How Do You Make a Pickup Truck Rack?

A pickup truck rack is an important accessory for any pickup truck owner, who wants to transport items with ease. It offers an easy way to carry ladders, kayaks, bicycles, and other large items that wouldn’t fit in the back of the truck.

A pickup truck rack also helps keep your cargo protected from the elements and prevents it from sliding around in the bed of the truck.

Making a pickup truck rack requires some basic tools and materials. You will need a drill, drill bit set (including a countersink bit), hole saw set, clamps, jigsaw or coping saw, angle grinder (optional), measuring tape, level or straight edge ruler, hacksaw (optional), sandpaper or sander/grinder (optional), paintbrush/roller (optional), and screws & bolts.

First you’ll need to measure your pickup bed to ensure the rack will fit properly. You can then begin constructing your frame by cutting two pieces of lumber to your desired length and width.

Using a drill and screws & bolts attach them together at right angles forming a rectangle shape.

Next you’ll need to measure out where you want the mounting points for your rack on each side of the rectangle frame. Once that’s done you can use a countersink bit and drill to create holes for mounting screws & bolts while also making sure that they are flush with the wood surface.

You’ll then need to cut two pieces of lumber into “L” shapes to form supports for your frame. Drill holes into each piece of lumber so that they are aligned with the mounting points on your frame before attaching them using screws & bolts.

Finally, you can use an angle grinder or jigsaw/coping saw to cut slots into each side of your frame for attaching straps or bungee cords as needed for securing items onto it. Once complete you may opt to paint or stain it if desired before installing onto your pickup bed using screws & bolts.

Conclusion:
Making a pick up truck rack is relatively easy with some basic tools and materials. It requires cutting two pieces of lumber into desired length and width; drilling holes for mounting points; cutting “L” shapes out of wood; drilling slits into sides for straps; painting/staining if desired; and finally attaching it onto your pick up bed securely with screws & bolts.

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Susan Delgado