DIY Bedrail System

[Rubinator919]

The rails look great. I am thinking of doing the same thing. My main questions is how will this work with accessories designed for the MOPAR bed rails. I would hate to do all this to save some money and then be stuck with rails that can't be used with cool accessories.

These are important considerations, but I would consider the following:

1) what accessories? Mopar hasn’t come out with much yet that’s particularly compelling or better than can be found elsewhere

2) the Uni-strut rails have plenty of commonly available hardware (like strut nuts) that are better than what the Mopar rails use and could be swapped out for any accessories I’ve found that are designed for the stock rails.

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[2004blackwrx]

Took a lot of your advice to make my tracks except used home depot unistut that I cut to size and painted. How did yoh attach plastic to washer. Looks like a good idea to protect paint.

 

[Gladiator_rubi]

Just placed the same order from Mcmaster plus the bolts and washers, should be here tomorrow. Thanks for the write up!!

 

[jtforrester]

@kosmos - It would be nice to have all the bed rail systems in one post for comparison of measurements - could you measure the inside of the channel and slot to add to the list. I’ve linked below the McMaster DIY info along with the Mopar trail Rails.

6.35mm= .25= 1/4
10mm= .394= 3/8
16mm= .629= 5/8
31mm= 1.22= 1 1/4
Link:
https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...or-me-gladiator-rack.27705/page-4#post-458355

McMaster rails

I ordered parts to make bed rails a few weeks ago and just got around to installing them today. Here are some lessons learned from me that might save you some time:

• The posts show four-foot and five-foot channel rails. For whatever reason, I inferred that meant the bed was four feet wide and five feet long, so I ordered two five-foot channel rails and one four-foot channel rail. You need three four-foot channel rails. I spent a lot of time cutting my five-foot channel rails down.
• I ordered the solid channel rails instead of the slotted, so I spent a lot of time measuring, drilling, and then widening the holes for the bolts because I did not get them drilled in the exact right spot. I recommend ordering the slotted channels.
• I left the strut channel nut springs in initially despite the advice to remove them. After realizing how difficult the springs make sliding the eye bolts, I removed them. I recommend removing them from the start.

 

[2004blackwrx]

I did the slotted rails and I did have to notch out 1 slot on each side to get all 4 holes to line up.

 

[Jeepguy211]

Got my rails back from the powder coater yesterday and installed. Can't find those little strut end caps that finish them off nicely anywhere up here in Canada though

 

[2004blackwrx]

Just a heads up I bought the black eye bolts thinking it would save a step for painting. A month later they started to rust and needed painted anyways.

 

[j.o.y.ride]

This is great. Just put in the order, says will be here tomorrow. Ill try and get it all in, depends on work.

 

[Capt. B]

I did a similar DIY bedrail set up. Probably saved at least $500. The more people do the DIY then maybe some of the business will drop their prices. Or not, I don't care, I built it and saved moola.

 

[Chance_P]

Ordered a couple black 4 ft sections and all stainless hardware. Hopefully the paint holds up on the rails. I hate rust.

 

[Mikegcny]

Added fishing rod holders to the rails.

 

[kelkolb]

I'm thinking of doing something similar to this but with aluminum extrusion. This profile seems to be pretty perfect I think.

https://8020.net/1534-lite-black-fb.html

 

[ZSchribs22]

I ordered all my hardware from McMaster Carr. In my opinion, this DIY trail rail system turned out better than the Mopar system. I had to notch out a few spots on the slotted struts to match up with the holes in the bed, but otherwise easy install. I just installed the hi lift jack mount system using the 3/8" -16 thread strut channel nuts with springs. The strut channel nuts that come with the hi lift mounting system are meant for the Mopar trail rail system and don't work with these strut channels, as they aren't wide enough to hold. I ordered a couple more strut channel nuts and sit-on-top channel washers so I can put the ring eyelets back on that side.

 

[Jeepm8]

Looks great! Another option might be some L-Track like what was used in the XMT Light Tactical Gladiator. It is probably a little more expensive, but should give you more clearance for clamping to the bed rail.

https://www.uscargocontrol.com/shop...e-Straps-Hardware/Aircraft-Style-Seat-L-Track

Does anyone know what bag this is and how it mounts into the bed?

 

[Dreaded1]

I installed the KB Voodoo High Rise foot kit this afternoon. I don't have the trail rail system so I used the no drill kit. I am not happy with how they attach, and not comfy with putting my bikes on them when my new bike racks arrive.

I will be installing this DIY in the very near future.

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