Looking for a lumber rack or a "Rack-it" for my truck

Hey guys, I'm looking for a lumber rack for my 1996 Ford Ranger (Short bed, regular cab) The bed length is 72" long and the width is 54 1/4 inches wide. Looking to put something on so that I can carry my Kayak on. I would like to have one of those "Rack-it" racks. They have the angel iron rail that fit's inside of the bed. Right now I drive my F250 and that gets kinda expensive for the diesel. You can post up if you have something, or send a personal email through NCKA 

Rory,
  I found my rack-it at the camper shell dealer.  They had a few used ones that people took off their trucks when they bought camper shells.  I got it for about 1/2 price.  It was gently used.
They seem to be going for about 200 used on craigslist.
Greg

Hey Rory,

I'm actually going to get rid of mine - I don't' have the measurements yet but my lumber rack fits my 2000 Toyota Tacoma BUT it extends further out to the sides to accommodate my shell. Let me know if you are still interested and we can talk about the price.

Thanks, Mooch. Don't have a camper shell at this time and don't really want to get one. With the 4 banger engine in it, it barely makes it around town. And I really like the gas mileage I get with it. Will keep looking around, Thanks

I made this rack for my 94 Ranger out of galvanized pipe.  I bought the plans on ebay for $5 and total cost was around $170.  It has worked out great and I have transported multiple kayaks at once as well as a bunch of other stuff.  I'll see if I still have a copy of the plans if you are interested or maybe you can find them on ebay.

If you have the instructions, That would be "Great" Looks simple to build and very well put together. Just want something light to haul the yak. Let me know if you have them. Thanks!!! I also noticed that we have the same yak, COOOOOOOOL

Rory,

I searched my computer last night, but I must have deleted the plans...sorry.  Here is a link to ebay seller I bought them from.  Looks like his price has gone up.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Truck-Ladder-Rack-Build-It-yourself-plans-No-welding_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ6763QQihZ004QQitemZ140208150075QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

If the link doesn't work, search 'truck rack plans' and it should be the first result.  The seller is bcaine9.

Nomad, thanks for the link. 

If you do opt to go this route, there is one minor alteration needed.  The rack is 'clamped' to the bed rail by using two pieces of angle iron.  On my truck, I couldn't use the entire length of the angle iron to clamp the forward part of the rack.  I think he designed the rack for a Toyota.  On Fords (or '94 Fords anyway) the straight edge of the bed rail is blocked by the bed stake cavities, so I had to cut several inches off of the angle iron.  Just make sure you get as much of that angle iron on there as possible. 

This probably won't make any sense until when and if you start putting it together, but I hope it helps.

I just ordered the plans. Will understand it all later.  Thanks for the idea and the link 

Joel,

I plan to order a camper shell for my Dodge Dakota next week. I am considering going the rack route you went vs another yakima rack. Let's talk more. If your setup fits, I would be willing to take it off your hands. Possible swap opportunities... You going yakima?

Let me know.

Joey

Hey Rory,

I'm actually going to get rid of mine - I don't' have the measurements yet but my lumber rack fits my 2000 Toyota Tacoma BUT it extends further out to the sides to accommodate my shell. Let me know if you are still interested and we can talk about the price.

Hey Joel,

I know I asked you about your Rack-it last week, but if someone else buys it before we cross paths, no problem, of course.  I can always find another.  Just letting you know.  -Matt

Sorry Joey, but Matt did send me a PM about the lumber rack earlier.

Matt, I won't be able to swing by the Mendocino area anytime soon but I can hold the rack for you in the mean time.

Mooch, If Joey really wants the Rack-it, it's really okay by me.  No biggy!  Up to you, 'cause we may not cross paths for a long time.  Elk in August maybe.    -Matt