Ladder rack, which one and where to buy?

[Eddo Rogue]

I was gonna post something similar. My F-150 needs a rack. definitely will need removable headache bar. I have plenty of material at the moment, was thinking of just making my own, probably using square tube. the few bends necessary I could easily cut miters and weld in, Plus I like the look of square instead of round. It also seems to help things be not crooked.

 

[Roert42]

I was gonna post something similar. My F-150 needs a rack. definitely will need removable headache bar. I have plenty of material at the moment, was thinking of just making my own, probably using square tube. the few bends necessary I could easily cut miters and weld in, Plus I like the look of square instead of round. It also seems to help things be not crooked.

 

[HenryMac]

What about powder coat for steel? Its way more durable than paint.

It is indeed. It's also pricey, and it also requires a really well prepped surface to hold up over the long haul. Cleaning off weld splatter, sandblasting, etc. That's all labor intense, and at some point all that labor ends up costing so much that aluminum starts to become cost effective.

Ladder racks are tough duty items if they are really used.. and abused.

 

[Eddo Rogue]

View attachment 62700

Thanks, this photo is helping me figure out the bed rail mounting

 

[Roert42]

Thanks, this photo is helping me figure out the bed rail mounting

This is how I did it. Used two bolts per side.

 

[Eddo Rogue]

This is how I did it. Used two bolts per side.

Awesome also useful, thanks! I am trying to attach it without drilling holes in the bed, but rather use existing ones. I found some 2x3 stock that fits perfectly in the square holes at the corners. I welded a nut in them so they drop in and bolt through from hole is on the inside that most people hook tie downs to. They stick out a bit, but I am thinking to cut them flush to bed rail, weld some plate to em, and build off that.

I might do a modified version of your design, where I would have bolts pinch clamp it from underneath rather than go through the side...

 

[Roert42]

Awesome also useful, thanks! I am trying to attach it without drilling holes in the bed, but rather use existing ones. I found some 2x3 stock that fits perfectly in the square holes at the corners. I welded a nut in them so they drop in and bolt through from hole is on the inside that most people hook tie downs to. They stick out a bit, but I am thinking to cut them flush to bed rail, weld some plate to em, and build off that.

I might do a modified version of your design, where I would have bolts pinch clamp it from underneath rather than go through the side...

I also thought about doing something similar, using the stake holes to bolt it in. I would like to build a removable section for the rear, to use for my canoe. I would like to see some pictures of your setup when you are done.

 

[Roert42]

Awesome also useful, thanks! I am trying to attach it without drilling holes in the bed, but rather use existing ones. I found some 2x3 stock that fits perfectly in the square holes at the corners. I welded a nut in them so they drop in and bolt through from hole is on the inside that most people hook tie downs to. They stick out a bit, but I am thinking to cut them flush to bed rail, weld some plate to em, and build off that.

I might do a modified version of your design, where I would have bolts pinch clamp it from underneath rather than go through the side...

 

[sgtsandman]

Just keep in mind guys, the 2019+ Rangers don’t have stake holes for some reason. Not an option for them.

 

[Roert42]

Just keep in mind guys, the 2019+ Rangers don’t have stake holes for some reason. Not an option for them.

I have a friend with a 2001 F150 that doesn't have stake holes either, very strange.

I looked it up, and ford does not have stake pockets on any of the new rangers, but don't worry. Ford off the "Volume expansion assembly for pickup cargo space" that hooks onto the proprietary ford cargo management tie downs.