Unistrut hi lift mount

[pSycHOarsOnisT]

I have an idea to mount my hi lift and shovels etc in my bed.

Thinking 2 lengths of unistrut vertically mounted at the front of the bed attached with some self tappers.

Just wondering if the sheet metal on the bed would be strong enugh to support the weight or if i should look at other options.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Is the weight sitting on the bed or supported by the screws? I have a rollout bed screwed down with sheet metal roofing screw and have never noticed a problem, but the weight and jolting are absorbed by the original bed. In sheet metal I prefer large shank roofing screws rather than self tappers, because I feel the roof screw displace the metal rather than remove it.

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[pSycHOarsOnisT]

Is the weight sitting on the bed or supported by the screws? I have a rollout bed screwed down with sheet metal roofing screw and have never noticed a problem, but the weight and jolting are absorbed by the original bed. In sheet metal I prefer large shank roofing screws rather than self tappers, because I feel the roof screw displace the metal rather than remove it.

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It would be supported by the screws. I was also thinking about bolting it to a piece of 1/4" plate or something on the other side to distribute the weight rather than rely on screws.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Even using fender washers on both sides would be beneficial.

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[pSycHOarsOnisT]

Even using fender washers on both sides would be beneficial.

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Lol guess the plates a little overkill eh?

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Basically I want to squeeze the sheet metal between two pieces of metal to spread the load and prevent tear out. 1/4" might be overkill unless you threaded the hole in the plate, in which case it would be just enough for 1/4" bolts.

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[pSycHOarsOnisT]

Basically I want to squeeze the sheet metal between two pieces of metal to spread the load and prevent tear out.

Exactly, i seem to just always go with 1/4 plate for everything lol.

This is what im thinking of, strut replaces the wood obviously. And would be flush with or slightly below the top of the bed.

I think 3 3/8" or 1/2" bolts should do to hold it. Only real weight on it would be the hi lift, with a couple shovels.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I would try to get the unistrut to slid up under the top rail and also rest on the floor. If that is possible then I would feel comfortable using tapping screws with no backer. Even better imo would be to use long roofing screws in place of tapping screws.
edit; I'm not exactly sure of the profile of "unistrut", I'm guessing it's "L" shaped with a bunch of holes spaced 1" apart.