Built a bed rack off of the bed cleats

Some of you might have seen a thread I posted a while ago asking advice on building a bed rack to hold a kayak. I ended up buying an OEM roof rack, but I didn't want to rest kayaks solely on that. I was considering getting one of those racks that attaches to the trailer hitch but didn't want to do that either because I'd like to be able to tow my trailer still. I ended up modifying an old skateboard rail I had from when I was 12 or so so attach to the bed cleats.
Here's one of the feet of the skateboard rail, I notched out some space for the bed cleats so I could still tighten them up or loosen them off.

Here it is attached to the bed cleats and the rail. (still uncut ends, I don't have a great picture, but I cut off the excess and rounded them off)

Here is the actual rail I ended up using standing straight up on one of the feet.

I had my neighbor weld it together for me (I'm not a great welder and I wanted it done right, so I had him help me). Notice it says "World Industries", haha. Welded up and attached at the feet, it EASILY supports my full weight so should be able to hold two HALF kayaks (because it'll be half on the front roof rack)

Took it off to paint it. Notice the shorter ends on the feet and that they're rounded.

And here are a few of it on the truck. I'll get a picture of a few kayaks on it soon.

 

Looks good man!

 

Thanks guys! The best part is that I didn't need to buy a thing, just upcycled some old stuff. It's also obviously movable forward and back on the rails, although I don't really see much reason to push it forward, but it's cool to have the option I suppose. I'm going out kayaking tomorrow so I'll try to get a picture of it with some kayaks on it then.

 

wow, that really gives more credit to how strong the factory bed cleats are. i used to never trust them.

 

I was definitely skeptical at first, so I decided to use all four that I had. This also was for stability of course. I figured worst case scenario I wasted my time and no money, but low and behold, it held my weight fine! Granted, I'm only 165lbs, but I bounced on it and it didn't show the slightest hint of weakness at those cleats. I'll definitely give a report tomorrow after I get back to say how it held up with two kayaks on it at freeway speeds, but I'm confident it will pass that test with flying colors.

 

impressive!!!!

 

It looks nice and well-built for homemade! I gotta ask though, why did you decide to keep the side supports (poles) higher than the crossbar?

 

I can always cut those off later but it's harder to add length to it after I cut it. I'll probably chop them down a bit, but it's also very convenient in case I want to haul some 4x8 sheets of wood. I plan on drilling some holes into the sides of those for tie down spots as well.

 

yup, keep the sides nice and neat and everything together as one when going around curves. good idea

 

Thats an awesome rack man. Simple is the key, and you nailed it. Just make sure those bolts dont come loose on the tie downs! Thats probly your only weak point, if you can call it that.

 

Nice job and write up!

 

It's definitely good to know that they are that strong.