Hope everyone's season is going well. Mine unfortunately hasn't started (Dad passed earlier this month so talk about a crazy schedule). However this season I will have a problem that is good to have: I will be having a fishing partner/student but I won't have space to put the rods. Can't be the bed, I refuse to trust the ones for the bumper so it has to be my smooth truck roof.

Too many of these on the market, I don't know anything about installing them or where to even look (I only take 2 rods with me, 3 max but that would only be for fluke).

Any recommendations? The price range is insane. Nothing fancy, just to get the job done and keep the equipment secure for highway driving as well as the beach. Much obliged and happy belated memorial day to all.

P.S. - Unrelated news, a local boat caught a 15 lb fluke while another caught a 30 inch weakfish!!!!!!

sorry for your loss

I use the rod vault it and works great for the roof rack and keeping your rods and reels locked up for those times when you want to run into a store or something.

Zeal, sorry for your loss

Like this
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Fits in bed of truck up against cab then in cab

Thanks Wayne, he put me on to this

Guppy, I don't think I can make that or really use the bed, I have a soft cover and it really doesn't secure

search for a ski rack on craigslist. work great

Rodmounts Sumo suction 150.00 done.

I got mine on sale a few years back at the RackWarehouse webpage.
I use ski/snowboard racks which work great.

http://www.rackwarehouse.com/thule-rack-products.html

DZ

Forgive my ignorance but if I were to get ski or snowboard racks, do I need to buy and install the cross bars separately and then attach the ski racks on to them? Or they are all one piece?
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you would need to the get the cross bars separately

We built one like Guppy's but in wood and attached a ski rack to the top cross member. The racks lock. Been using it for three years with no problems.

I got mine on sale a few years back at the RackWarehouse webpage.
I use ski/snowboard racks which work great.

http://www.rackwarehouse.com/thule-rack-products.html

DZ

Ditto. I have had a set of Yakama ski racks and I'm embarrassed to say for how long but they work great and are lockable.

Thanks for all the input guys. Turns out there are no crossbars for my truck model after I went to see a local kayak dealer (nothing will fit in the door to keep them secure).

I'm going to have to use the bed, however, I can't use the frame since I have a soft cover. If I install the bars on the bed, I'll never be able to cover the back of my truck.

How did you make and secure the PVC pipe holders in the bed Guppy?

Bob, won't the wood rot out eventually?

Thanks for all the input guys. Turns out there are no crossbars for my truck model after I went to see a local kayak dealer (nothing will fit in the door to keep them secure).

I'm going to have to use the bed, however, I can't use the frame since I have a soft cover. If I install the bars on the bed, I'll never be able to cover the back of my truck.

How did you make and secure the PVC pipe holders in the bed Guppy?

Bob, won't the wood rot out eventually?

Gravity,,, jumps around a little but nothing to worry about so far

Not familiar with those soft tops but how about a short pcs pipe insul on the rod ends and close the top.... Guessing Gup :-)

I like the idea guppy, are there any blueprints on how to make that or you just winged it? I don't trust gravity that much but I'm sure I can figure something out
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Zeal. I guess it will rot after many years. We used pressure treated 2x4 for the runners and 1x4 to hold the ski racks. Costs about $20 for the wood and screws. Had the racks from a real heavy one we built which was to heavy to move around.

http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/hh566/solomon32023/IMG_20160615_123721_zpsiuebnig6.jpg

2x6 some l brackets some ss deck screws because that's what I had on hand and pvc. Done. slides in the slot in the bed. Surf Tuna Whatevah rods no worries
sol...

Does your truck have a sliding rear window?

I used a piece of stiff foam about 3 " wide and as tall as my window opening, cut 2 grooves in it to match my window. I drilled three holes in it to match my rods and cut a horizontal slot to the holes so I could slide and snap the rods in (with line on them too). I put the foam in the open slider, then put the rods into the holes with the butts on my dashboard (reels on). I then close the slider into the slot cut in the foam. I them cut a piece of wood the width of the track that the slider fits in- in my case 1/2" - and long enough to stop the sllder from being opened. Lock the cab and it's all inside, un-takeable

I'll take pictures of mine..kind of like guppy's but I can close the soft top if I want ... they can handle 6- 8' rods if I want to close the tail gate or top.. I leave the tail gate down for surf rods and fly rods...

they are free standing PVC and fit against the head board around and "action packer" type dry box I keep my boots and rain gear in

I went out and took these with my phone....not the best pictures but you can think about it..

I used 1 1/2" sch.40 PVC... I wanted the truck bed to be open and the rods to tuck into the sides over the wheel wells... I used 22.5 elbows for instead of 45 ells to keep the rod profile low...

Tees with street ells provide the turn for the middle holder... the 4 "outriggers" leading forward keep the stand from tipping... be sure to drill a few drain holes in the bottom cross tube for drainage.. end caps and a little black Krylon paint finish the rack...

before you glue.. test fit all pieces to be sure they are pointing where you want.. make a line across each one with marker so you can align properly when you glue,.. I think I spent less than $30 including paint and about an hours time... it is light can come out and even makes a good rod holder on the beach...

Nice rack
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