These guys have it all:

Ratchet Straps, Tie Down Straps, E Track Tie Downs, Cargo Straps - U.S. Cargo Control

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Great link...thanks! I knew you'd have the answer on how to do it right, as usual!

 

You dont have to give the exact price but whats the ball park cost for this?

 

I don't mind sharing pricing, other people will probably have the same question. I don't know the final numbers yet, but we agreed to $3k initially and will switch to time/materials if it goes much beyond that if there's any major design changes/add-ons. It's the first one they've done, but I've researched it quite a bit and know what I want, and the Fabricator and I are on the exact same page as far as the design concept goes. So far it's been awesome to be able to describe something and he immediately puts his technical needs/ideas into it and turns it into reality exactly as I originally envisioned. The shop I'm using does a lot of off-road fabrication and have their own race truck and are desert rats themselves, so they know what's needed when you're out riding, and have had a ton of great ideas....some we'll use now, others may be added later on once I get a feel for what I need and where I want it, but I like that they are thinking ahead too. They are as excited about the project as I am and it should be done (except coating) this week. I'm holding off on having it coated/painted (not included in the fabrication costs) until we decide if I want additional strap mounting points, light bar tabs, gas cans, compartments, spare tire holders, etc.

 

I bought mine from Harbor Freight, they work great.

 

Thanks, I actually saw some there over the weekend and they looked virtually identical to ones I've seen online, but of course they had no specs on the webbing or stitching strength. Will investigate further and compare.

 

I cant wait to see this. it sounds like a very good idea.

 

Here's a few photos of the progress so far. You may notice the American Work bed cover and B&W 5th wheel hitch. My requirements were that both of those items be retained, which actually present some interesting challenges. The rack will lock into the 5th wheel hitch, and I wanted to keep the cover for when the rack is not installed, to protect the removable hitch head. We're using airbags to raise and lower the truck, and there will be four removable legs (using hitch receivers) on the sides that will have drop down legs...similar to a truck mounted camper shell (without the unsightly look though! LOL). Raise the truck, lower and pin the legs, then release the hitch, lower the truck, and drive out. There's a winch at the top over the cab in case the vehicle needs to be pulled onto it and there will be two folding 12' ramps that store vertically in the bed sides), and a place for straps to be stored. It has been sized to fit either the Wildcat, or our 2 quads inline, and may support a 4 seater. They're already setting it up so that we can add an "platform extender" later in case we want to put a single quad on sideways behind the Wildcat. The extension would be pinned to the main platform and utilize the bumper hitch for additional support.

This is the start of the skeleton/frame:

 

cool. it will be awesome once you get it done.

 

Nice truck. Thought about doing that. 2 back tires made me not.

 

Thanks. I'm not sure what you mean by "two back tires made me not"?

 

Bblitz....do yourself a favor......POWDERCOAT!!!!!!!!!!! I know you are in Cali but it will last way beyond any paint. I work in a Fabrication shop and just find the PC finish to be far superior to any paint....well maybe Epoxy would compare. I did a boat with just black epoxy primer and clear coat deepest darkest black paint job I have ever seen. I have to see if I have pics some where. Ever since if I can get it in to the powdercoaters......powdercoat it is.

 

Definitely planning to coat it, just want to wait until I'm sure I don't need any additional welding done for ad-ons. We've talked about paint, powder coat, and even LineX type coatings for more grip...

 

I've been wanting to make myself one of these also, the only thing that keeps stopping me is where the hell will I keep it when it's not on the truck. I would go with the rough bedliner, or even powdercoat it then put bedliner on whatever will touch the tires. I can't wait to see the finished product. Be sure to take pics of how it connects to the truck and your removal system for me

 

It's starting to shape up Get a tab put on the front for your two way radio antenna..

 

Have them keep all the tubing open internally and use the rack itself for added on board air storage.

 

Better yet, helium so I can install and remove it easily by myself...

 

Diamondback covers are nice just pricey how many miles on that truck now

 

18,000 miles already...and the majority of that with the Toy Hauler/Wildcat! We get around...

 

This is how I attach my antenna brackets on the work truck it allows you to remove and mod as needed:

 

It's getting closer! We did a test fit this weekend and it works great! Here's a few pics. There's still some things that need to be finished; i.e. a couple more braces, adding the removable camper legs (on order and due this Thursday), then adding some vehicle tie-downs...most likely e-track type. They also need to install the u-channel that the ramps will slide in vertically in the truck bed. Then off to be powder-coated and we'll probably line the tops of the folding ramps with LineX or something similar for increased traction. Very pleased with how it's coming together and working out!

It holds the Wildcat, or 2 quads inline, and was a piece of cake to drive the Wildcat up...the quads were a bit sketchier since they are not 4 wheel drive and the ramps are bare uncoated (slick!) metal at the moment. It's held in place using a Happi-jac camper tie down system AND the 5th wheel hitch..it's not going anywhere! Super solid, but also pretty heavy...takes 6 guys to load/unload the rack if done manually. We ordered 4 drill powered Rieco Titan retractable legs which will make it much easier to just drive out from under it.

I love these 3500 dually trucks...even with the rack and the Wildcat, the truck only squatted 1.25"...

We also added airbags (not needed now) with the thought that we could lift the rear of the truck with the bags, lower the removable legs and pin them, then lower the truck and drive out. That concept sounded good in theory, but didn't work out because the truck goes up at an angle in the rear, plus they are already slightly angled nose first from the factory, and the front of the rack wants to interfere with the rear of the bed when you pull it out. Decided to ditch that plan and go with the removable screw drive camper legs (using the square channel "hitch receivers" on each corner).

 

That's amazing.

 

That is SLICK!!!!

 

Looks great. Show me where the ramps are stored.

 

The ramps are going to store on their sides on either side of the fifth wheel hitch. There will be a U-channel facing up and running the length of the bed from the back to the front that the ramps will slide into. The design is done, but that part still needs to be fabricated. I will post pics as soon as it is done.

 

Looking good amigo! Your gonna have to get a "Bug Bra" for the kitty now..

FYI Line-X can mix an abrasive in with the liner to make it a non slip surface, perfect for the ramps.

 

Just remember to remove everything before u park it in the garage!!! Looks great!!!

 

That truck won't fit in the garage with or without the rack!

 

And also low bridges, Fast food drive thru, n car washes!!! LOL

 

I see, that's why the ramps are hinged, so they can fit in the 8ft box. Got it.

 

That and because it allows an initial steeper approach angle and then another less steep and eliminates the flex that the entire 10' would have. They intentionally do not open fully flat...there's some flat strips welded in the joint. Will post some pics when I have them at the house.

 

Just in time to load up and head to Glamis!! Looks good sir

 

Thanks. Thd cat still has a broken lower front a-arm and no time to swap it. The shop did a quick patch with some angle iron for the test fit, but it's not trail ready! Hoping to swing by though.

 

same idea kinda but little cat

ramps

 

Here is the ZP hauler (5500 Bullet), the ramps hang off the side of the truck bed with a stake pocket post:

Click on this link for a how to build a truck bed tutorial:

a2426e6e.pbw Slideshow by SLOWECO | Photobucket