DIY bed rack on XLT external anchor points

[Schultzit]

Hello,

I own a 19 XLT which comes with these external anchor points (ford rates them for 200kg cargo each):

Is it a good idea to remove them and use the screw holes to create an over the bed rack?

I didn't find anything similar done before but maybe here somebody has experience.

Thanks!

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[Schultzit]

Thanks for your reply.
At the moment I have a soft cover which I want to keep (when rolled up it takes no space and I can load a full sized pallet).

I found multiple solutions on the market for bed racks that go over tonneau covers ( for example the ones made by Front Runner) but they're for rigid ones (mountaintop etc).

Instead creating a structure that's anchored outside will allow me to have both the rack and the soft lid together.

I don't need a lot of cargo on the rack, as I plan to install only the front runner roof top tent which currently is on load bars over my cabin (45/50 kg).

Do you think 200 kg of load for each anchor won't hold the weight of a tent plus 2 adults ? Dynamic load would be low, static would be around 250 kg including the rack more or less

 

[Frenchy]

The idea might work but I question it a little bit. Maybe @P. A. Schilke can give better insight on this?

 

[P. A. Schilke]

The idea might work but I question it a little bit. Maybe @P. A. Schilke can give better insight on this?

Hi Schultzit,

The strength of the box side wall in where the tie down clips are is not the strongest place for a support structure as you desire. The strength of the pickup box is in the top rail and should be considered in my opinion. Your RTT will have a dynamic component to it for every bump in the road and I don't think you want the sidewall in shear...it is not designed for that kind of load. JMO

Best,
Phil

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