Smartcap Load Bars Options

[dustindb]

I found a used Smartcap and I thought that would be the hard part. Unbeknownst to me the load bars are on mega backorder. Any alternatives? I see GM sells them, but unclear if they would fit a Gladiator.

Sponsored

 

[Thunderspud]

Anodized Aluminum extrusion and various bits from TNUTZ.com is what I used. I have a set of the official SmartCap bars on another truck. I just wanted something that sat lower, and looked cleaner.

 

[dustindb]

Anodized Aluminum extrusion and various bits from TNUTZ.com is what I used. I have a set of the official SmartCap bars on another truck. I just wanted something that sat lower, and looked cleaner.

That looks pretty slick!

 

[Bandit’s Lair]

Do you know the measurements between the rails? OVS has 3 different sizes of bars that would probably work. I’ll eventually pick up a couple more pairs.

 

[dustindb]

Do you know the measurements between the rails? OVS has 3 different sizes of bars that would probably work. I’ll eventually pick up a couple more pairs.

Smartcap rails are 46.5" across. Hard to tell what the OVS attachments are.

 

[Thunderspud]

FWIW, I used 50" extrusion with tapped ends. So the images I posted earlier should give you an idea of the overhang.

 

[Bandit’s Lair]

Smartcap rails are 46.5" across. Hard to tell what the OVS attachments are.

The attachments don’t really matter because they just slide on and cinch down with the rail nut thing. You just have to figure out which width you want on top of the cap.

 

[Stephensjer]

hey @Thunderspud...question about your mounting hardware...I'm putting together a similar system for my smartcap. Those Corner Gussets only fit the 6mm screws, but the 8mm goes into the existing rail hardware. What did you do to connect them?

 

[Lost1wing]

I have used unistrut channel. It is crude but sturdy. I left mine zinc but I suppose you can paint them. The standard unistrut is too tall. You would most likely prefer the short unistrut. The nuts that fit in the unistrut come in a few sizes.

 

[Thunderspud]

hey @Thunderspud...question about your mounting hardware...I'm putting together a similar system for my smartcap. Those Corner Gussets only fit the 6mm screws, but the 8mm goes into the existing rail hardware. What did you do to connect them?

Yeah, I should have mentioned that in the initial post. When I first placed the order I was hoping the stainless M8 hardware I already had in the shop would fit through the gussets. When they didn't, and since I needed it done that day, I used a step bit to make enough room in the gussets. In hindsight, it would have been much easier with the regular L brackets they sell instead of the fancier "inside corner" variety.

FWIW, I did order new M6 tslot nuts from McMaster, but I haven't gotten around to switching them out yet. Not even sure I will, honestly. The little bit of loss of the anodized coating on the gussets isn't even visible, and they have been up there for multiple seasons now and don't show any signs of that or any corrosion) being an issue anyway.

 

[Stephensjer]

A little time with the drill press this morning has me all sorted out.

appreciate the idea and the parts list!

 

[Thunderspud]

A little time with the drill press this morning has me all sorted out.

appreciate the idea and the parts list!

Clean.

Sponsored