Diy Truck Bed Rails: Tips And Tricks For Building Your Own

My DIY Side Rail made from Eucalyptus wood and 2x2s Truck bed rails from www.pinterest.se

If you're looking to add some extra protection to your truck bed without breaking the bank, building your own bed rails might be the perfect solution. Not only can DIY bed rails be a cost-effective option, but they can also be customized to fit your specific truck and needs. Here are some tips and tricks for building your own DIY truck bed rails.

Materials Needed

Before you get started, you'll need to gather the necessary materials. Here's what you'll need:

1. Aluminum or Steel Tubing

Aluminum or steel tubing is the most common material used for DIY bed rails. Both materials are durable and can withstand heavy loads. However, aluminum is lighter and easier to work with, while steel is stronger and more resistant to damage.

2. Mounting Hardware

To attach your bed rails to your truck, you'll need some mounting hardware. This can include brackets, screws, and bolts. Make sure to choose hardware that is strong enough to hold the weight of your bed rails and any cargo you'll be hauling.

3. Tools

To build your bed rails, you'll need a few basic tools, including a saw, drill, measuring tape, and wrenches. You may also need a metal file to smooth out any rough edges.

Measuring and Cutting

Once you have your materials and tools, it's time to get started. The first step is to measure and cut your tubing to the desired length. To do this, measure the length of your truck bed and add a few inches for overhang. Then, use your saw to cut the tubing to the correct length.

Mounting the Bed Rails

Once your tubing is cut to size, it's time to mount the bed rails to your truck. This can be done in a variety of ways, depending on your specific truck and the type of mounting hardware you have. In general, you'll want to attach the brackets to the bed of your truck, and then attach the tubing to the brackets using screws or bolts.

Finishing Touches

Once your bed rails are securely mounted, you can add any finishing touches you'd like. This might include painting or powder-coating the rails to match your truck, adding rubber caps to the ends of the tubing to prevent scratching, or even adding some LED lights for extra visibility.

Conclusion

Building your own DIY truck bed rails can be a fun and rewarding project, and can save you a lot of money compared to buying pre-made rails. Just make sure to choose the right materials, measure carefully, and use strong mounting hardware to ensure your bed rails are safe and secure. With a little bit of effort, you can have custom bed rails that are both functional and stylish.