DIY Bed Rack

[tobyw]

I wanted a cross bed toolbox but I didn't want to use one of the sloped-bottom boxes that clear the filler neck, so the only viable solution was to jack up the toolbox enough to clear. This left me with a cavity between the bedrail and the toolbox, in which I stashed a fire extinguisher on the driver side and then I made an air tank for the passenger side, fed by my ARB twin compressor. Here it is mocked up before making any brackets to hold it all in place:

With the toolbox jacked up and the accessories in place, the rest of the bed just looked sort of bland, so I kinked up some 1-3/4" toob and made what I guess might be considered a bed rack? The cross bars are 1/2" proud of the lid of the toolbox so I can put longer items on top if that ever becomes necessary, and the rear bar is removable with tube connectors so I can haul taller stuff as well:

I'm sure this is exactly nobody's cup of tea, but I figured I'd post it as fodder for ideas if anyone has similar wants/needs.

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[TheOpa]

Nice work! Whenever I get in the frame of mind where I want a bed rack, one of the things that always holds me back is the lack of round tube. I think your design fits your JT perfect and I like it even more that the rear cross over bar is removeable.

 

[BearDog]

The overland racks are just ok for me. So-so enough that I don't want to leave one on when I'm not using it.

This right here is bad ass. Exactly my taste. If you think about making extra's (please!!), I'm an immediate buyer. Not BS'ing.

 

[tobyw]

Thanks fellas, truly appreciate the kind words.

 

[BearDog]

So, get to cuttin' and weldin'!!

Lmao

 

[jeepers29]

The overland racks are just ok for me. So-so enough that I don't want to leave one on when I'm not using it.

This right here is bad ass. Exactly my taste. If you think about making extra's (please!!), I'm an immediate buyer. Not BS'ing.

I would be interested as well.

 

[Readyt]

I also have been looking for a rack for the past year. Great job! That Rack is perfect. If you build more, and want to sell them, I would be a customer!

 

[BearDog]

Well, there's 3 customers right there, tobyw

 

[1stXMan]

Nice work. Great custom solution.

 

[Outback_Joe]

Great solution to get your bed length back. I have a Husky tool box in the bed so I can see the need for this type of rack. Looks great too!

 

[Johnny3]

Big fan of what you did here. I am not in the market for a bed rack but wanted to say nice job. Also love the DIY tail stripe and hood decals (I noticed in another thread). I would potentially purchase a tail stripe kit.

 

[tobyw]

After yet another instance of the OEM receiver hitch pogoing me on an obstacle, I finally took some action to help tidy up the departure angle by relocating the spare tire and receiver hitch, finally putting my bed rack to use:

 

[Free2roam]

I'm just jealous of the garage. Fab table welder, mandrel bender? Fabricator by trade here.. Just not enough room in my garage

 

[Bluefalcon]

I wanted a cross bed toolbox but I didn't want to use one of the sloped-bottom boxes that clear the filler neck, so the only viable solution was to jack up the toolbox enough to clear. This left me with a cavity between the bedrail and the toolbox, in which I stashed a fire extinguisher on the driver side and then I made an air tank for the passenger side, fed by my ARB twin compressor. Here it is mocked up before making any brackets to hold it all in place:

With the toolbox jacked up and the accessories in place, the rest of the bed just looked sort of bland, so I kinked up some 1-3/4" toob and made what I guess might be considered a bed rack? The cross bars are 1/2" proud of the lid of the toolbox so I can put longer items on top if that ever becomes necessary, and the rear bar is removable with tube connectors so I can haul taller stuff as well:

I'm sure this is exactly nobody's cup of tea, but I figured I'd post it as fodder for ideas if anyone has similar wants/needs.

Actually yes... not yet my cup of tea but I have a new Lincoln welder and steel square tubing from my kids old trampoline.... should be enough to make a half rack and enough leftover for my screwups

 

[Freems]

After yet another instance of the OEM receiver hitch pogoing me on an obstacle, I finally took some action to help tidy up the departure angle by relocating the spare tire and receiver hitch, finally putting my bed rack to use:

Killer job! Clean, functional and well thought out.
The air tank you built, did you pressure test it?
Awesome job attaching the rack to the bed with Unistrut, instead of punching holes in the side rails of the bed to anchor it down.

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