Second Topper Option

[Woltz]

So I was looking around and it kinda hit me that maybe I could do something else. I was looking at the Harbor Freight 800 lb. Capacity Full Size Truck Rack and I rather like the idea of having a rack that size for the top of the truck. But I find myself thinking I'll need a cover. Now does anyone know of a material I can use to make/buy for this in order to cover the back part of the truck, with a type of canvas or something? Here's a link to the product I'm talking about for the truck bed, I'd like to cover the back part of it with some sort of fabric making a camper type feel from where I can hang a hammock.

http://www.harborfreight.com/automotive-motorcycle/truck-boxes-racks/800-lb-capacity-full-size-truck-rack-98511.html

 

[bullfrog]

Poor man's fiberglass and you can even put it over foam, using Harbor Freight drop cloths, Tight Bond II glue and acrylic water based paint (desert tan is you want HDR to smile when he sees it). You could attach to the bottom of the rack and still have a functional rack on top. I think I would extend the upright legs to 2" than I am tall for standing room. Look at "foamies" section of tntt trailers forum site. If I'm not mistaken early cars roofs were painted canvas to keep out the rain.

 

[minimotos95]

Poor man's fiberglass is a good option.
For a soft cover I would definitely say a heavy canvas like they used on military trucks. It's durable, reasonably insulating and waterproof. For a soft roof you would definitely need to add some bracing to create a pitched or domed roof so water doesn't pool.

 

[frater secessus]

Have you considered a used topper with a rack over (not on) it?

[edit;  can't post the pic, but it is just the truck in this repurposed pic]

Doesn't help with the hammock scenario but would be easier and more weatherproof.  As I wrote on another thread just now I got a used fiberglass topper for my Ranger for $25 off craigslist;  guy's wife wanted it GONE.

 

[INTJohn]

I don't know how much money or time you want to put into it or how permanent you want it; but you can make a rack similar to that out of used 2x4's;6's; a few angle couples & screws for next to nothing and maybe 2 hours of time. Then use a 8'x10' tarp to from lowes,etc to drape over it with bungie cords.
I've done something similar for part time sleep use/camp use - will post some pix.

 

[INTJohn]

Here's what I've done for temporary overnite 'hotel room'

 

[INTJohn]

also:

 

[INTJohn]

Use the doors to hold the tarp:

 

[masterplumber]

Or you can go the used route. My topper has been on 3 different trucks, and I paid $150 for it used on Craig's list. It did get a new coat of paint to match the new truck which doubled it's value. It's insulated with 1'' foam and paneled with Luan underlayment. The rack is even older - I think I've had it on 5 different trucks and just adjusted to fit. It's not perfect, but much better than the Hobo Freight one. It's made by Kargo Master and is made to fit around a topper. Sometimes building from scratch makes sense to save money - when you have more time than money. But sometimes you can actually come out with a better product by searching for used, and save some time and money in the process. 

 

[Woltz]

Or you can go the used route. My topper has been on 3 different trucks, and I paid $150 for it used on Craig's list. It did get a new coat of paint to match the new truck which doubled it's value. It's insulated with 1'' foam and paneled with Luan underlayment. The rack is even older - I think I've had it on 5 different trucks and just adjusted to fit. It's not perfect, but much better than the Hobo Freight one. It's made by Kargo Master and is made to fit around a topper. Sometimes building from scratch makes sense to save money - when you have more time than money. But sometimes you can actually come out with a better product by searching for used, and save some time and money in the process. 

I'd love to have a topper and have this rack, but I don't have any idea of how I'd strongly secure both. That set up would be perfect for me.

 

[Every Road Leads Home]

They make specific racks like that harbor freight one that install on the outside of the cap like in Masterplumbers picture. Best set up I ever had for carpentry work was just like Masterplumbers. Aluminum cap and cargomaster rack. You can find them used on craigslist all the time for cents on the dollar over what they'd cost new.

 

[frater secessus]

I'd love to have a topper and have this rack, but I don't have any idea of how I'd strongly secure both. That set up would be perfect for me.

Both items bolt to the bed rail.  They're not going anywhere.

 

[Woltz]

Both items bolt to the bed rail.  They're not going anywhere.

Do you have any pictures of them bolted down together? And did you use the Harbor Freight rack with a normal topper?

 

[masterplumber]

My Kargo master rack is made to go around a regular topper. I think they offer 3 different height legs for different heights above the cab. The legs can be purchased separately if you find a used rack with the wrong height - still cheaper than a whole new rack. The rest of the rack is very adjustable so it will fit most any truck. I've had mine on everything from a 95 Ford to a 2016 Ram. There are plates that fit under the topper on top of the bed rails, and a large brace that runs across the front of the bed to keep it from flexing. I bolted the rack on first, then pulled the bolts and set the topper on. Then I drilled up from the underside through the holes and through the topper bottom flange. Then bolted it all together using 4 bolts per side - it's not going anywhere. The one other thing I did was fill the space between the rack flanges with 1/4'' x 3'' flat metal, and ran that foam camper tape both between the rack and bed, and between the rack and topper. That way I have no leaks even from wind driven rain. I hope that helps you picture it in you mind - it's kind of hard to get a good picture of it all once it's all put together.

 

[frater secessus]

Woltz: It's not my truck in the pic. I do have a truck with a topper but that's not it.

I think the pic was a Kargo Master like masterplumber is talking about.

 

[highdesertranger]

or you can build your own



another view



highdesertranger

 

[ArtW]

sorta need to be able to weld to do that, don't you, HDR? still a good idea

 

[masterplumber]

HDR, I think that guy needs a little more weight up high. ; ) That is an issue with racks, you can really affect the center of gravity if you load them up to much. Other than ladders and a couple 4'' pipes filled with 10' lengths of copper and pex pipe, I reserve mine for temporary loads. Like hauling long lumber or pipe to a job. Or a canoe to the water.

 

[Every Road Leads Home]

HDR, I think that guy needs a little more weight up high. ; ) That is an issue with racks, you can really affect the center of gravity if you load them up to much. Other than ladders and a couple 4'' pipes filled with 10' lengths of copper and pex pipe, I reserve mine for temporary loads. Like hauling long lumber or pipe to a job. Or a canoe to the water.

It's actually crazy how much weight they can hold.  I miss that setup, of all the things I've worked out of that was my favorite set up.  Carried more drywall and plywood atop of mine than I can count.

 

[highdesertranger]

that's actually my old truck the truck handled the weight up high fine. you want to talk weight up high, on the tuck I have now I once carried 1 ton of rebar on the rack. now that was scary, didn't get on the freeway that day. highdesertranger