Back rack frame

[ScubaDive]

I would like to build a back rack frame and one for the back tailgate section as well for my 2008 super cab ranger. Just a simple H frame style rack for my wife's paddle board and \ or my 15' canoe. I was thinking of just making it out Aluminum Hollow Square Tubing and bolt it together.
Think Aluminum will do the job?
what size are the stake pockets on the truck, what size of tubing what I need to fit down the pockets?

 

[ScubaDive]

So I am guessing since there are no replies this is a not a good idea. I see some pre-made ones that you can buy for over $400 made out of Aluminum but different stuff looks more heavy duty but again I wasn't thinking of putting big weight on it. I did a rough cost, I think I can build it for less then $150 or around there.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I would go for it. I'm not sure of the pocket size but am pretty sure you will have to add something there to make the tube fit tight. Also triangulate all right angles.

 

[Doofy]

I have built racks and bought racks. Bought racks are usually jig welded and are engineered for strength and durability as well as fit. Homebuilt are sometimes lacking in either design or execution. My welds resemble goose crap most of the time but I have been able to design racks to meet my exact needs.

There are safety issues also. I would imagine there would be an amazing amount of stress hauling a canoe and paddle board at highway speeds. Something to think about.

 

[JoshT]

I would imagine there would be an amazing amount of stress hauling a canoe and paddle board at highway speeds. Something to think about.

If you were trying to haul a load of lumber up there, possibly. Given the shape of a canoe or paddle board it shouldn't be any issue. It'll create less stress than most of the roof baskets and cargo pods that people drive around with.

My dad built one for his F-100 many years ago and used it for the same thing.

IIRC it's made of 1" square steel tubing welded together. Not caring too much about looks it was never painted and he just welded tabs to bolt it down on the bed rail beside the stake pocket. Carried canoes and kayaks with it several times, including on the interstate headed camping in the mountains. The rack was built at least 15 years ago, and it's just as sturdy today as it was then, but the truck doesn't get used anymore.

I don't see any reason you couldn't bolt something together with aluminum, but you will need to add extra bracing to get the needed rigidity. Without some extra bracing it'll try to twist everywhere that has a bolt. You'll also need to secure the rack to the bed, just dropping it into the stake pockets won't work.

For a temporary fix maybe something like this would suit your needs:
hitch mount canoe rack

 

[Doofy]

Good points. I have made and used receiver mounted racks and have been very impressed. I made one for my ranger to be able to haul 16+ foot lumber. I added overload springs and was not overly impressed. Added air shocks and can haul just about anything.

As long as things are anchored and braced well you should not have problems. Since my welding skills are limited I normally bolt and weld. Have never taken the time to learn aluminum welding. Good Luck!

 

[ScubaDive]

Well I just may try doing this. I think Aluminum Hollow Square Tubing would be solid enough to hold a canoe and paddle board and yeah extra bracing would be needed since it would about a 3 hour drive and some on the highway. The only reason I have to bolt this together is a space limitation for storage and how often I would really use it. The wife spent about $1000.00 on a paddle board and I don't want to break it hanging it half out the back, thus making a rack. I see on Google people have made some out of PVC pipe, that's an idea. I would think you will need to glue it all which would not really allow you to take it apart and use it again, not really sure if that would be any cheaper then the Aluminum way....

 

[Doofy]

Good point about bolting, if it needs to be a knock-down rack. You can also buy blind insert nuts for aluminum that would help immensely.

 

[ScubaDive]

Good point about bolting, if it needs to be a knock-down rack. You can also buy blind insert nuts for aluminum that would help immensely.

good point... I didn't think of that.
Thanks

 

[Doofy]

ScubaDive, Just checked Amazon for Rivet Nuts and forget how reasonable all the different sizes are. Now you've got me wanting to build something!