Bed Rail Rack Build

[goathearder]

Hey All,
I've been wanting to start this project since I got the Raptor and its finally underway so I thought I would share some pics.

I wanted a bed rail rack so I could mount my Roof top tent and store some fuel/water, a high lift and various other things ABOVE the bed so I can still have the bed for storage.

I wanted to run a tonneau on the bed and still have use of that as well so mounting became a definite issue for me. That is when I ran across that Pace Edwards Explorer tonneau rails. The have a t slot in the that holds 5/16 carriage bolts captive and makes the perfect mounting base! I order and installed the rails and a jackrabbit tonneau and started planning out my rack.

Its got a roof height header bar at the front of the bed and two side support bars parallel to the bed rails. All that is missing now is some removable crossbars to support the tent and some accessory mounting stuff. Hopefully I'll have the crossbars done this weekend and can test the fit of the roof tent.

 

[cups]

Your my hero. I've been talking about this for a long time. Just get blank stares or reasons why it can't be done.

I want it to allow mounting bikes (actually trikes) on to top of a rollx cover.


6.2 - Power To Do More

 

[goathearder]

Hopefully it works as well in reality as it does in my mind. The key was finding those explorer rails though, not sure how I could make it happen without those.

 

[goathearder]

Got the bones of the rack finished this weekend and the tent on there for a test fit. It works great! Still need to weld on the rotopax mounts and get it painted but that shouldn't be too hard. The tent sits right about flush with the roof when folded.

 

[TiFJ]

Looks great Goat! Here are some pics of mine being mocked up. Still some bars to add yet but the general idea is there. I've got a Tepui for the top of it also.

 

[goathearder]

Nice, that baby looks beefy! What else you gonna run on it? I see the rotopax, what mounts are you using for that?

 

[TiFJ]

I am using the universal mount that Rotopax sells to mount the can and will likely also hang some recovery / camping equipment (shovel, axe, hilift etc.)on the rack. In the winter I might also take the tent off and run cargo boxes or ski holders, lots of options. Below is a build on Expedition Portal that I got a lot of ideas from. The Box Rocket Tacoma is one of my all-time favorite builds and the guy also built a killer trailer which is something I would like to do eventually too.

Originally wanted to run the Rotopax on the angled part of the rack but there isn't enough room to get the can off and on the mount with the tent in the way; too tight between the bedside and the rack. It would work if the rack was a couple of inches taller but I am tight for clearance in my garage and wanted the top of the tent flush with the cab of the truck.

There will be an X cross-brace on the rack closest to the cab and the Rotopax will be mounted to it. Should be cool when it's all done.

 

[goathearder]

That trailer is definitely sweet. I have contemplated building one many times and even drawn up some plans in SolidWorks. Some day, I'll get around to making one : )

 

[FullAuto]

I really wish someone would sell one of these for the Raptor.