Not sure if this is the right place to post this.
I would like to build a cross bar/rack for the bed of my Frontier. I have ideas and can buy the metal, but I need help with bending and such. Looking for three tube style cross bars to sit about 4-6" above the bed rails using angle metal to mount it to the rails, and with tabs welded on for adding a removable platform for stuff like a roof top style tent, or a cargo basket. The idea is to have everything interchangeable depending on the adventure. My bed is just 58.6" long and 58.69" inside the rail from side to side.
I can weld (sort of), it's the measuring and bending to make it fit right that I'm clueless (and tool-less) about. I'd be happy to exchange some wrench time or other assistance. Need any non-automotive locksmith work? I'm certified, and have 18 years experience.
Solar in process. I have more than I need.
4 100W panels
Mppt40a controller with a remote panel
2 125ah solar batteries
two CF25 dometic coolers on the way
Looking to add a few accessories as well, and have to find or build a box for the batteries and controller. Still need some wire...
Going to mount a single panel on the roof of my truck, and have two to set up able to move for best sun.
Ideas and input are welcome.
Might trade a panel for other parts?
Over fall and winter, I have been slowly ordering parts as budget allowed. Finally having it warm enough to work on it means getting stuff done... Finally. More to do. Even got a solar panel, just no battery or controller to support it yet.. Anyone got an extra AGM/Solar battery they want to share?? ;P
Going to add a pair of boxes under the RotoPax cans for small parts storage later.
Also got a bit more done on the trailer. Got the RotoPax cans mounted, the CO2 tank is on, and I finally mounted the awning from HEO.
Latest updates. Added 3" wide 80/20 bars to box in the ends of the rack and added a few tool mounts. Also, finally got my PnP rock sliders painted and mounted...
Also picked up some 3" wide 80/20 to go between the ends of the cross bars front to back so I can mount a jack, shovels, and other accessories. Just have not gotten around to getting those on yet.
Can't wait to see it in person!
Nice work! Looks like a great setup!
So after much deliberation and re-thinking etc. I finally built the cross bar bed rack I was wanting. Parts from Compact Camping Concepts, 80/20 inc, and a cheap basket from Amazon. While I was at it, I ordered an OEM style roof rack. Just finished installing the roof rack, the bed rack has been on for a while now...
Back on the fab skills track, I have ordered some rail uprights to go with a square tube cross rail style rack. I'll add a basket and accessories as time and budget allow...
Found these guys online, they have a lot of products for trailers and RTT gear. This is where I ordered my rail mounts. Compact Camping Concepts... https://compact-camping-concepts-2.myshopify.com/collections/all
Kewl. I am leaning more to a DIY RTT for our trailer that will be just bigger than a queen mattress. It should look more or less like the old Conestoga covered wagons when it is set up. We both want room to sit up so we don't have to get dressed laying down.
Hey, this is way off subject, BUT, how big is your new off road trailer? Width and length of bed space? I havea small utility trailer that I'm going to do many mods to make it way more versatile, general utility, camping, off road, trailering our white water cateraft, hauling the quad etc etc. Putting stake pockets on it and lowering sides down to 8 inches or so. All accessory stuff will mount to stake pockets. My trailer bed is four ft wide and six ft long. Going to add same size tires as my jeep.
Hey Keman, Hows the rack project going? Any luck getting the bends done? I have my shop all setup now. If you get to the welding, fitting stage, give me a holler and we can make it happen.
Kewl! Keep in touch and when the time comes, we can make it happen.
I have to skip the rally this year due to budget issues. As for your XJ, I have owned three, plus a TJ, CJ8, a ZJ, and two MJs. One of the MJs is in the garage waiting to fire back up after a full engine swap/rebuild. That one now belongs to my son, yet it's still in my garage... We have a wire bug not letting it get spark.
The PVC deal is a good idea. Try using PVC conduit, as it comes in a couple different radius bends. When you get the bends you want cut and fit, you can cut the straight pieces to fit. A good exhaust shop can do the bends fast and rather inexpensive for you once you have a good template to work off. Im not going to be able to do much till after the rally, but after that I should be able to help out. I need to get a few things done on my XJ and on the new house , then be able to do a little fun stuff. See yalls at the rally!
The bending is what has me stuck, I guess. Not sure how to measure the angles and such. I suppose I could make a template of pvc tubing to get the angles and bends right. Then take that to a shop to have it done in metal. PVC is easy and cheap, and it bends with a little heat. Perhaps if I do that, I can plan a day trip over the hills for help with the fit and welding. I'm pretty handy with fabrication stuff. Just clueless with the whole bending and fitting on metal tube.
I bent up some PVC a few years ago for an art project with my son for a school thing. Fill it with wet sand, heat over a roaster flame and bend however you like by hand.. Works pretty slick.