How to Make Your Own Pickup Truck Rack From Wood
- 1). Measure the distance from the floor of the bed to the top of the cab and add 12 inches. Cut four pieces from the 2-by-4 lumber to this length with the electric miter saw and label them as posts. Measure the distance between the sides of the bed at the top. Cut four 2-by-4 studs at that measurement and label them as cross members.
- 2). Take the measurement from the top of the bed behind the cab to the inside of the tailgate. Add 12 inches and cut two 2-by-4s and then subtract 3 inches and cut two more. Label the first two as the top rails and the other two as the bottom rails.
- 3). Put two of the posts on a worktable with a 3 1/2 inch side facing up. Label one end as the top of the posts. Measure from the tops of the posts and make a mark at 3 1/2 inches. Place a cross member on the post so a 3 1/2 inch side of the cross member is against the 3 1/2 inch side of the posts.
- 4). Adjust the posts so they are flush with the ends of the cross member. Adjust the cross member so it is on the marks made at 3 1/2 inches on the posts. Secure the cross member to the posts with the 2 1/2 inch deck screws. This is the top of the rack. Repeat this with the other post and cross member.
- 5). Make a mark from the bottom of the posts that is equal to the distance from the floor of the bed to the top of the wheel wells. Secure the remaining cross members on these marks as you did the others. Stand the post assemblies upright.
- 6). Place a 1 1/2-inch side of one of the bottom rails on top of the bottom cross member so the end of bottom rail butts the 3 1/2-inch side of the post. Make the 3 1/2-inch side of the bottom rail even with the outside edge of the post and secure it to the post with 3 inch deck screws. Repeat this with the remaining bottom rail.
- 7). Set the top rails on top of the top cross members so a 3 1/2 inch side of the rail is against the 1 1/2-inch side of the posts. Allow 12 inches of the rail to hang past one of the post assemblies and secure it to the post with 3 inch deck screws. Make the other end of the top rail flush with the 3 1/2 inch side of the post and secure it in the same manner.
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