I need to make a headache/ ladder rack for the 250.
I really don't want a permanent ladder rack system like most contractors have, although I am a contractor. I just don't need it everyday.
I would like to make the headache rack permanent but the back ladder hoop removable. I also really like how they ran the tubing down the bedrails in this picture I found on the net.
Might put cargo lights in it, but no brake lights.
I pretty much know what I want to build, I was looking for thoughts, input, or regrets.
Can't post attachments, so I added pics to my gallery
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/a...p?albumid=2157
Thanks
Trenter

 

I don't have a pic, but I had mine custom fabed. 2" round stockand only as high as the roof, doesn't stick up past the roof. The mounting plates that sit on the rail are exactly as long as my tool box so no gaps. Powder coated black and put spray on bed liner on the top contact points to preserve the powder coating. Things I would change: The side parts on the rack stick up past the horizontal bare a few inches, but I never use them and would prefer to have them flush with the horizontal bar. I just load everything in the middle and tie down with ropes to both sides. Make sense? Also, since I made the rack flush with the roof, I have to be careful about hitting the roof. I don't have a rear support, just load on the tail gate. Gives me enough angle to miss the roof, but if you you're not careful and lift the tailgate end too high, you can catch the roof. But it sure does look clean not sticking up past the roof line. Was never a fan of the style you have linked, but I can see how they would be useful. I just wanted something clean and a little different than the rest that would serve it's purpose. And that it has done! I'd get you a pic, but she's in the shop right now.

 

I always thought the upright bars being higher than the top bar was ugly but necessary. I suppose they could be eliminated with proper lashing of whatever you put up there. Could always make a pocket for removable ones.
I like the steel mesh over the louvered type if thats what you mean.
I really like the tie down hoops on the side rails.
Thought that black or red rubber pipe gasket material would make a good cushion between rack and paint without being too flexible after bolting.

I hope your truck isn't in for major repairs!

 

I am afraid that this is the best picture I have of mine. I will try to post a better pick tomorrow.

 

Looks good, is it stainless? That might blow the budget!
does it whistle at highway speeds?

 

I thought they were necessary too, but it turns out not so. I came from having a lumber rack on my f150, so this was my first headache rack. I just have tie down hooks on both sides and lash from both directions with rope and a ratchet strap over the top on the tailgate end and never a problem. The first couple of times I loaded it up and put the loads on either side of the rack, but when securing the tail end it would pull the load sideways and look funny. Plus with the double lashing on one load in the middle, it holds much stronger and I've never had anything move. What I really wanted to do originally was find someone that could bend a single piece of round stock to match the contour of the truck. Thought that would be slick, but couldn't find anyone that could/would do it.

I don't have any type of mesh on mine, just the rack itself. I didn't need it for window protection and the mesh lends no structural value, so I skipped it for that clean look. I was referring to the whole rail set up like Summit has above. No offense, tons of function, just not my style.

Unfortunately she's in for head gaskets Should be done tomorrow, just in time for a 2500 mi. trip to Wyoming and back pulling our 6000# travel trailer. Talk about testing things out right of huh? Fingers crossed we don't get stranded somewhere along the way. I guess that's all part of the adventure right?!

 

Aluminium, but the same thing is offered in steel as well.

It is not too common for me to pack long ladders/lumber/steel, but it does happen and this is easy to tie too. Most of my hauling fits inside the bed, or goes on trailers (horse, boat, flatdeck).

 

 

Nice. Is that a Ranch Hand?

 

Yup, It's one of the earlier Ranch Hand models. They now make them with oval style lights that are slanted.

 

I want one just like what Mike has, but without the louvers. I just want it for looks with a little added light. I hardly haul anything in the bed. That's what the trailer are for.

 

I wish I would've seen this thread sooner. Trenter, your pics are below. I have a Back Rack headache rack which most people are probably familiar with.

 

Thought so! Looks good. I think I prefer that style to the newer oval-slant style.

 

Thanks for posting those pics, and let me be clear, that aint my truck.
I just liked her rack!
I'm mostly about function. I would never try to tell all you guys that your stuff doesn't look good, because all I've seen looks bad a$$.
I suppose what I want to know is the stupid little things that **** you off ,or the one thing you can't do without, about the rack that you built or had installed and have to deal with everyday.
I plan on taking a good 3 days and building my own from scratch in the near future.
I think I know what I want, (see pics) but I was looking for some advice.

 

That rack in those pics is nice. I only wish that I had the fabrication skills to build, well, anything. Good luck.