LP bed rack and LP basket

[503Tim]

So I started drawing up my bed rack for my 06 double cab.. I haven't liked anything on the market and nothing has really "caught" my eye..SO to the computer I went.

As of right now it sits 10" off the bed rail and bolts directly to the bed rail slides.. Making them out of 10g steel, I may get it done out of aluminum as well. I have two different versions I have drawn up, and was wanting input from others, what they liked or thought it needed. I may make a couple to sell if someone wanted one as well. It will be 100% bolt together. The holes will be dimpled died as well for looks and strength.

So, lets here the inputs, negativity or whatever else you want to through my way lol.

 

[AFBronco235]

If its bolt together, go with steel. Aluminum doesn't handle bolt together design very well. Or at the very least, make your cross members out of steel and the basket out of aluminum. Actually, just selling he cross members would be all you'd need.


How much weight are you expecting that to carry?

 

[zscott]

If its bolt together, go with steel. Aluminum doesn't handle bolt together design very well. Or at the very least, make your cross members out of steel and the basket out of aluminum. Actually, just selling he cross members would be all you'd need.


How much weight are you expecting that to carry?

What makes aluminum not handle bolt together design very well? Obviously it is a softer metal but if done right I don't see why it can't be successfully designed to be bolted together. Schutt industries makes nearly the entire venture trailer from aluminum that is bolted together with huck bolts. I have a roof rack on my truck that is bolt together design and am yet to have any problems with it after 9-10 months of pretty good use.

 

[AFBronco235]

Steel bolts and aluminum don't work so well corrosion wise. Contrary to popular belief, aluminum does corrode or rust. Aluminum corrosion is white though, so its harder to spot. Having a steel bolt passing through aluminum will make it worse. You'll have white powder and pitting around any bolt holes.

Yes, it is softer, so any movement can cause the bolt holes to wallow out, if not tear and crack. Plus, its a lot more expensive and harder to work with and repair. A steel crack can be welded with relative ease, but aluminum is much harder to repair like that.

Finally, there's a limit to how much load an aluminum structure can hold, and under various conditions. Aluminum is good as a flat plate and certain structures, but you need more aluminum per lb. of load bearing capacity than you would with a steel structure.

 

[503Tim]

The rack is constructed from 10g steel, all corners are welded as well. 8 welded per upright.. the basket will be made from 1/8" aluminum and I redesigned the basket so it has no center, it will have all four sides bolt together with 1x1" extruded aluminum cross bars..

The rack will hold a RTT, Hi-Lift, couple Rotopax, shovel and that's is it for now.

 

[503Tim]

Ok, went in for a bit to finish leaning up the parts and I dimple died the second upright. As you can see in the pictures, the tube will be welded to the tabs and both the sides and top center bars will be adjustable for anyone's needs.

 

[503Tim]

Here is the revised basket. CNC laser cut and formed from 1/8" aluminum and all four sides will bolt together with 1x1 extruded aluminum cross bars. Thoughts?

 

[Expedition.Report]

looks great!!!

 

[503Tim]

looks great!!!

Thank you!

 

[503Tim]

Sorry guys I can not advertise on here, but please let me know you're thoughts. You can check out my threads over at http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacoma-marketplace/352749-lp-bed-rack-lp-basket.html

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-builds/351636-thoughts-my-expedition-rack.html

Thanks for the input!

 

[503Tim]

Fianally Finished my LP rack!

SO I was able to finish up on my rack these last couple nights..I was able to Snap a couple quick pictures before work this morning..

What do you guys think?

 

[Expedition.Report]

Looks great!

 

[503Tim]

Thank you!

 

[Colby Jack]

Love the look! Any reason you held it short of full bed-length?

 

[503Tim]

Love the look! Any reason you held it short of full bed-length?

I made it as long as the factory bed rail slides. I could have made it longer with the tab area that bolts to the bed, but then its not as universal.. This way it can be made for short or long bed, as well as either upright can be in the front or the rear..