Bed rack fabrication for RTT -- 06 Dodge Ram 3500

[Scoutman]

Having the tent in hand allowed me to get some true dimensions on it and continue forward with planning.


I ordered up a set of tube clamps from McMaster Carr (11355T34) and I think they will work out well. The inside of each clamp has a molded TPR rubber bushing that's nice and firm and just the right size for 1.75" tubing. The width of each clamp is pretty close to the same as the surface of the aluminum extrusion that they would attach to. Shorter stainless steel hardware is now on it's way too.


I added a front spreader bar to keep the front of the 2 rails tied together. This should sit across the bottom of the rear cab window.


Since I ran out of .120 tubing I've been trying to get another stick on order. It should be here today and we'll work on bending another hoop (or 2) shortly. I'm not completely settled on whether to have 3 or 4 hoops. Thoughts for one way or the other? If 4 then I need to bend 2 more and if evenly spaced they would sit on the green tapes. If only one more in the middle, on the blue tape.

 

[Z28a4]

I like your work, ideas and your truck. The only thing I could see as a con with 4 tubes is getting things in and out of the bed from the side could possibly be a hassle depending on what it is. I tend to want to overdo things though for strength and stability so I would vote 4 bars. I'm digging your project and can't wait to see the results. Keep up the good work. :sombrero:

Rob

 

[Scoutman]

I like your work, ideas and your truck. The only thing I could see as a con with 4 tubes is getting things in and out of the bed from the side could possibly be a hassle depending on what it is. I tend to want to overdo things though for strength and stability so I would vote 4 bars. I'm digging your project and can't wait to see the results. Keep up the good work. :sombrero:

Rob

Thanks. Glad someone is reading this. :elkgrin:

We decided to do 4 hoops last night. We had to make that decision now because each hoop is unique in it's dimensions and not easily changed. I picked up my additional stick of .120 walled tubing yesterday and bent hoop #3 last night. Still not 100% in plane but within 1.xx*. I also am one to overdo things and I think honestly 2 well supported/braced/mounted hoops is sufficient for most tents. I think having 4 total hoops will look more proportioned for such a long bed and still gives me ~30" of space between each hoop which I think is plenty for getting bags and containers in and out. What I didn't want was a wall of tubes and things bolted to them that restrict my access. In looking for ideas I found folks with small Tacoma beds with 4 hoops and every overland accessory bolted to them. Unless you use those items very frequently I think it's just not practical. Everyone's needs are unique though.

 

[Scoutman]

Playing around with hoop placement last night. This one belongs in the mid-forward spot though.

 

[Z28a4]

Looking good. Have you thought about some sort of covering, be it canvas or some other material, to protect against weather? Or is it not much of a concern for what you'll have back there?

 

[Scoutman]

Looking good. Have you thought about some sort of covering, be it canvas or some other material, to protect against weather? Or is it not much of a concern for what you'll have back there?

No real concern. Everything I pack is all in dry boxes, pelicans, ammo cans, etc. So it can come out and quickly be stacked on a dolly and stored till the next outting.

 

[Scoutman]

Making progress this morning.

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[Scoutman]

Lots of welding going on today. I hope to get that finished, everthing cleaned up and start spraying some primer this evening.

 

[Scoutman]

Flipped it over welded the bottom side. Then began a few hours of cleanup with a twisted wire cup on a grinder and then onto emory cloth to scuff it and get some weld splatter off. A good wipe down with lots of acetone and then began shooting some self etching primer.

Before I called it a day I was able to get the first coat of paint on. I was exhausted. Two days straight work with other life stuffs sprinkled in to boot. Super excited to see it go on.

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[Scoutman]

And here's how the clamps look on the tube attached to the mounting rails.

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[Scoutman]

Paint turned out ok but not great. Not bad enough to lose another day waiting. We head out for the expo in a week so its crunch time.

Came home today to clean up and call in some helping hands. Its an easy lift with 4 people, one at each corner. We got it in position and all the hardware set and it tightened down nicely.

Tomorrow is tent time.

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[Scoutman]

A few pictures in the daytime.

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[AFSOC]

Great work, it really looks nice. I also like the step/camper tiedown on the bumper

 

[Scoutman]

Great work, it really looks nice. I also like the step/camper tiedown on the bumper

Thanks, x2. The steps/tie down plate retract to where you see them above and there's a pin behind the bumper that lets them come out about 6" to clear the bed sides. The truck camper is gone now but those steps come in handy almost daily.

 

[Scoutman]

Got the tent on the other evening. After driving it for a few days it seems rock solid. No rattles or movement at all but time will tell if that holds. Wow is it up in the clouds! A bit higher than I expected it to look but it's as low as I could go and still use the toolbox easily. Snapped a few pictures of the final results.

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