Truck Bed Tuning Bench: Bad Idea Jeans?

I'm hoping to use the bed slots for a 2x6 or 2x8 which could serve as a base for travel vises or even just slots for diamond stoning and waxing skis. Anybody ever do this? How would you keep the 2x8 secure?
Unless you removed the gate (not going to happen) it seems like an ergonomic disaster, but maybe if you're only working on one pair, you could sit in the bed?
Just keep it simple and go with this? https://www.swixsport.com/us/tools/tables/t77-3-professional-world-cup-table/?item=T0077-3-V

 

i would run a long bolt/all-thread up to the mounting rail and thread a bolt down to force the 2x8 to stay in place.

 

Run it from where?

 

I would use a bench design that adjusted to wedge the bench from side to side. Think a threaded rod that can be extended. I would use bed stiffeners tho.

 

I feel like you could build something that bolts to the tailgate using oem bolt locations

 

How heavy are the vises?

A lot of folks use the rails inside the bed to mount items such as shovels and high lift jacks, so if similar in weight maybe this idea would work:

Google “T nut”. What you could do is mount a plate (maybe 3 inches by 6 inches) to the bed rail using a couple t nuts. Then mount a carriage bolt vertically down from that plate to the 2X6 planks. This would give you some vertical rigidity to the planks mounted in the molded bed slots.

My main concerns are:

- would all that stuff become a missile into the back of my head if I got rear ended?

- would all that stuff be a PITA to remove if I needed to use my bed to transport something?

The Swix table (and a locking bed cover to protect it while you ski) might just be the best option.

 

the side accessory rail

 

This is a good idea. Which ones are fair game?

 

Are you a ski racer or something?

 

Parent.

 

as I think about it more, I’d get one of the steel tailgate panel replacements and replace the plastic OEM cover, then through bolt a setup to that using large fender washers to help distribute the load.

 

It wont impress the other ski dads but you could buy a 6x6 wood post chop it in to two foot long sections and wrap it in carpet or glue some foam or rubber on top. Cut a one or two inch deep slot in the middle for doing the side edge or sidewall planing and just put them on the tailgate.

 

I've had good success with this approach using old bike tubes. Looking for less flex, but more stability. Hadn't considered 6x6" so thanks for the advice. That'd be more stable.

 

Do you recommend a model?

 

I’ve got the relentless off-road one, I like it.

 

This the one? https://www.relentlessfabrication.c.../products/2016-tacoma-tail-gate-reinforcement

I don't need advice on how to drill through the plastic. But I am curious as to which bolts or bolt holes on the back of the gate are usable.