Bed Storage without a bed plate ?

[TheMirage]

I’ve heard of this being done but wanted to get feedback on the idea of building 8020 storage, similar to GooseGear, that instead of mounting to a bed bolted base plate, all of the containers are mounted to either the bed rail system or AluCab channel that runs the exterior.

Sponsored

 

[animusrien]

That will just put a downward pressure on your rails every bump you take while driving. I do not advise doing that.

 

[Commodus]

I’ve heard of this being done but wanted to get feedback on the idea of building 8020 storage, similar to GooseGear, that instead of mounting to a bed bolted base plate, all of the containers are mounted to either the bed rail system or AluCab channel that runs the exterior.

I have this Pelican setup for over a year and has worked great attached to the rail system

 

[TheMirage]

That will just put a downward pressure on your rails every bump you take while driving. I do not advise doing that.

If you have a canopy mounted to those rails, wouldn't they be keeping a constant upward pressure on the rails and bumps increasing that upward pressure?

 

[animusrien]

If you have a canopy mounted to those rails, wouldn't they be keeping a constant upward pressure on the rails and bumps increasing that upward pressure?

Canopy is putting pressure on the bedside where it sits fully seated above it. All of its weight moves inline with the bed. The problem with rail attachments is when you have a load that isn't anchored or weighed down to the bed, then the weight of that will move separately from the rails. If it's fully seated on the bed with some good weight, it wouldn't matter as the bed rail attachment is really just to stabilize or anchor it in place. Something like @Commodus is fine, the full weight is on the bed. Those bed rail attachments for stuff like packouts or tanks that don't seat on the bed, however, can be problematic.

If you have a cap, I suggest using a flat plate attachment with t slot for extruded aluminum rails you put in between the mounts for the cap.

 

[TheMirage]

I think we may be describing different things.

If I build a U shaped structure, with a base that sits flush to the bed with its outer edges also mounted to available bed rail or canopy T track. In that enclosure is battery system, and fridge tie down putting direct down pressure on the bed through the structure.

That seems in line with what @Commodus showed but in a larger U shaped 8020 box

I’m not describing a floating storage mounted to just the bed rail.



Eventually what I’m thinking will be in a AluCab ModCap Camper.

 

[fourfa]

Might want to read this thread: https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...pe-build-journal-and-component-reviews.69007/

Very detailed 80/20 Alu-Cab interior build. I think he did make his own bed plate in the end, but I’m certain there‘s a discussion of the pluses and minuses in there

I see no reason at all why you can’t do it - personally I might lean towards rivnut inserts in the floor of the bed. But if you don’t want to drill the bed at all, I’m sure it can be done. Perhaps with some load spreader plates under the vertical supports. If the 80/20 structure is rigid enough and fitted with a bit of preload, I’m sure you can keep it from rattling around

Sponsored