pickup rack options

[Mayayana]

New pickup. I used to build caps for them, but this time I've made a cover and want to avoid a cap. I've hinged the cover in the middle. It works for most things. I can buy materials and keep them dry in the rain. But long lumber and ladders need a rack. I'm looking for options. I need something that attaches outside and doesn't angle in, so that I can still use the cover. I've seen them made of welded steel, but I don't know whether that's a retail item or custom. So far I've just looked at ladderracks.com, but their racks, in addition to angling inward, are crazy expensive. I could really do it myself if I just had the rack hardware legs -- something like Ls that are high enough to clear the cab on the vertical side with a stubby foot to bolt into the bed wall.

[DerbyDad03]

Half joking, but maybe not:

Contact ladderacks and see if they will sell you just the legs. Mount them on the "opposite" sides of the truck so that they angle outward. Make make your own crossbars.

[Terry Coombs]

Is there a welding/fabrication shop near you ? If you lived near me I could fix you up ... but you'd have to paint it yourself .

[(PeteCresswell)]

Per Mayayana:

I went through that exercise a few years ago, but wound up not getting a cover. Instead, I keep 4 large plastic bins back there.

My recollection is that the right cover can co-exist with tilted-in racks.

FWIW, I went with these things:

On the plus side:

- They are seriously strong - something like 250# capacity per bar (500# total) - unlike those pretty-but-wimpy alu racks.

- The price is right

On the minus side:

- The coating is not great and I would have paid $50 extra for a galvanized version.

- They do not adjust vertically - probably curable with a hacksaw, a drill, and a little welding...

I am pretty sure that somebody with more skill than I could fabricate a sectional cover that integrates with the side rails that those racks attach to.

[clare]

If you can make the rack you can make the legs, but anything you will make that allows a tonneau to be used will be butt ugly.

[Dean Hoffman]

Amazon:

It's an aluminum rack made by Maxxhaul.

[(PeteCresswell)]

Per (PeteCresswell):

If you want cheap:

I guess that one gives you the extra MPG, but minimal theft resistance.