I'm looking to outfit my '06 Dak w/ truck bed racks. To be used for haulingprimarily long, lightweight canoes (outrigger), yet also lumber, etc.every now and then. I didn't want a "contractor" looking kind of rack (i.e. the goal post look) and I also wanted to continue to use my soft tonneau cover. I really like the GO RHino sport rack, extreme rack, however they don't make an application for the DAkota (or really any smaller truck for that matter). On my previous truck, I had a muffler shop fabricate a "rollbar looking" kind of rack (my design) which worked great. THey've been too busy to make one for my dakota. Anybody else out there found a good design?DEsigned their own? THanks.

 

When I did hotshot work in Houston,we called them headache racks,they provided protection to the back glass in case you were hauling something in the bed andhit the breaks and kept it from coming into the cab also it was great for hauling ladders,lumber and what not,offhand I don't know of any for the Dakota,check with a truck and trailer supplies outfits, most of the racks I've seen were made locally for retailers maybe one of them can point you to a fab shop to get something made up or talk to some local welders.I remember one dude I worked with had a aluminum set up pipe rack that could be taken apart quickly but it was on a Silverado.

 

www.backrack.com has a list of dealers that might be able to help you out. they have a set up for the 05dak also

 

here's what i built. https://dodgeforum.com/m_671239/tm.htm
2x4 in stake pockets, plywood gussets, bolts/nuts, black paint.
i take them in/out of the stake pockets when needed, strap canoes down with good ratchet straps.
have to move the tool box
put big rubbermaid type container in back to hold lifejackets, coolers, etc.
tip.. keep a big car wash sponge in canoe to sop up water.
tip2.. keep a role of duct tape for emergency repairs.

 

our trucks have no cut outs to put stakes in. they are not like the full size bed. if anything it would have to be mounted to the floor of the bed or drill holes in the railings of the bed

 

[sm=icon_ladiesman.gif]

 

"roll of ducttape for emergency repairs"


am i wrong or was ducttape the best invention ever

 

thanks for the input. Here's a pic of the rack that I fabricated for my 05 Ram. It has a rollbar look to it. My muffler shop told me that he should be able to get to the fabrication of one for my Dak in the next couple of weeks. I really liked this rack. I still have the larger rack (pictured) which will fit a fullsize bed (Dodge, Ford, etc.) if anyone is interested?



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