Back Rack information please

[ferniesnow]

On my “new to me” truck, I need something to protect the roof so that I can carry long boards (16’). I have two choices of material; steel and aluminum. The aluminum needs to be 1/4” thick minimum (that worked in my present truck) and leads to having a custom shop make it because Back Rack only makes their’s out of 1/8” material. The steel Back Rack ones are only 1/8” but they would probably be strong enough. Either one (aluminum or steel) would be powder coated black.
The box attachment (right angle supports) would need to be parallel to the rear window and not on the sides/rails of the box because of the function of the hydraulic deck.
What have we got for thoughts/custom shops from the sharp members on this topic? TIA

 

[Tchetek]

Why not get something fabbed onto the deck

 

[ferniesnow]

Why not get something fabbed onto the deck

Simply put, I don’t know if I will be using the deck in the summer months. i am in a state of “wait and see” how this deck is going to operate and how I can use it to it’s full capacity. You do have me thinking.

 

[team dirt]

Aluminum & Steel Fabrication, CNC Cutting & Truck Accessories | Eagle Industries Ltd.

Eagle Industries Ltd. is a full-service fabrication shop. We do aluminum and steel fabrication, build custom truck accessories and do custom CNC/Plasma cutting.

eagleindustriesltd.com

In Vernon. Done work for me. Very hi quality. You won’t regret using them. They build all the service body’s for kal-tire I believe.

 

[Bnorth]

Bush Gear is a local fabricator of headache racks Doug. He's the go to for outfitting the bush trucks my company runs and can do whatever you need.

Home - Bush Gear Fabrication | Custom Fabrication | Salmon Arm, BC

Bush Gear Fabrication in Salmon Arm, BC. Custom fabrication shop. Truck beds, boat repairs, custom projects and more!

bushgearfabrication.com

 

[TylerG]

Simply put, I don’t know if I will be using the deck in the summer months. i am in a state of “wait and see” how this deck is going to operate and how I can use it to it’s full capacity. You do have me thinking.

alternatively, have something that is simple to change from the deck to the box?

 

[Tchetek]

Curious how much box space the hydronic system takes up under the deck?

 

[ferniesnow]

Curious how much box space the hydronic system takes up under the deck?

So am I. I didn’t do a whole bunch of research on this purchase but I have seen some in action and I was impressed. Apparently, TuffLift out of Idaho are top notch so in another couple weeks I will see first hand. They are a little more expensive than my present aluminum mid-deck. I have a long box so, I will have more room than the grocery getters.
Looking forward to the options that I will have for sleds and summer work with regards to carrying tools.

 

[Tchetek]

So am I. I didn’t do a whole bunch of research on this purchase but I have seen some in action and I was impressed. Apparently, TuffLift out of Idaho are top notch so in another couple weeks I will see first hand. They are a little more expensive than my present aluminum mid-deck. I have a long box so, I will have more room than the grocery getters.
Looking forward to the options that I will have for sleds and summer work with regards to carrying tools.

. Post up picks when you get it.

I like keeping my deck on all the time. Give you a place to lock stuff up.

 

[ferniesnow]

. Post up picks when you get it.

I like keeping my deck on all the time. Give you a place to lock stuff up.

For sure.

 

[banditpowdercoat]

My back rack is the steel one and holds some damn good weight.

 

[greenthumb]

The BackRacks are plenty strong. I put the safety rack on our company trucks and we regularly load the ch!t out of them. No issues with durability at the attachment to the box either. They make a crossbar that goes into the rear pockets as well, so you're not resting on the tailgate either.