Smittybilt contractors rack

[BrandonG]

Hey all , wondering if anyone has installed one of these ? Says it can be modified to fit any full size truck bed . I have seen pics of it on a Tacoma and a Colorado so midsize as well . Looks like you can cut the tubing to make it sit lower and narrower as needed . I found it on sale for $296. CDN ... very cheap . My plans would be to make some custom mounts that allow it to sit just outside the bed so that I can add a topper , likely a softopper . This would allow me to have tools / camping gear dry inside the topper and have a ladder / canoe / tent on top for extremely cheap . It can carry a lot of weight . Any input would be great . Thanks

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[cgflyer]

I think if you can get it to sit a little lower and closer to the roof line, it will look good. I ordered the Stealth rack from Gobi for A LOT more money, but I considered a traditional ladder rack like this. It should support a RTT as well. I got a great deal on some used Pelican cases months ago and don't really worry too much about rain in the bed of the truck, so I was not worried about a tonneau cover being compatible with my bed rack. I have used www.discountracks.com to buy a bunch of stuff in the past...they have very inexpensive options too that may compare or compete with the SmittyBilt

 

[BrandonG]

I think if you can get it to sit a little lower and closer to the roof line, it will look good. I ordered the Stealth rack from Gobi for A LOT more money, but I considered a traditional ladder rack like this. It should support a RTT as well. I got a great deal on some used Pelican cases months ago and don't really worry too much about rain in the bed of the truck, so I was not worried about a tonneau cover being compatible with my bed rack. I have used www.discountracks.com to buy a bunch of stuff in the past...they have very inexpensive options too that may compare or compete with the SmittyBilt

I can see from the pics the height adjustment isn’t a issue . You can easily cut the tubing and re drill for the bolt . What’s not easy to see is if I can adjust width the same way . It says it can hold 800lbs so that great . I’m thinking I could have a bracket made that would slip under the softopper and attach to the bed allowing it to sit just out side the softopper so it can still fold etc . Also if I make the height adjustment just right I would be able to easily remove the freedom panels . I’m hoping someone has tried this more or less and will chime in . Thanks

 

[BrandonG]

So turns out that seller is a turd . They are selling the rack in two pieces as it comes in two boxes so it’s 297 x 2 lol , 4wp has it for 554cdn complete, still not bad considering but I thought I found a sweet deal . I will still be looking into modifying this to work with a softopper once I can actually order one when bestop / softopper figure out the new topper

 

[cgflyer]

So turns out that seller is a turd . They are selling the rack in two pieces as it comes in two boxes so it’s 297 x 2 lol , 4wp has it for 554cdn complete, still not bad considering but I thought I found a sweet deal . I will still be looking into modifying this to work with a softopper once I can actually order one when bestop / softopper figure out the new topper

Check out discountracks.com I am almost positive they have almost the same exact rack for much cheaper.

 

[stingrey]

So turns out that seller is a turd . They are selling the rack in two pieces as it comes in two boxes so it’s 297 x 2 lol , 4wp has it for 554cdn complete, still not bad considering but I thought I found a sweet deal . I will still be looking into modifying this to work with a softopper once I can actually order one when bestop / softopper figure out the new topper

Princess Auto has some affordable options similar to that Smittybuilt.

 

[BrandonG]

I’d like to see what this commercial cap would cost as it covers my needs perfectly ( work and play )

 

[cgflyer]

I think their standard cap is around $1000 but that doesn't include the camper/door option as far as I know. And I know when they first came out there was some doubt that they would support a RTT but if you are not looking for that ability the cap option might be your thing.

 

[geneinhouston]

Hi all!
Hey i have a question, i purchased the smittybilt defender rack for my 2023 Jeep Gladiator and love it...in fact it fits perfectly behind my Bestop Sunrider (even the slant of both matches up perfectly!!!)... i get tons of people telling me how amazing they look together and asking me about the rack and sunrider so i am super happy with both purchases...
however, what can i do to make the rack bolts not make a noise...even though i will tighten them, there is apparently automatic loosening from driving (or hitting houston potholes ouch) etc. you can't hear a thing with music on but without, it drives me nuts haha! should i use tape on the screws or rubber bolts or what? i am not the most inclined to knowing about these things so here i am looking for your feedback! thanks!

 

[rharr]

Hi all!
Hey i have a question, i purchased the smittybilt defender rack for my 2023 Jeep Gladiator and love it...in fact it fits perfectly behind my Bestop Sunrider (even the slant of both matches up perfectly!!!)... i get tons of people telling me how amazing they look together and asking me about the rack and sunrider so i am super happy with both purchases...
however, what can i do to make the rack bolts not make a noise...even though i will tighten them, there is apparently automatic loosening from driving (or hitting houston potholes ouch) etc. you can't hear a thing with music on but without, it drives me nuts haha! should i use tape on the screws or rubber bolts or what? i am not the most inclined to knowing about these things so here i am looking for your feedback! thanks!

I would start by using "nyloc" style nuts. You can even get a little tricky and use some blue loctite as well as back up.

 

[geneinhouston]

thank you so much...will definitely look into that!

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