XRD Ford Raptor Expedition Bed Cage

[DIRTYFUN]

I've got a couple questions?

-I see that the base of this rack utilizes the bed bolts but how are the side railings attached?

Great question, see post 3 following this link Prototype Bed Cage/Storage (XRD)

-How difficult would it be to move the spare forward 3-4" to allow room for a cooler?

It would not be difficult at all if you are handy and not afraid of a drill. The cage can be sold to you either with the mounting point holes pre drilled or without. My main goal here was to design it as open as possible. Remember that the picture shows a stock tire and not a larger or more aggressive one.

Here's a side shot.

-Am I correct in saying the side attachment brackets are adjustable, meaning I can move the jack back 3-4"? I ride mountain bikes and mount my bike rack close to the cab.

Thanks.

Not exactly sure about "jack" so I'm assuming the hilift. The side rails will come without mounting points. This will be up to you to decide how it fits your application. Some people might want to mount a popcorn machine there or something... Suggest seeing the picture above but I'll get my mountain bike up there later and try to simulate what I think you mean, or mean what I think, and thunk what we're meaning.

---------- Post added at 09:49 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:39 AM ----------

This is a neat rack.

Although I don't have a rack (yet), I don't see the need to keep the bed extenders. If you have ever tried to use them offroading they are worthless. They don't stay in place and can come undone.

Neato! Thanks!

Guess it really depends on the user at the end if it all. My version of off roading here in the Cali desert might be completely different than someone else. Maybe they don't see air time as often or at all? Or maybe just use fire roads and take in the scenery?

I'm also interested in how the rails mount to the truck.

See post 3! Prototype Bed Cage/Storage (XRD)

Also, nice tie in near the tail gate, that will address peoples bed spread fears.

Gracias, was going for 100% bolt in for the entire system without drilling into the bed or side walls. I'll rather drill/bolt into the cage than the truck incase I need to move it to another say a 14' because of those gotta have side graphics LOL

 

[SVTRay]

It would not be difficult at all if you are handy and not afraid of a drill. The cage can be sold to you either with the mounting point holes pre drilled or without. My main goal here was to design it as open as possible. Remember that the picture shows a stock tire and not a larger or more aggressive one.

Here's a side shot.

Gotcha, I'm running the stock tires/wheels with no intentions of changing. I do more Boy Scout camping trips than rugged offroading. So having a place to strap my Yeti Cooler down is a plus.

Not exactly sure about "jack" so I'm assuming the hilift. The side rails will come without mounting points. This will be up to you to decide how it fits your application. Some people might want to mount a popcorn machine there or something... Suggest seeing the picture above but I'll get my mountain bike up there later and try to simulate what I think you mean, or mean what I think, and thunk what we're meaning.

Sorry about that, I view Hi lifts as Jacks.

Anyhow, I run a Saris Kool bike rack which needs about 4-6" of clearance behind the cab. So I'm wondering if it's possible to mount the Hilift back 4-6" from the cab?

 

[DIRTYFUN]

Gotcha, I'm running the stock tires/wheels with no intentions of changing. I do more Boy Scout camping trips than rugged offroading. So having a place to strap my Yeti Cooler down is a plus.




Sorry about that, I view Hi lifts as Jacks.

Anyhow, I run a Saris Kool bike rack which needs about 4-6" of clearance behind the cab. So I'm wondering if it's possible to mount the Hilift back 4-6" from the cab?

Ok - If you keep the stock tire and move it forward or back you have about 16 inches of play room. So a Yeti Tundra 35 or 45 would work. but no larger. A roadie though would fit all day long.

Now the bike: I put mine up there really fast while my wife is yelling at me that we need to go on the hike I promised her LOL. First with the tailgate down and both tires ON but I also have the cover taking some space. Will fit all day long with the front tire removed I may have to design a mountain bike attachment point for either side in the future but I don't see why your bike rack wouldn't work. Does it bolt in or pressure out for tension?

 

[SVTRay]

Ok - If you keep the stock tire and move it forward or back you have about 16 inches of play room. So a Yeti Tundra 35 or 45 would work. but no larger. A roadie though would fit all day long.

