Hey guys, (and gals) I need some input on my next project...

Im in the photography business and for some reason im always finding myself wanting to get on top of the cab of my truck to get above something to take a picture yes, weird, I know... Anyways I thought, why not build something so I can do that, so here are my ideas...




I know the sketches are pretty rough but they are basically just platforms above the top of the truck to stand on. I'm thinking about using 1" 11 gauge square tubing to do most of the work. (because thats what I can weld the best with)
I like the top one the best, because it still gives me room to put bigger junk in the back of the truck, but im afraid it would hit the top of the cab if I stood on the front. It is based off of a headache rack. The bottom one is basically a ladder rack and I dont like it a whole lot because it wont allow me to put big stuff in the be of the truck, but it looks like it would be more sturdy...Anyone with any idea's or suggestions would be highly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!
Patrick

 

using the top design and a set of those rubber/neprene gungies they use to cushion canoes/boat/and other crap on top of an SUV?

 

I agree with the top model...use triangular gussets on the uprights to help strengthen the overhang.
If you use 1x1 tubing and space them right you should have no problem.

 

i like the top one also

you could make the perimeter out of 2" tube/bent... supported only in the back, it would hold 300+ pounds, go to an offroad shop that can bend tube/pipe... like a custom roll cage

 

Thanks for all the ideas! I like the custom roll cage idea, but I don't really want to mess with bending the pipe. I know where I can get a headache rack that has bedrails built into it, and I was thinking about just building onto that...keep the idea's coming! Thanks again!

 

You could go with a Thule or Yakima sport rack system and get the luggage cage for attaching to the cross bars. Its low profile and has a lot of attaching points for beacons, lights, antenna, etc. A 1/2" sheet of marine grade plywood and you could stand in it easily. I've seen a lot of SoCal desert trucks with similar set ups. They look good and can be easily removed/modified. Good luck!

 

How about a stepladder?

 

I hadn't thought about that! ...Stepladders take too much time (and room) to get out and unfold...in some of the work I do, I need to be able to jump out of my truck, and get up to a good vantage point quick, snap the shot, and then go again...also, this will give me a bunch of room to work with so I can customize it any way I want and do whatever! Plus this gives me some more room for luggage and stuff on long trips! I have some spare offroad lights im going to set up there also for some good lighting.
Here's how the end result should look, I hope:


Im going to try and use all 11 gauge steel. the platform will be made from 1x1 square tubing, and expanded sheet metal for the floor. the supports will be 1x2 (i think) square tubing, and the gussets will be sheet metal of whatever gauge i think will work. Im hoping to make it fit into the camper holes on the bedsides so i won't have to do any drilling on the bed. From the back, it will follow the same shape as a headache rack (i hope). By that I mean the sides will angle inward and follow the profile of the truck.
I thought about buying something pre-made, but that takes all the fun out of building it myself!
What do you all think??

 

kinda reminds me of the truck from twister