Building a RTT Rack

[oliverlove]

Hey guys, I know this has been beaten to death, but would anyone happen to have the plans for a simple rack to hold a tent?

I love the simplicity of the expedition one tundra rack, and want to build something similar. I am driving a gen 1 tacoma ext-cab.

Thanks!!!

 

[juicebox]

I am in the same boat you are in. I have been trying to figure out what other guys are using to build their racks. My ideal RTT rack would need to be light, <100 lbs., tall enough off of the bedsides (9 inches seems good) so my dogs can still move around under it. But also of course one of the most important things is gas mileage, so I would need it <~3" above the roof line. I think I have it planned out to suit my needs... I just hope it turns out how I am envisioning it.

I am in the process of figuring out what steel to use, size, thickness, etc. I think I may have decided on .095 wall 1.5" tubing for the main frame of it.

I am no engineer, so I really hope what I build doesn't break under my weight or spontaneously combust or something... I wouldn't be surprised.

 

[Butcher54]

make sure your welds are good and you have some gussets. I just finished building one the fit inside on a 5ft chevy colorado bed and it was even with the top of the cab when the RTT is on.

 

[trump]

My ideal RTT rack would need to be light, <100 lbs., tall enough off of the bedsides (9 inches seems good) so my dogs can still move around under it. But also of course one of the most important things is gas mileage, so I would need it <~3" above the roof line.

You just described my rack... click the link below to it. When I get home tonight I can point you both to other pictures. Work computer blocks photo hosting sites. :violent-smiley-031:

 

[YukonRob]

You just described my rack...

Nice rack! Wish I would have seen it sooner. Have spent countless hours on autocad and skechup variations to arrive at...exactly what you had already built. Good thing I enjoy virtual design (I'm better at it than actual fabrication anyway!).

 

[trump]

...exactly what you had already built.

Thanks, but sadly I can't take credit for the work or design. It was exactly what I envisioned, but I bought it from another member here. On a side note, if that member doesn't want to buy it back, it will be up for sale sometime this summer.

 

[oliverlove]

Trump! What can you tell us about that rack?! Or better yet, can you call out the member you bought it from?? That is EXACTLY WHAT I WANT!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[oliverlove]

Or could you supply some measurements and more pictures!

Thanks dude. Your truck is awesome.

 

[trump]

Pray4surf was the original owner. He and a friend of his built it IIRC. He tends to be busy, so I could get you some measurements. After he gets back to me about if he wants to buy it back or not, I could put you in line to buy it if you'd like.

 

[oliverlove]

Mark, anyway you can get it to Texas in the next week? I leave for a cross country trip....

Measurements would be great!

 

[trump]

Next week!?! Wow, no... didn't realize you needed to start on it now. I'll get you some measurements sometime tonight.

 

[Casper]

I built a simple one for my Tundra. Two 1.5 inch pieces of tube, bent at 90* in two spots and welded to a couple pieces of angle iron. Only photo I have of it now, but if you need more I can take them.

I made it just tall enough to be able to open the tool box by the cab, and still be slightly lower than the roof line for good aerodinamics. Worked great and can't weigh more then 30 or 40 lbs. It's held to the bed by 4 camper shell clamps so it can come off quickly as I only use it once in a great while. Since I can weld myself it only cost me roughly $40 in steel (actually had the steel lieing around, but that would be the cost if you bought it) and $40 to have a shop put the 4 bends in it.

Cheers,
Josh
&
Porthos

 

[the dude]

I just finished building this:

It's a lot higher then you might want but for our ARB Simpson it should work great. Tent's going on it tonight. It's 1.5" 1/8" angle iron on the rails with a 1" angle along the cab with .120 wall 1.5" tube with a couple 1" stringers. It's under 40 pounds (guessing) as I can lift it on and off myself. You can find more detailed photos here, starting at post #50:

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/58482-The-quot-yet-to-be-named-quot-tundra-build/page2

 

[juicebox]

You just described my rack... click the link below to it. When I get home tonight I can point you both to other pictures. Work computer blocks photo hosting sites. :violent-smiley-031:

How is your gas mileage with it on? Is it noticeably worse? I want to keep mine as low as possible but still be able to have my dogs move around under it. I was thinking of making it about 9" off of the bed rails.


This is a horrible drawing...

Basically, I just may be shooting for something like the all-pro rack but have it only sit 9" high... I just need to pull the trigger and get the steel. (.095" wall 1.5" tube??? )

...And of course a roof top tent.

 

[the dude]

nice looking taco. I love the color!