Bed rack ???

[Maddog74]

Soo I’m building my 74 powerwagon, almost no one build the right size bed rack with out going custom and stupid $$$... so I found a good ladder rack the money was right ... so here I go!
Anyone else build up a bed rack use a ladder rack?

 

[Doug.c.144]

I had deliberated for a looong time about a ladder rack. I decided to go with a stake pocket bed rack that will be here soon. I would love to see what you do with yours to make it work for "overlanding".

 

[eagle_A40]

Soo I’m building my 74 powerwagon, almost no one build the right size bed rack with out going custom and stupid $$$... so I found a good ladder rack the money was right ... so here I go!
Anyone else build up a bed rack use a ladder rack?

I did. Amazon had the AA-Ladder Rack on sale for under $280. AA stopped making the square tubing rack. In fact, I think they're going out of business. Most of their rack are either Discounted, or Sold Out..
It's kinda tall for my mid-size truck. It's made of 1-1/2" square tubing.
I began modifying it a couple weeks ago, taking my time.

As you can see, it was White when this photo was taken. I disassembled it and cut 3" off the total height felt off the over-the-cab extension. I removed the center vertical post and removed the rear hoops. I sanded it all and applied Blake Bed Liner to it. I'll post a pics of the completed project when I get a chance, hopefully tomorrow.

 

[eagle_A40]

OK, her she is after modifying.
The reason for the height, is because of the length of the hard-shell RTT. It's ~85" and the truck bed is only 60".


I need to re-locate the CB & GMRS antennas to the outside of the rack.


That's all, folks.

 

[Maddog74]

Well spent $40 on a ladder rack . Touched it up with some black rattle can going to add two risers and two cross bars start adding my overland gear!

 

[Maddog74]

Going to add 3 bars over cab and expanded metal for a roof rack . And add two risers about four feet forward of rear riser... and from there mout my off-road goodies

 

[Doug.c.144]

Well spent $40 on a ladder rack . Touched it up with some black rattle can going to add two risers View attachment 145761View attachment 145762and two cross bars start adding my overland gear!View attachment 145763View attachment 145764View attachment 145761View attachment 145764View attachment 145762View attachment 145763View attachment 145764

Going to add 3 bars over cab and expanded metal for a roof rack . And add two risers about four feet forward of rear riser... and from there mout my off-road goodies

You are definitely winning the budget game on this one. What is your plan for sleep set up?

 

[Maddog74]

You are definitely winning the budget game on this one. What is your plan for sleep set up?

Lol crude stup for a test fit! I’m buying new hammock with netting and rain fly....

 

[J.W.]

Lol crude stup for a test fit! I’m buying new hammock with netting and rain fly....

Dude, that is going to be a boss setup.

 

[Maddog74]

Dude, that is going to be a boss setup.

Lol I don’t mind it used it while hiking!

 

[eagle_A40]

Wow! You did good at $40.

 

[Maddog74]

Wow! You did good at $40.

Thanks I thought so too

 

[Maddog74]

Thanks I thought so too

And I got 4 rack ratchet straps the will go on as well so I did alright!

 

[Doug.c.144]

I like it. I'm also a hammocker and my rack just arrived today. I'll post a picture after I have time for a mock setup this weekend.

 

[Maddog74]

I like it. I'm also a hammocker and my rack just arrived today. I'll post a picture after I have time for a mock setup this weekend.

cool I just threw it up... now to get some real d-rings and make it more permanent!

 

[Desert Cyclist]

Pretty much the same rack as on my hauler, which may become the overland rig if I can squeeze another mpg or two out of it. I lke the hammock idea, hadn't thought of that!

 

[Maddog74]

Pretty much the same rack as on my hauler, which may become the overland rig if I can squeeze another mpg or two out of it. I lke the hammock idea, hadn't thought of that!

Yea i didn’t think of either really ... about $2000 for custom rack old dodge wide and long bed... and just about stole my rack for $40

 

[Maddog74]

Mounted my 4 LED overhead lights to a lil bit taller angle iron...

 

[Maddog74]

Got afew quick fist mounted ... shovel and axe are good! Still need to find some d rings (that can hold weight) for my two hammocks... and weld in risers above wheel well!

 

[Doug.c.144]

Ok, North Carolina allergies and work have slowed me down, but I finally installed my bed rack and took some photos. I will be bracing it with unistrut, adding a 270' awning, and engineering fold out arms to replace the hammock stand.