ADD Custom Bed Rack, "BigJ" style

[BigJ]

Progress

 

[justthebest]

Looks awesome

 

[MagicMtnDan]

Looks good J. Purpose-built stuff is good for those who don't "car camp" and are into traveling light in regard to camping gear.

I'm going in a different direction - working on a home-built solution for sleeping in the bed instead of pitching a tent every night since most of the trips we do are expedition (rather than base camping trips).

I like what you're doing and it's a great example for others who want to go that route. Too purpose-built for me (not flexible enough).

 

[CineSLR]

Eh,
A roof top tent over the roof or slightly elevated over the bed would be ideal. Setup is 5-10min max and your sheltered from the elements... Are you planning on running a topper?

Can't wait to see this J!

 

[BigJ]

Sounds cool Dan. I was heading down that road too for a while until, among other reasons, Tim introduced me to stand alone camping cots. They set up and take down in seconds, they keep you off the ground, are ultra flexible, pack down to the size of a camp chair and can be as comfy as your bed at home. Up until then Id only thought they were limited to designs like my Kamp Rite Tent Cot (big bulky heavy and not real comfy for a guy my size)

I did some digging and landed on a combo that for me is really working.

Heres the overview vid: h
ttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8M4gn1bvlk

One of those other reasons I mentioned earlier is how poorly my KampRite TentCot held up. I know guys like Mark use one, but he uses one about half the size and weight of the one I used, which is about 1/5 the weight of the built in bed/RTT type solutions I checked into. My TentCot literally shook itself apart under its own weight during the pounding of Raptor style running. I seriously doubt an RTT / built in bed solution would fair much better over time.

No doubt YMMV.

PS: you're planning to upgrade the leafs if you go built in, right?

 

[phydough]

About how much will that rack weigh? It would be interesting to see your corner weights before and after.

 

[BigScott]

ADD did a very creative design ! I like the style and bends, not just straight and simple.

 

[BigJ]

About how much will that rack weigh? It would be interesting to see your corner weights before and after.

Hmm good to call. If they have a corner scale Ill see if I can twist their arm for a measurement or two.

 

[cbs001]

Sounds cool Dan. I was heading down that road too for a while until, among other reasons, Tim introduced me to stand alone camping cots. They set up and take down in seconds, they keep you off the ground, are ultra flexible, pack down to the size of a camp chair and can be as comfy as your bed at home. Up until then Id only thought they were limited to designs like my Kamp Rite Tent Cot (big bulky heavy and not real comfy for a guy my size)

I did some digging and landed on a combo that for me is really working.

Heres the overview vid: h
ttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8M4gn1bvlk

One of those other reasons I mentioned earlier is how poorly my KampRite TentCot held up. I know guys like Mark use one, but he uses one about half the size and weight of the one I used, which is about 1/5 the weight of the built in bed/RTT type solutions I checked into. My TentCot literally shook itself apart under its own weight during the pounding of Raptor style running. I seriously doubt an RTT / built in bed solution would fair much better over time.

No doubt YMMV.

PS: you're planning to upgrade the leafs if you go built in, right?

Hmmm...these are the specs of your cot: 85"L x 40"W x 19"H . I wonder if this would fit on top of a tonneau cover like a bakflip which can hold 400 pounds? With the tent this would be an extremely attractive alternative to the added weight that an RTT would have. Looking at fords spec sheet here is what I found.

DIMENSIONS (inches unless otherwise noted)
EXTERIOR SuperCab SuperCrew
Wheelbase 133.3 145.2
Vehicle length (at floor) 220.6 232.1
Vehicle width (without
mirrors)
86.3 86.3
Vehicle height at curb 78.5 78.4
Track width, front/rear 73.6 73.6
Cargo box length 67.0 67.0
Width (max) between wheels 50.0 50.0
Inside box height 22.4 22.4

Obviously your cot is to long for the bed, but how hard would it be to modify the legs if they extend over the bed to reach the ground off of the back for support.

Any experience or knowledge of anyone using a tent system on top of their tonneau cover?

 

[BigJ]

Hmmm...these are the specs of your cot: 85"L x 40"W x 19"H . I wonder if this would fit on top of a tonneau cover like a bakflip which can hold 400 pounds? With the tent this would be an extremely attractive alternative to the added weight that an RTT would have. Looking at fords spec sheet here is what I found.

DIMENSIONS (inches unless otherwise noted)
EXTERIOR SuperCab SuperCrew
Wheelbase 133.3 145.2
Vehicle length (at floor) 220.6 232.1
Vehicle width (without
mirrors)
86.3 86.3
Vehicle height at curb 78.5 78.4
Track width, front/rear 73.6 73.6
Cargo box length 67.0 67.0
Width (max) between wheels 50.0 50.0
Inside box height 22.4 22.4

Obviously your cot is to long for the bed, but how hard would it be to modify the legs if they extend over the bed to reach the ground off of the back for support.

Any experience or knowledge of anyone using a tent system on top of their tonneau cover?

You Sir, are a clever man You're describing phase 2 of my plan to a tee.

I can't speak for other covers, but my FoldACover will hold 600lbs easily (tested it myself). I plan to add cleats that line up with the front and middle feet on the cot, and extended bars that mount to the lowered tailgate. If done right, the cot won't move an inch.

Here's some very rough proof of concept pics I just ran out and took. Please note the cot isn't fully set up; with the end support bars installed it is tight as a drum.





I'm not sure when or really even if I'll get there though. The cot on the ground right up against the truck has worked out so well so far I don't necessarily feel the need to put it up high normally. I might end up making it more of a priority after spending a night or two in bear country. Not sure.

But either way, you and I are on the same page, and I picked this cot with the idea of going up top in mind.

PS: For size perspective, here's the cot, tent and pad all wrapped up in the bag that comes with the cot:



I can go from this bag, to fully set up in 5 minutes or so without hurrying.