DIY Bedrail System

[Dreaded1]

Got to work today and spoke to the Maint Manager. We happen to have a bunch of uni-strut laying around from a past project. Saving $$$$$!!!!

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[Dreaded1]

Uni-strut bedrails installed for a total cost of $41.00. There is a large expansion going on at work and they had some uni-strut pieces that were cut to the wrong lengths. Checked with the Maintenance Manager and the Project Manager, both said take what you want. The only cost to me was bed liner paint and an M6 tap and handle.

I am much happier securing the KB Voodoo feet to the uni-strut than using the no drill clips they supplied. My bikes will be nice and happy up there when the crossbars arrive tomorrow.

 

[2004blackwrx]

Bed liner paint. I like it. How well do things slide along in the channel when you try to move them. Bedliner is rougher the the regular paint I used so I am just curious if when loosened you can slide tiedowns around. Also please keep me updated as to how well the bedliner paint holds up to chips. I got a few spots where my regular spray paint is peeling.

 

[Dreaded1]

Bed liner paint. I like it. How well do things slide along in the channel when you try to move them. Bedliner is rougher the the regular paint I used so I am just curious if when loosened you can slide tiedowns around. Also please keep me updated as to how well the bedliner paint holds up to chips. I got a few spots where my regular spray paint is peeling.

Using the uni-strut fittings they can be loosened pretty easily and the mounts slide easily on the rail. I am not sure if my prep sucked or I didn't let it dry long enough before install, but the bed liner paint seems to chip off pretty easy. I plan to have them powder coated in the future.

PS: Just noticed your screen name. I used to drive an "05 Saabaru until I was hit and totaled it in '17

 

[Seeshawn]

Like some others, I decided to build my own bedrail system out of unistrut. I think it came out pretty OEM looking.

I purchased all of the material from McMaster Carr for about $130.00

• https://www.mcmaster.com/catalog/126/1655
• https://www.mcmaster.com/catalog/126/2073
• https://www.mcmaster.com/catalog/126/2062
• https://www.mcmaster.com/catalog/126/2071
• https://www.mcmaster.com/catalog/126/2072

In addition to the material listed, you will need some M6 1mm x 25mm long screws and some rubber washers for the lifting eyes. I also put some polyethylene that I had laying around from making table saw jigs on the back of the runner.

Future Design Notes

• I am going to remove the springs from the strut channel nuts because they make it difficult to re position the slider.
• I ordered some custom stainless ratchet straps in red to match the truck.
• I am working on a fishing rod holder that will use knobs to attach to the rails.
• I am working on a bed divider system that will attach to the rails.

Thank you for the write up. Ordering the parts tonight. Can you let me know what rubber washers you purchased? And where do they go?

 

[Wahljt02802c]

Did the same strut channel mod! Worked out great. Tried a few different mounting eye options. Toyota cleats with a little mod work ok, but these Chevy bed side wall anchors work amazing. A tight fit but give it a clean look!

 

[Wahljt02802c]

A few more pictures of the finished product!

 

[gerky18]

I just installed my version of this. A great project by the way. I didn't do the front rail as I don't currently see a need. With everything I think I am out the door around $75. That includes 10 eye bolts and connections. I think I will end up having them powered coated. Right now it is just spray paint.

The length is 50" but depending how you measure and the holes line up 51" will fit.

 

[InvertedLogic]

How does the "depth" of these rails compare to the mopar rails? Would these rails be compatible with a tonneau cover?

 

[gerky18]

How does the "depth" of these rails compare to the mopar rails? Would these rails be compatible with a tonneau cover?

I do not know what the measurements are for the Mopar rails but I just measured these. The inside to the edge is 1.5" and the outside depth is 1 5/8". The opening width is 1.5". Attached is a crude picture of what I meant for the dimensions. Below is the link to what I bought from Lowes. As for the tonneau cover, I will see if that works out here shortly. I ordered the Rough Country tri-fold this weekend. From everything I can see in pictures, it does not appear the tonneau cover and the rails will not work together. The link has an 8% off and I didn't get charged taxes, which I am still suspect of but oh well.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Superstrut...ctroplated-Half-Slot-Channel-Strut/1000192655

https://www.rockridge4wd.com/i-2407...-fold-tonneau-cover-2020-gladiator-5-bed.html

 

[gerky18]

How does the "depth" of these rails compare to the mopar rails? Would these rails be compatible with a tonneau cover?

I just got my tonneau cover in today and installed. It is the Rough Country low profile tri-fold hard cover. No issues with it and the rails.

 

[InvertedLogic]

I just got my tonneau cover in today and installed. It is the Rough Country low profile tri-fold hard cover. No issues with it and the rails.

Excellent, good to know!

 

[2004blackwrx]

These rails are great with my diamond back cover

 

[tanner20]

For those who are unsure that their tonneau cover brackets will work with the strut channel rails, I've come up with a DIY solution to this DIY mod. Adding to the OP's original hardware list, you'll need one of these no-spin washers for each bracket.

https://www.mcmaster.com/strut-channel-systems/no-spin-strut-channel-washers/

Basically, I bent one of the tabs on a 'sit on top' washer to a 45° and cut the other end off. Then, I epoxied it to a 'no spin' washer facing inboard.

The brackets that came with my Tyger trifold were too narrow to fit the track of the strut, so this was my fix.

 

[InvertedLogic]

Basically, I bent one of the tabs on a 'sit on top' washer to a 45° and cut the other end off. Then, I epoxied it to a 'no spin' washer facing inboard.

How did you bend it? Torch, a vise, and a big adjustable wrench?

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