Now the bike: I put mine up there really fast while my wife is yelling at me that we need to go on the hike I promised her LOL. First with the tailgate down and both tires ON but I also have the cover taking some space. Will fit all day long with the front tire removed I may have to design a mountain bike attachment point for either side in the future but I don't see why your bike rack wouldn't work. Does it bolt in or pressure out for tension?

Thanks for the reply,


I'm running a Yeti 45 so that works.

As for the bike rack, it uses hydraulic pressure...you just place it where you want and give it a few pumps.

 

[Wilson]

that bike rack sounds cool do you think it would work for tools like holding a highlift? if you could mount it to the side of the bed? Never mind I watched a video on bike racks. I pictured a vic type thing in my head.

 

[SVTRay]

that bike rack sounds cool do you think it would work for tools like holding a highlift? if you could mount it to the side of the bed? Never mind I watched a video on bike racks. I pictured a vic type thing in my head.

I actually entertained the idea. The bike attachments on the rack are adjustable as well as can be removed. Right now I got my attachment points fastened upwards. So I though about mounting some Hilift U-Bolt brackets to the side of the bike rack. I'm not sure if I'll try it but I need to mount my jack some place other than just thrown in the bed.

 

[DIRTYFUN]

Hope this helps a little with some questions..

 

[Yukon Joe]

^ the video was a great way to show it off.

On the predrilled holes, you may want to suggest to people what size they are so they can find rubber plugs to fill them up. That will keep water out.

Also, in one of your posts, you mentioned that you are using stronger materials. Can you elaborate on that some? Thicker? Or Material Properties?

What would you estimate the weight of the bed rack and acessories would be?

Digging the design! Great job.

 

[DIRTYFUN]

^ the video was a great way to show it off.

On the predrilled holes, you may want to suggest to people what size they are so they can find rubber plugs to fill them up. That will keep water out.

Also, in one of your posts, you mentioned that you are using stronger materials. Can you elaborate on that some? Thicker? Or Material Properties?

Digging the design! Great job.

The holes will be plugged before shipment but only the tire holder and anti bed spread sections will have them, rails will not. I'm more than happy to predrill, for say a hilift mount like mine, but it's really a one off deal including the axe/shovel mount. Idea is for the end user to customize it their way unless things change and individuals really want the hilift mount attachment points as standard. If you're good with a power drill and bit you can go your own route. There's a balance between thickness and weight so the rack isn't stupid heavy. The Plates that hold the rails and anti bed spread bars are the heaviest pieces. It's good ole' fashion American steel... There was also a hardware question and of course it will be included for the Rack and accessories.

Believe the stronger materials post was in reference to the side rail connectors and grate thickness. I'll go back and find the post to reference but I'm leaning towards finishing my "beverage" and watching a 3D movie in a few.

Glad you like the design though. I'd really like to keep it as simple as possible so owners do it their own way and not be forced to do exactly as I did; I look at my applications more from an expeditionary point of view than a Baja one. Heck, you don't have to put a hilift or axe/shovel on the rails. You could just add MPACS or whatever you want. I still have more ideas for adding stuff to it but that's half the fun That's why I like the grate approach

Time for a refill

 

[IRONMAN]

This rack looks very nice and extremely functional.
The only thing I'm not keen on is the way the tire gets bolted down.

I'm not a fan of the 3 bolts sticking up in the air especially that high.
Someone walking into the bed trips and falls on those bolts when the tire is not on could do some major damage.
Also if those bolts were not their or in the way you could have more free space to haul stuff without really having to remove that tire holder."BONUS"
I personally would like to see a wing nut style or you could also have say 2 or 3 bolts that would be long enough to screw down
into the tire holder with say a socket guide to help you align the bolts into there holes.
Drill 3 holes and weld the nuts under the tire rack instead.
Just a thought for safety and remember this is just my opinion.
I'm always a freak about someone getting hurt and always want to make things as safe as possible.
I'm sure most people won't trip but there is always that one time when shit happens and it's good to avoid.

Still, very nice "Quality" work and I love it how everything looks so neat and organized.