BuiltRight
Well-Known Member
- Thread starter
- #1
Hey all! We've been talking about this for a while and for something seemingly simple, it took longer than expected to iron out the details to my satisfaction and get things into production. Anyway, here's what you need to know about our BuiltRight Utility Rail System!
Why?
This is simple. For those of us whose Gladiators didn't come with the trail rail kit from the factory, the only available option if you want to take advantage of an awesome feature is to purchase the Mopar kit separately. I did this right away and the truth is, it's not a bad kit, even at the ~$400 price point. That being said, my first thought was that I could probably accomplish the same or better functionality for nearly half the price. Here were the goals:
1. Fit using only the factory-provided mounting features in the bed
2. Match the depth of the Mopar kit, so that most/all accessories would fit both systems
3. Allow accessories to be easily attached without sliding a t-slot nut in from one end
4. Cost around $200 complete
The Result?
I made a quick video last night (below) but the bottom line is, the Gladiator utility rail kit turned out great! Part of the challenge was that standard strut channel wasn't the right depth, nor did the slots/holes line up well or at all. I ended up having to custom order 2000ft of plain steel extrusion (my wallet didn't appreciate that) and then cut it to length and cut the correct bolt pattern, but the finished product is fantastic. We finished each piece with a durable black texture powdercoat inside and out and have custom injection-molded plastic caps for each end of each rail.
Functionally, the strut channel characteristics are fantastic. Strut channel hardware can be used for easy installation and configuration of attachments and accessories. I'll be adding my bike fork adapter tonight and will post pictures.
Pricing, ordering and shipping?
Since part of the goal was to get costs as low as possible, I wanted to wait until I had the first production run nearly complete before setting pricing and taking payment. Well, we're there! Pleased to announce that we were able to produce and package the entire kit and hit an MSRP of $230 with discounted pre-ordering open immediately. Each kit includes the following:
I think that covers most of it! If I missed anything or you have questions, let me know! We have a couple kits out to SEMA builds and one kit out to @steffen707 as a thank you for his awesome and unsolicited video about our product packaging, so you guys will hopefully see some more installed photos and reviews shortly.
Matt Beenen
Engineering
(red caps are 3d printed prototypes)
(red caps are 3d printed prototypes)
Why?
This is simple. For those of us whose Gladiators didn't come with the trail rail kit from the factory, the only available option if you want to take advantage of an awesome feature is to purchase the Mopar kit separately. I did this right away and the truth is, it's not a bad kit, even at the ~$400 price point. That being said, my first thought was that I could probably accomplish the same or better functionality for nearly half the price. Here were the goals:
1. Fit using only the factory-provided mounting features in the bed
2. Match the depth of the Mopar kit, so that most/all accessories would fit both systems
3. Allow accessories to be easily attached without sliding a t-slot nut in from one end
4. Cost around $200 complete
The Result?
I made a quick video last night (below) but the bottom line is, the Gladiator utility rail kit turned out great! Part of the challenge was that standard strut channel wasn't the right depth, nor did the slots/holes line up well or at all. I ended up having to custom order 2000ft of plain steel extrusion (my wallet didn't appreciate that) and then cut it to length and cut the correct bolt pattern, but the finished product is fantastic. We finished each piece with a durable black texture powdercoat inside and out and have custom injection-molded plastic caps for each end of each rail.
Functionally, the strut channel characteristics are fantastic. Strut channel hardware can be used for easy installation and configuration of attachments and accessories. I'll be adding my bike fork adapter tonight and will post pictures.
Pricing, ordering and shipping?
Since part of the goal was to get costs as low as possible, I wanted to wait until I had the first production run nearly complete before setting pricing and taking payment. Well, we're there! Pleased to announce that we were able to produce and package the entire kit and hit an MSRP of $230 with discounted pre-ordering open immediately. Each kit includes the following:
- (2x) Side Rail
- (1x) Front Rail
- (6x) End Cap
- (12x) M6x1.0 Bolt
I think that covers most of it! If I missed anything or you have questions, let me know! We have a couple kits out to SEMA builds and one kit out to @steffen707 as a thank you for his awesome and unsolicited video about our product packaging, so you guys will hopefully see some more installed photos and reviews shortly.
Matt Beenen
Engineering
(red caps are 3d printed prototypes)
(red caps are 3d printed prototypes)
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