Camper Shell Rack Ideas?

[Bowatti]

Hello all,

I have been searching for a while now to find our how to make a durable but large camper shell rack. I intend to make a basket type rack, but extend it over the cab as well as the shell in back.

As for my questions:

What is the strongest ways to mount a triangulated arm to the bed for the support beams?
I have been looking around town at all the shells with racks, and I can't see inside the camper to check how it was mounted.

Can I see some pics of everyones homemade racks??
I'm sure ya'll didn't go to a shop to have these creative racks made! Alot of the stuff on here appears to have the rigidity of a roll cage! Please give me some advice, it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

-Bowatti

P.S. This is the type of idea I am looking for. Although I have a 98 Taco Ext. Cab.

http://www.haulerracks.com/assets/images/Cap_Rack_Hauler.jpg

 

[FlatlinesUp]

mine has 1/4" flat plates that are an odd L shape in the front and kind of triangular in the rear. Simply thru bolted to the top fo the bed rails in a few spots (about 4-5 each mount). This is the factory method for the KargoMaster rack that I have and it is rated to hold 1700 lbs.

I've narrowed it 3" and dropped it 2" to make it fit my truck/shell better and added the 1" square tubing and expanded metal floor (which is very sturdy to walk on etc)

I plan on making an inner frame from 3-4" angle that goes around the truck bed rails and weld it to that at some point in the future.

 

[Youngunner]

Check this thread out...

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=30667

 

[Bowatti]

Nice rack FlatlinesUp, just what I am looking for.

Thanks for the link Youngunner! Lots of good ideas there.

I'm considering just going to the local truck shop and buying one, I gotta get my truck ready for Baja in a couple months. Thanks for the help you two!

-Bow