Bed rack fabrication for RTT -- 06 Dodge Ram 3500
- Thread starter Scoutman
- Start date
Scoutman
Explorer
Thanks Chili.
Here we are all packed up and ready to roll out for Expo east fall break trip. ---- Well I should say that was the intended destination of the trip but as life would have it we had to head west to my grandmother's funeral instead.
We did manage to get a few nights camping in on the way home. First night was at a park in NW AR. The park was nice but the heat, humidity, insane mosquito's, and lack of any moving air meant no sleep for any of us.
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Here we are all packed up and ready to roll out for Expo east fall break trip. ---- Well I should say that was the intended destination of the trip but as life would have it we had to head west to my grandmother's funeral instead.
We did manage to get a few nights camping in on the way home. First night was at a park in NW AR. The park was nice but the heat, humidity, insane mosquito's, and lack of any moving air meant no sleep for any of us.
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Scoutman
Explorer
So far I would have to say no there's not much I would change. I'm happy with how the bends and welds came out and how all the hoops are in line with each other even with the 3" taper to the bed. It would have been nice if I could have lowered things down just a few inches but given that I wanted to keep my current toolbox (with fridge inside) and still fully open the lid, that wasn't possible. I suppose if I wanted to get a between-the-rails box that would afford me to lower it approx 4" but then the spring rods on the front facing window wouldn't go in without hitting the cab. It's all about compromises and which ones you can live with. For me visibility, toolbox use, and bed storage were key and I think I nailed them all. For others low profile is top. Bottom line is it's rock solid and I'm glad I went with the 4th hoop. I was surprised how solid it ended up being and running some washboard and dirt roads with no rattles made me smile. Time will tell if that continues to hold true. Those tube clamps were totally worth it for what little they cost. The L-track is very handy for adjust ability of tie downs.
From here I want to get some lighting installed and work on electrical. We used magnetic led light pucks and they work for the time being but is not my permanent solution. I'm looking at one of the LED rock light kits that allow you to dim and change colors. I would like to have a power port for the tent plug and switches, usb's, and power port for a fan. All of these would be fed from the 7 pin plug in have in the bed for hauling a gooseneck trailer. An LED 3rd brake light is also in the works.
We're getting it back out this weekend and also next weekend and then 2 more weekends in November so I'm sure the more I use it the better we'll get at setting things up and noting any more changes we want to make.
Scoutman
Explorer
Thank you.
Scoutman
Explorer
Forgot to finish my last post...
Spent a few nights here at the end of the trip. It was nice to fully setup knowing we wouldn't have to pack it all up the next morning.
The rutted road down to the site.
I dug out a few shallow holes to level it up. Learned this trick from the portal. Wife thought I was just that clever.
Not a bad evening view.
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Spent a few nights here at the end of the trip. It was nice to fully setup knowing we wouldn't have to pack it all up the next morning.
The rutted road down to the site.
I dug out a few shallow holes to level it up. Learned this trick from the portal. Wife thought I was just that clever.
Not a bad evening view.
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Scoutman
Explorer
From this weekend.
The more we use it the better it gets. Learning how to store, fold, setup, and sleep gets a little easier each time.
The rack keeps all our stuff under cover and within easy reach of our cooking area. At night I just close the toolbox and bins and head to bed.
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The more we use it the better it gets. Learning how to store, fold, setup, and sleep gets a little easier each time.
The rack keeps all our stuff under cover and within easy reach of our cooking area. At night I just close the toolbox and bins and head to bed.
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Diesel Junkie
Observer
Nice setup!
Scoutman
Explorer
Thanks guys. Here's a few more shots. We ended up camping 5 out of 6 weekends up until the Thanksgiving holiday. This being my daily driver I have no complaints hauling it every day and I like that I still have a usable bed.
Not rack or truck related but thought they were good shots of Thanksgiving week cabin in North Georgia.
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Not rack or truck related but thought they were good shots of Thanksgiving week cabin in North Georgia.
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