bed rack pics and ideas needed.

[Vombrown]

So with the weather being a total bust about the only thing I can get into my shop to work on right now is the tool bed for my build. It is absolutely killing me but at least I can do something. I'm planning to incorporate a red rack with a roof rack into the tool bed I am using on my truck. It should provide a little overhead protection as well as locations to carry spare tire, mount lights and carry various tools on the outside where they are handy to get to.

So the plan is to most likely use 1.5" HREW tubing or 2x2 square tubing. Not sure yet. I am thinking of enclosing the sides and top with expanded steel. Then I can hang shovels, bars and whatnot on the expanded metal with clamps. I don't have a tubing bender so if I use HREW it will need to be relatively simple/square without bends. Need some ideas here as I am planning to start cutting as soon as I clear a place out in the shop.

 

[blazinzuk]

I have used 1x2 and 2x4 both .120 wall
This one was 1x2 and 1x1. But he had some very specific needs.



Another one using 2x4 for the most part.



Same one from the front


Using square and rectangle is better than round if this is what your thinking

 

[Vombrown]

Gotcha. I have several sticks of the 2x2 .120 wall in the shop. I was thinking of using that. It will need to carry a good bit of weight. Plus I would like for it to give a little rollover protection and yes the rack will actually be tied through the bed to the frame.

 

[tenderfoot]

I like the 2X4. Paint it like wood and screw with people's heads.

 

[blazinzuk]

I have built several . What's alot of weight.

On the ones I use the 2x4 .120 wall they will load up spools of wire. Just put em so they span the distance. Those are between 1000 and 3500 lbs.

The e track on the inside is good because you can use multiple types of attachments including making your own.

Are you gonna run a crossbar on the back. If not, I'm not sure I'd go to the frame.

Adding a crossmember or 2 while the bed if off might help just as much.

You don't wanna still have a bit of twist and rip the utility bed up

 

[Vombrown]

I have built several . What's alot of weight.

On the ones I use the 2x4 .120 wall they will load up spools of wire. Just put em so they span the distance. Those are between 1000 and 3500 lbs.

The e track on the inside is good because you can use multiple types of attachments including making your own.

Are you gonna run a crossbar on the back. If not, I'm not sure I'd go to the frame.

Adding a crossmember or 2 while the bed if off might help just as much.

You don't wanna still have a bit of twist and rip the utility bed up

It would certainly have a crossbar on the back if I built it that way. Hey where is that e-track available? It takes those little clips that hang into it for strapping or restraining things....might need some of that.

 

[blazinzuk]

http://www.uscargocontrol.com/Van-Trailer-Products/E-Track-Straps-Tie-Downs

There are other tie down systems too but the e track is really common