DIY: Unistrut Bed Rails - Cheaper option than OEM

Gene - did you find a way to make it work with the flipbak? I have one of those covers too.... helps keep the snow out in the winter.

 

Can anyone out the size the rails need to be cut too? And possibly explain how the install went? I just want to make sure I do this correct this first time. And what size channel did you guys use to get the stock tie downs to work? Thanks all

 

The "channel" they're using is called uni-strut. Electricians and pipe fitters use it to put up elect. conduit and pipes in industrial applications. You can find it at most any large hardware store or electrical or pipe supply warehouse.

 

I know but it comes in long sticks. How long does each rail need to be cut too and how do the actually install it? Are their nuts on the backside already
And just need to be screwed in to the bed?

 

I have a buddy w factory I'll make him measure em when he is back in town thanks man! I appreciate the offer

 

Doing this

 

I bought M6x1 bolts, but they don't fit. I even drove back to the hardware store and checked to make sure they're M6x1. It has a spray in bed liner, but the holes appear to be clear. Any ideas about why I can't get a bolt in any of them before I try cleaning the threads with a .22 caliber bore brush in a drill?

 

My 2011 is definitely M6 x 1

 

Time with a drill and a brush (bronze .22 caliber bore brush) let me get a couple of them started, but it's going to take a while. I'll pick up an M6x1 tap and clean the threads when I get them clean enough to start. They look OK, but there must be enough crud in the threads to keep the bolt from starting.

 

Subbing. I gotta do this to the Tundra. My taco had bed rails. Used them all the time

 

Will the oem cleats fit on with this size strut?

 

No I am sure they won't.
You will need to be a bit of a fabricator and expect to make your own stuff.
If you're not familiar with unistrut do some googling and see what questions you still have.

 

Ok im looking to buy some bed bars that attach with the oem track system so I'm just curious if this will work I'm guessing the strut is to wide then? Anyone know a size similar to oem deck rails

 

Strut is shallow (3/4") or std (1 5/8)
Not sure about how wide. It's common stuff so get a bit and check it out. The main thing is that it's universal with easily modified fasteners. Toyota rail only works with the factory cleats. The main use for strut is running conduit and/or pipes so most accessories facilitate this. Making an adapter to mount a hi-lift jack would not be hard.

I tore apart a Toyota factory cleat to see if it was something to modify and it looked pretty limited.

 

Ok thanks I'm sure I can just find hardware that will work the the unisteut

what size washer?

 

btw free shipping at toyota of cool springs in case you need parts. free shipping on bulky parts is nice.

 

Just wanted to add the Nissan tie down cleats work with the unistrut without any modification and are very stout.

 

Had some left over from my frontier so thought I would give it a shot works perfect. Doing this mod as soon as I get a good day.

 

Good information!

 

Can we add a list of things installed to these struts? I've seen a lot regarding Tacoma or Tundra or Titan rail pieces fitting, but did anyone innovate something else? I know some D-rings were mentioned - any other nifty ideas?

 

I picked up an M6-1 tap and cleaned the holes. The main problem was rust. It wasn't much, but it was enough to keep the bolts from starting. If you decide to add rails, this tap works well. https://www.lowes.com/pd/IRWIN-Tap-and-Die-Set/3732947

Fortunately, a used a Q-Tip and put a light coat of oil on the threads. It'll be a while until I can add the unistrut, one of my retinas decided the holidays would be a good time to detach and my activities will be seriously limited for the next couple of months. Look up "vitrectomy with gas bubble and laser" on youtube if you're curious.

 

God speed with the vitrectomy. Did you already have it done, what was the reason, get 2nd opinions etc.. Just curious as I'm in the business. If to personal then no worries.

PMG

 

I had cataract surgery a month ago (the left eye was on 10/29, the right on 11/3) and the detachment (also left eye) started the weekend after Thanksgiving. I went back to the doctor that did the initial work, he checked it out and immediately referred me to a retina specialist. The specialist concurred with his diagnosis and scheduled me for surgery the next day. Both agreed that it was due to my over abundance of floaters and thickening fluid. Most have been there all my life, but a couple of new ones appeared after the cataract surgery. So far, things are going well. The bubble is a tad smaller now (it was 90% air, 10% fluid) and there's been no pain other than my back from sitting with my face pointed down all day. If all goes well, I'll be able to see properly by Christmas. Thanks to all who've sent well wishes.

 

We are praying for a speedy recovery brother

 

Awesome write up. Saved me a bunch of $ and gave me a project to do. you can find the cleats on eBay for around 45 bucks for a set of 4.