Cargo tray support for over the cab?

[OFC Ranger]

I will have 58" supported by a bed rack, but I'm wanting to get a a tray that extends over the cab a good bit. Any ideas? I could install bars over the cab, but getting those bars and the bed rack side to align looks like it would be a PITA.

Im thinking some rubber adjustable "feet" of some sort that are attached to the tray then adjusted till they make solid contact with the roof channels?

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[OFC Ranger]

Another question; Is there any reason I would not buy this and convert it to use as a cargo tray?

https://www.amazon.com/Zinus-Assemb...3&sprefix=twin+bed+frame+low+,aps,155&sr=8-10

I have bed frames in my guest rooms that uses this stuff and it supports a mattress and human no problem. $54.00 and if I drop a little bit to re-coat / seal / weld the joints I have an all steel rack for less than $100?

Better yet, what if I bought this and flipped it upside down? Basically the supports become rails upside down.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08GXXSXNJ/ref=twister_B08HD86KP4?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Bed rack life hack? lol wat????

 

[P. A. Schilke]

looking at actual roof racks, i can see why you want to become DIYAndy2
they are big $$$$

my biggest concern is damaging your roof.
keep in mind the frame flex and how the cab will move compared to the bed.
whatever you do, you want to keep them separated in some way. either the bed rack completely supports the roof rack, or the roof rack is supported fully on the cab.

anything touching your cab can and will chafe. rubber adjustable feet, with gritty sand finding its way between will be through your paint in no time.

I would err on the side of caution and buy a typical set of roof racks and then attach your bed frame to it.

Hi RP,

1961 F100. Front fender to tailgate one piece body side stamping. My cousin in Kansas collects and restores these vehicles. Major problem is a crack in the side panel between the cab and box. Even with a boxed frame like the 5G Ranger....there is flex. Symptomatic of a ladder frame architecture. Not one of Ford's bright ideas as the old Commercials indicated.

Best,
Phil Schilke
Ranger Vehicle Engineering
Ford Motor Co. Retired

 

[OFC Ranger]

looking at actual roof racks, i can see why you want to become DIYAndy2
they are big $$$$

my biggest concern is damaging your roof.
keep in mind the frame flex and how the cab will move compared to the bed.
whatever you do, you want to keep them separated in some way. either the bed rack completely supports the roof rack, or the roof rack is supported fully on the cab.

anything touching your cab can and will chafe. rubber adjustable feet, with gritty sand finding its way between will be through your paint in no time.

I would err on the side of caution and buy a typical set of roof racks and then attach your bed frame to it.

My thing is just needing a rack for storage trunks. Not an RTT. We are going to the ARB Awning/Tent route. There are a multitude of ways I could connect something like this to the the RCI rack without damaging either.

As Im shopping, I'm looking at "off road" racks which are purpose built, but the the money they are asking for is not justified for the purpose I need. Cargo baskets on Amazon don't really offer the dimensions I want or "flat" versions like a simple steel bed frame can.

 

[ldr01rl]

I have an expanded metal platform over the cab. I would recommend you use a long van roof rack, eliminating some of the cross members and clamping rhino lined plywood above the cab, treated and painted 2x4's for the spacers on your bed rack. That should give you clearance for flex. Those racks are easy to cut and adapt to width also. You can find those racks cheap

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