Bed rack survey: steel or aluminum?

[Exceed Fabrication]

I disagree with that last part. As long as it's has proper materials, is correctly engineered, and securely connected to the bed, the rack will add strength the same way a roll cage or roof adds rigidity to a chassis.

If the rack is breaking the bed of the truck, then the mounting system is not properly engineered.

You mean, you think the correct bed rack complements the structure of the bed, making them a complete frame, so it is a reinforcement of the truck body.

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[Sweetums]

Yes, exactly.

 

[Greg_L]

I vote for wood

 

[Sweetums]

I vote for wood

 

[Exceed Fabrication]

I vote for wood

How about this one? Drive it steady.

 

[Solar Sparky]

Corrosion susceptibility is also a consideration for many of us in the northern states. Can’t imagine 40lb making a difference to someone, but being rust free for the life of the rack would to me.

KQL, I couldn’t agree more. to the best of my knowledge, there is only one option for a softopper and a rack. The Datin Fabricators rack that is compatible with the softopper is steel, and after 3ish years, I just had it re-coated. Apparently the mfr didn’t prime it, so it started rusting around the edges, and dripping red/orange water down the sides of my blue gladiator. The design is very good, but the execution seems a little less than……. I love the versatility of having a topper and a rack, but some primer before you powder coat seems like a cheap insurance policy against rust. My local powder coating shop did prime it first, so fingers crossed for longevity

 

[Marklk]

If you need soft topper, what brand do you use? Bestop? Maybe we can go get samples to verify

I use Softopper.

https://softopper.com/products/softopper-jeep-gladiator/?sku=SO-JGLDO-TSR

Exo and Extrude both have compatible racks that look great. They are just expensive.

 

[ALT2870]

If you need soft topper, what brand do you use? Bestop? Maybe we can go get samples to verify

I have a Bestop, I can get measurements if you want. Ultimately through as you know very wide assortment of covers.

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