Custom H3T Bed Rack Build

[RamRod]

Since I have about 80% of my necessary Moab preparations done (Sliders & Skids) I would like to add another project to the list for this spring.

A bed cage for the RTT that sits at the same height of the cab while driving but is deploy-able at full height when setup for camp for the night.

Currently I attach the RTT like so:


But I don't like that is up on the factory rails, its up high enough that it's a pain to get it all zipped up and packed away and I really don't want to go wheeling with my COG increased that much and my clearance being decreased by 14"

So I looked at what has already been done on H3T's for bed cage setups, and found these:


Although I like what has been all ready done by others, it just doesn't meet the criteria of what I am looking for.

Then I thought I would look into using the Front Runner Outfitter designs bed rack setup:

But then I saw the price tag of $900 :whaa:

Way to spendy spendy for me!

Now I think I am going to design my own that is influenced by all of the designs noted above but blended into one that will hit all of my criteria.

That's all I have for now, but I thought I would post this early to get any input from you guys as to how you would make it if you had this setup.

One little teaser that is giving the most inspiration for my build:


input will be gladly accepted!

Thanks guys

 

[kflips]

Lower storage boxes on rollers? Not sure how it would look with the paint job you have, would be curious to see.

 

[RamRod]

So after taking some measurements last night I am not 100% sure how I want to go about this anymore.... Most of the exaples I was looking up has a much higher measurement from the top of the bed rails to the top of the cab height... the RTT measures in at 14'' tall when closed, our bed rail to top of the cab measurement sits at 17''

So short of mounting the RTT on something similar to the below image the RTT will end up above the truck canopy.


After looking into how these tops are constructed I can see that I could make a cover similar to the above using a few local shop to farm out some of the work. I would also make it so it just opened in one piece if I was to go this route rather then the 40% front 10% solid middle and 40% rear opening

 

[frumaker]

I have one of these tops and could tell you about them or take some pics if you needed.


FRU

 

[06 H3]

SICK! If I had a T I would make an adjustable height rack, I would love a RTT on mine but it would kill COG. For a T if you keep it low it wouldnt be much of an issue.

 

[RamRod]

SICK! If I had a T I would make an adjustable height rack, I would love a RTT on mine but it would kill COG. For a T if you keep it low it wouldnt be much of an issue.

That's the plan! If I had a different style of front entrance on my RTT then I would just leave it fixed as low as it can go, but since I have the covered in entrance and a annex that can zip on underneath I want all the usable space I can get!

As you can see below this is what is looks like with the annex installed (take 3-4 min) and I am sitting about 1.5'' too high with the RTT on the top of the cab.


I have some pictures saved at home that I will upload later tonight that gives me a idea's on how I would like to do the adjustable height feature.... biggest this for me is to keep is simple so that it is always usable if it breaks at one point

 

[RamRod]

I have one of these tops and could tell you about them or take some pics if you needed.


FRU

That would be great!! I am mostly interested in how they connected it to the T and what the under side looks like

Thanks!

 

[06 H3]

I would look into adjustable height racks. That way you can keep it very low or high depending on whats in the bed.

 

[RamRod]

I was looking at the main ones I have seen on the market, and so far none of them dropped down low enough in their lowest setting for the height I am looking for, needs to sit 3-4" above the bed rails. but I'll keep looking!

 

[frumaker]

here is there website. pretty much have a video of everything you would need/want to see www.diamondbackcovers.com

That would be great!! I am mostly interested in how they connected it to the T and what the under side looks like

Thanks!

 

[RamRod]

Just as an update, I am going to start cutting and welding next weekend, the only caveat to that would be if I end up going on a trail run with the Toyota Club instead... I'll have to see what the weather is like...

This weekend I am working on another project that I want to get done before I start on the bed cage as it will help me set the height of the bed rack (remember I want a very streamline setup with the tent inline with the highest point, but I want to maintain as much bed space as possible).

I'll give you guys a hint this weekends project rhymes with:

Go BroBile Goof Yack

 

[06 H3]

Hmmmm....that's a tough one. Lol

For the bed rack make it adjustable!

 

[RamRod]

I am hoping to
If I can get all the dimensions to work the way I have planned out in my head there will be gas shocks to raise the rtt to sleeping height once a spring loaded t handle is popped out of its drive height setting then popped back in automatically when at sleeping height.... I just don't want that mechanism taking up too much cargo space


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[RamRod]

There is a bed rack for sale fairly local to me made for a 5' bed Taco, so I am going to try and see if it can be adjusted to fit the bed of the T.

The guy who had it build, like me, wanted the RTT to sit level with the highest point of the roof, to maximize cargo space and minimize drag/ overall height.

I'll post up some pics if I end up buying!

 

[RamRod]

Here are the pics he sent me... He is going to take some measurements and send them to me... With a bit of cutting I can make this work I think... But I'll still hold out for the spec before I pull the trigger

As you can see the lower half would have to be cut out and reworked, but fingers crossed!


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[RamRod]

Here is an edit to show what I am thinking for the RTT
View attachment 14236

This is approximately how high the RTT would likely sit above the roof rack and about how high over the bed rails I think it would be (about 26" from the bed floor to the bottom of the rack.

 

[RamRod]

I picked up some extra steel for the bed cage!

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[Bigunit]

Ramrod,
I'll sell you my bed rack if you want it.

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[RamRod]

Ramrod,
I'll sell you my bed rack if you want it.

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Is it the one that used to be on the Red T? If it's the one I am thinking then the problem would be the shipping


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[Bigunit]

Yes, that's the one & shipping would be no problem if you meet me in Moab in a month, do some wheeling, load it up & drive it home!

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[RamRod]

So I got a shop to bend up some parts for me that I'll need for my bed rack, they are getting rev'ed up for race season so they are going to squeeze the work in where ever they have the free time (hopefully they will have it for the weekend).

Then all that's left is to make one more trip to the metal supply store and pick up another length of 1"x2" tubing and I should be able to bang out the remainder of the rack during some free time next week!!!

I am going to come up with a way to "skin" the rack so the contents are covered and protected, mostly for my three week Trip through Oregon, Washington & British Columbia this summer!

I can't wait to have the tent mounted up there and be out on the trail!

 

[RamRod]

So I went to my dad's shop last night and we took my mock up rack I made in the garage and transferred all the angle and measurements over to the 1"x2" tubing I picked up to use for the frame of the rack..... then we got a freak spring time snow storm so I called it a night and am going to weld it up tonight!

Then all I am waiting for is the shop to get the bed rails bent up and then weld the rack to the bed rails, paint, mount the RTT!!!

Can't wait!!

 

[HummerRoller]

So I went to my dad's shop last night and we took my mock up rack I made in the garage and transferred all the angle and measurements over to the 1"x2" tubing I picked up to use for the frame of the rack..... then we got a freak spring time snow storm so I called it a night and am going to weld it up tonight!

Then all I am waiting for is the shop to get the bed rails bent up and then weld the rack to the bed rails, paint, mount the RTT!!!

Can't wait!!

How bout it? You in PA?

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[RamRod]

How bout it? You in PA?

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No bud, I'm up in Alberta Canada


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[RamRod]

Just got a call from the fab shop that the steel I had them bend up for my bed rails is ready for pick up now I can weld my bed rack to it, paint and the RTT can be mounted up!


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