Building a bed rack for RTT

Next project: bed rack to hold RTT and awning
1.5 and 1.75 .120 wall square tube
3/16 bed rail plates will bolt to the factory track
tent should be level with the roof of the truck except for the hump where the ladder is, that will be a few inches above the roof.
The rack is as low as I can make it while still fitting my kayaks and bikes underneath, otherwise it would be lower.
Will probably add some gussets (not shown)

Feel free to critique my design. I have all the material so I'll probably start tomorrow.

 

Didn't get as much done today as I had hoped too, but got the pieces for the cross bars cut at least.

 

Looks cool. Interested in seeing the finished product.
If you don't mind sharing some details, like material costs, and finished weight, I'd be interested in comparing to other racks you can buy.

I assume the three uprights are for mounting an awning? If so, you would probably be fine with just the front and rear upright since awnings aren't very heavy. Cut down a little weight and material/welding time. Other than that I like it the idea, looks solid.

 

I made one super similar for my buddies Tacoma. Worked out great for him

 

Prices for steel have doubled or tripled here in the last 6 months, so I'm trying to use stuff I already have laying around as much as possible. I got the 20' of 1.5" tube for $120. The 1.75" tube I already had, thankfully, because I was quoted $170 for a 20' stick and I only needed like 6'.

I got 65lbs using an online material calculator. I'll definitely weigh it when it's done.

You're probably right about the awning. My plan is to do the front and rear mounts and see how strong it is, then add the middle one if necessary. The awning is currently attached to my offroad/broverlanding trailer with a similar setup and it's pretty solid.

Plus like $30 for the t-nuts to go in the bed rail track and some 3/8 bolts.

 

Progress! Little test fit before welding up the legs and platform. Hoping to have it all done tomorrow.

 

All together. Just needs some finishing touches and paint. Weighs about 63lbs. Probably overbuilt but it feels sturdy as hell.

 

Very nice!
63lbs is pretty light for a steel rack.

 

Yea, not bad. I can take it on and off the truck myself pretty easily.

 

Nice, that looks awesome! Have to be curious, how much in material is that rack so I can go cry about buying my RCI rack?

 

Probably 2-300 bucks depending on steel prices.

 

Pretty much done. Will eventually have some lights on the underside, but need to run power to the bed of the truck first.

 

Check out Matt Gecko's thread for bed lighting options.

https://www.tundras.com/threads/mattgecko-led-bed-hood-light-kits.10453/

 

I don't think it's really overbuilt much, more like just about right once you factor in live wind and people loads with the tent. Nice job!

 

Exactly! Unless it overloads your rig - Anything less than absolute overkill is a half-a**ed waste of time. Nicely done helidave.

 

It works!