Custom Bed Rack Build

Before buying my truck I knew that a overland build was the way I was going to go with it. I know there is a lot to a overland build but as a welder I knew there would be some things I could build on my own. My first build I decided to do was a bed rack. For one I had the material already and I knew that I be able to continue to mod and adapt it to my growing needs. I looked for weeks online at different styles and eventually came up with a mash up of different designs. Here is my progress so far and will continue to update as I modify it. I'm already planning brackets for lights, fuel cans, jack, shovel, etc.

Material used:
main rack: 1-1/2" tubing
mounting brackets: 3"x 3" x 1/4" angle
tire stand off: 1" tubing
tire hoist is off the truck from under the bed

I decided to paint it instead of powder coating because I knew I would be grinding and welding on it and didn't want to put money into that and just grind it off later. I used a tractor primer paint and good old flat black rust-oleum all roll on. When I rolled on the primer it gave it a cool texture simmer to hammered look. I liked it so I left it that way. I'm planning two coats for the top color.

 

Looks great!

New option for purchase in TW? lol

 

Dude nice!! I'm making one similar myself, and was going to put the tire in the same spot. Looks great in that location.

 

Thanks! I look forward to see what you come up with as well.

 

my idea was to bring the tire up as high as possible(almost flush with the top bars). I noticed yours arent quite as high as the cab. Any particular reason? RTT?

 

I used the tire hoist from under the truck so I needed the space for that. I'm kind of glad I did because it give a little more visibility out the back window.

 

Nice work! Looks excellent.

 

Very nice looking rack. I like the tire placement as well.

 

Looks great!

 

very nice and great lines to it!

 

Update:
Finished the top coats of the the flat black rust-oleum. The rack is extremely easy to install and remove if ever need to remove it down the road. My thoughts are to incorporate my own style of bed stiffeners. I’m happy with how the tire hoist came out. Can’t wait to get some fuel cans on it with some other trail recovery equipment.

 

Build it, and they will come.

 

I like that bed rack. Nice job!

 

Wtb half rack in similar configuration... Lol

 

the tire hoist is awesome! ive never seen that on a bed rack. great job!!

 

What equip was required for this rack build?

I'm looking to build my own but need the tools first

 

Thanks. I’ve see racks with the tire in that position before but didn’t know how they did it. I also knew I didn’t want to be lifting and holding it in place trying to thread some kind of nut on all thread. I just thought why not use what’s already on the truck.

 

It's a great idea.

 

Man where to begin!
You’ll need a good tube/pipe bender, welder, a couple different angle/degree finders, a good saw, various hand tools and a notcher but you could do that with a grinder but it’s easier with one.

 

Incredibly well done!!