UpTop TRUSS rack and Diamondback HD experiment

Alright y'all, I got an idea I'm going to need some help with. I have a diamondback HD, but I'm also in love with the UpTop Overland TRUSS rack. My dilemma is that they don't fit together, so I'm looking to get some input, as well as some people possibly willing to experiment and fab up some pieces for me. Especially in the MA area so they have access to the diamondback directly. Although I wouldn't mind help from @six5creed and @GHOST SHIP

Here's the basic idea, get an UpTop Overland TRUSS and cut up the bottom of it, make some aluminum brackets/braces to mount it to the diamondback HD, and also have it able to bolt to the rails utilizing the existing latching system.

See below for potential idea. And if anybody has any input that would be much appreciated. @upTOPoverland

 

I'll have to think about this one

 

@tacobell007 I hear you are able to do some welding. Does this interest you at all?

 

@Unchained 5150 here you go.

 

@tacobell007 your welding skills are needed

 

@Nimble9 can you assist at all?

 

I can't quite understand what your picture is trying to convey. Do you have the ability to modify an image from Uptops site to show what you are thinking about?

I'll most likely have some engineering input after better sketches are provided, as the current bedracks on the market that work with bed covers are poorly designed.

* Practicing structural and mechanical engineer.

 

im guessing he's looking for something like the voodoo tonneau cover adapter but for an uptopoverland rack. the voodoo one wouldnt work since they design their mounting feet as a separate part whereas the uptop ones are all one piece.
https://www.max-modular.com/shop-max-modular/tonneau-brackets

 

Pretty hectic schedule for me right now, with work and getting married in 9 days. Once everything calms down I'd be happy to help!

That's why I designed my own

 

Hopefully these images help. The first one with the red shows what to cut off. The green would be a portion to weld onto the TRUSS for additional support (from the outside to inside the diamondback). The second picture shows the diamondback in yellow, while showing the additional support inside it.

Kind of yes, but it would be all internal, which would also allow us to open the cover and retain the watertight seal without modifying anything.

 

Yeah, designing one would work as well, I had a design in mind, but all the little bits that the TRUSS already has would be a bonus. Plus, there would be quite a few other items to consider to allow it to open up.

 

Alright, so you want the HD to stay unmodified in respect to its water tightness and shape, with the small alteration of adding an internal metal brace (green line in right picture) that then hooks to the Tacoma bedside rail system??

And you want to modify the Uptop by cutting off the lower interior portion that bolts to the Tacoma bedside rail system? This will allow the Uptop to sit directly on top of the HD cover?? Then add a flat plate to the underside of the Uptop that then does what? Is it bolted through somehow?

 

Yes, exactly as you said. The added flat plate to the underside would bolt through the diamondback into the internal metal brace. To which I would also want to bolt down from the top.

 

You could also just buy the retrax model and bolt it straight to the top of the cover. you will lose your ability to open and close but you also wont have to cut a $900 bed rack into pieces.

 

Holy crap, I never really looked into the Retrax version so I never figured. That would work really well. I would still want to add additional support to the inside/edge of the diamondback, so making that internal support structure would be critical to me.

Good catch Drew. Glad I tagged you in this.

 

That seems like total overkill. Through-bolt it with fender washers and send it

 

Really? The inside of the diamondback is hollow, so it would only be sitting on the angled piece, and only held on by the diamondback latch, which I feel like it would be insufficient if I were to load it up.

 

Mount the outside edge of the TRUSS Leg to the angle on the top cover and it should disperse the weight enough. You bought a $2000 diamond plate cover, it's probably going to be just fine. I mean hell, look at Mike from Last Line of Defense, his setup was way more primitive and he did just fine.

 

Fair enough! I like your reasoning in saving me money and time!

 

I cant weld very well, not sure why people think I can? But I can machine anything you want