I have a '06 Dodge 2500 short bed. I need to make a mondo headache rack so I can utilize my trips to Vegas to save about 33% over local steel prices. Carry back 1,000# of steel.
My concerns over several truck racks that I have built is:
When I make them to mount on the rails, the rails or side pockets rip out. I need to take it from the front end of the bed all the way to the front bumper so I can get 20' sticks on there.
I want to make it so that it is removable without becoming a day long deal.
I want to make a combination of rail supports, pocket stakes, and verticals down to the bed, bolting onto any substantial crossmember rather than just sheet metal bed flooring to handle the weight.
Any ideas, or cites to plans that will incorporate this for a rack that will carry a heavy load of pipe/square tubing safely?
Gusseting, and do you do your gusseting rigid or gimbaled? That is, do you just weld in solid braces, or weld them in with drilled bolts so they will flex?
I also want to build gimbaled vertical supports down to the front bumper pulling eyes so that the unit will flex when going over curbs and filling station entries. Drilled gimbals will be at the top and bottom of the vertical supports on the front of the rack. I made one of the first racks in the Las Vegas valley to use this, and it was copied fast and furiously. The distance from the front bumper to the back of the cab is +50% of the whole rack, so needs front support.
Ideas on what you've built appreciated. e mail at snipped-for-privacy@gmail.com
Steve