BJ74 EXO/Boat Rack

[Cruisin']

I'm doing a project for a guy who wanted to be able to put his 12' aluminum fishing boat on the roof to access small fishing lakes instead of dragging it around on a trailer. We didn't want to have a rack relying only on the roof gutters, so its going to be a full length rack mounted to the rear bumper and sliders. The build consists of a rear bumper with built in hitch, sliders, and a bolted-on rack with tubes going to the lower armour. The rack will have some clips at the front to hold the boat in position, and a roller or slide at the rear for loading. Its going to have a full mesh floor (about 10,000 tie down points!).

First was removal of the stock running boards and rear bumper. The existing hitch was welded (very poorly!) to the frame.

 

[Cruisin']

Got the rear bumper mounted up, and the sliders on. The sliders are a 2" x 3" main rail, with 1.75" OD x 0.120" wall DOM tube. I was able to use two of the existing holes in the rear cross member to bolt on the bumper as well as two underneath and 3 at each end. This thing is solid.

 

[Cruisin']

For the rack and tube work I'm using a mix of ERW and DOM tube. All 1.75"OD x 0.120" wall. The upper rack is ERW, and some of the other tubing to be added later like ladder rungs. The main uprights are DOM, as its stronger, and stiffer. You can actually feel the difference when bending it, the DOM is harder to bend given the same size and wall thickness. Its bolted on with 7/16" NF GR8 bolts. So far I have the mid bar and the rear hoop bent up and tacked into place. Tomorrow I'll get the cowl bar and front uprights on, and the built-in ladder on.

 

[Cruisin']

A totally unrelated project... I recently finished a front bumper for a BJ70. Simple but effective. Just like a 70!

 

[Phil in BC]

Looking awesome Jason!!!!!

 

[Phil in BC]

That front bumper looks great too. Next years project.......

 

[ForealBoreal]

Cool
I am curious to see the finished product
I might have a few questions for you

 

[Cruisin']

Made some good progress today. The rack is all tacked together. Ready for finish welding, and all the finishing touches like extra gussets, slide for mounting the boat, tie down points etc.

The ladder up the side worked out well. I'm going to add something to the rungs to make for a better step (I'll post pics when its done, easier than trying to explain what I have in mind). The cowl bar comes off the front, and the rest of the rack unbolts and goes off the rear. Its already pretty rigid, and that's with the bolts finger tight and the welds all only half there or less. It will be nice and solid once its all buttoned up.

On to the pics!

 

[Cruisin']

Couple more...

 

[Phil in BC]

SWEET!!!
Not only will it look really good once the boats on top, but I'll be able to get into all those lakes I've been want to fish for years, and not be in the belly-boat. Bring on springtime!!!!

 

[Phil in BC]

That horizontal bar will be perfect for hanging a camping table. Work great for the stove and such.

 

[fossilcruiser]

A totally unrelated project... I recently finished a front bumper for a BJ70. Simple but effective. Just like a 70!

Nice What size tires? And are those the stock 15" rims?

Sent from my iPad using IH8MUD

 

[1985bj70]

Nice What size tires? And are those the stock 15" rims?

Sent from my iPad using IH8MUD

That is my truck, 31x10.5-15 Duratracs on 15x8 rockcrawler rims (Keystones). Jason did a killer job on the front bumper for my truck, it is definitely the nicest thing on the truck Awesome guy to deal with too, highly recommended. And for Phil in BC, I am in Kamloops/Chase on a regular basis. PM me if you want to have a look at the front bumper in person the next time I am headed up.

 

[coldtaco]

I really like the front bumper

 

[MANUCHAO]

That looks awesome...!!!

 

[Phil in BC]

I've already talked to Jason about replacing the front bumper as well, but thats next winters project. I wouldnt mind having a look at your bumper next time your through this way.

 

[1985bj70]

Sounds good.

 

[Cruisin']

Finished!

I got the rack done, and its all powder coated and bolted up. I had everything sand blasted, then powder coated with a zinc primer and semi-gloss top coat. This makes for a very durable finish, and it looks great too!

All the parts bolt on, using factory holes in the frame, or in the case of the sliders a bracket that wraps the frame, then uses a pinch-bolt at the top to secure them. The hardware holding the rack to the bumper and sliders is all 7/16" NF GR8 bolts.

First pic: Bumper
Second pic: Sliders
Third Pic: The whole rack

 

[Cruisin']

I Put on a pulley wheel at the front of the rack so Phil can use the winch to pull the boat onto the rack. When its in for the front bumper next winter I'll be doing the same on the top bar of the bumper.

On the ladder I added some 1/2" round bar to increase the area of the step. This makes the steps way more functional.

Boat slides at the rear are 1/2" thick UHMW plastic. The boat will slide nicely on this, and its very resistant to stuff rubbing on it.

At the front there are tabs which will capture the gunnel of the boat, so with a tie-down at the rear holding it forward and down and you're done!

 

[Phil in BC]

Nice work Jason, thanks a lot. Can hardly wait to pick it up and get fishing. Ice is just starting to come off the lakes now, so great timing!!