Howdy,
I built this rack last year. I'm not big on doing write ups, but I figured I would throw the idea out there for others.
This is basically a modified version of the ATV cargo ramp/roof rack build idea. The atv ramp roof rack is fairly popular idea over in Expo and MUD forums. Basically, you take your standard aluminum atv ramp, cut the hinges off, bolt the ramps together and add some sort of mounting system to fit the vehicle. They're lightweight, strong, and cheap.
For this I used a tri-fold ramp, some grade 8 hardware, and these stack pocket tie downs (Pickup, Van & SUV Accessories | Vehicle Tie Downs | Highland® Universal Anchoring System - Chrome 2Pk, 1340000 | B895349 - GlobalIndustrial.com). I also had to pick up a couple of pieces of long aluminum tube to mount the ramp on. Also added some bumpers to the bottom. I replaced the chrome tie down screws with long grade 8 ones. I finished it with some rattle can and end caps.
Bear in mind, this is NOT a chase rack. I built this with the sole intent of light loads. I use my rig for camping, hunting, and fishing a lot. I've got a wife, 3 kids, and a dog. So the bed space is valuable when you camping gear for 5. So doing the chase rack thing with a couple of tires (or even one) in the bed isn't viable for me. I use this rack for light weight things like tent, sleeping bags, camp chairs, pop up canopy, etc. I do have a couple fork bike mounts on it. I would not load it with a full ice chest, tool box, spare tire, etc. and go barreling through the desert. But for loading camping gear and hitting forest roads, it works great.
It's light enough for me to put on by myself or hang on the wall for storage. Installs quickly. The biggest drawback is that I can open the bakflip with it mounted. I've thought about adding some sort of hinges to the front end, but haven't gotten around to it. Frankly, I usually unload it and take it off since it's just four bolts. When not needed, it's hanging on the wall in the garage. So that drawback hasn't bothered me.
Hope this give someone some inspiration. I'm sure my efforts could be improved.
I built this rack last year. I'm not big on doing write ups, but I figured I would throw the idea out there for others.
This is basically a modified version of the ATV cargo ramp/roof rack build idea. The atv ramp roof rack is fairly popular idea over in Expo and MUD forums. Basically, you take your standard aluminum atv ramp, cut the hinges off, bolt the ramps together and add some sort of mounting system to fit the vehicle. They're lightweight, strong, and cheap.
For this I used a tri-fold ramp, some grade 8 hardware, and these stack pocket tie downs (Pickup, Van & SUV Accessories | Vehicle Tie Downs | Highland® Universal Anchoring System - Chrome 2Pk, 1340000 | B895349 - GlobalIndustrial.com). I also had to pick up a couple of pieces of long aluminum tube to mount the ramp on. Also added some bumpers to the bottom. I replaced the chrome tie down screws with long grade 8 ones. I finished it with some rattle can and end caps.
Bear in mind, this is NOT a chase rack. I built this with the sole intent of light loads. I use my rig for camping, hunting, and fishing a lot. I've got a wife, 3 kids, and a dog. So the bed space is valuable when you camping gear for 5. So doing the chase rack thing with a couple of tires (or even one) in the bed isn't viable for me. I use this rack for light weight things like tent, sleeping bags, camp chairs, pop up canopy, etc. I do have a couple fork bike mounts on it. I would not load it with a full ice chest, tool box, spare tire, etc. and go barreling through the desert. But for loading camping gear and hitting forest roads, it works great.
It's light enough for me to put on by myself or hang on the wall for storage. Installs quickly. The biggest drawback is that I can open the bakflip with it mounted. I've thought about adding some sort of hinges to the front end, but haven't gotten around to it. Frankly, I usually unload it and take it off since it's just four bolts. When not needed, it's hanging on the wall in the garage. So that drawback hasn't bothered me.
Hope this give someone some inspiration. I'm sure my efforts could be improved.
