Roof Rack & Bed Extender Mod by DeadRiver

**DeadRiver** · 08-12-2007, 10:54 AM

So... you've got the roof racks and you've got yourself a bed extender but you can't seem to use both at once effectively. I got to thinking: "well why not?" Since I got my ATV fixed up I had some time this Saturday to tinker, here's what I made:

at a glance it seemed like the bolt geometry on the overhead racks and extender were similar so I eyed it up:

a closer look:

sure i mocked it up on the wrong side but it seemed to work:

even had room for the tightening handles:

all you need are some basic hand tools & a drill. you probaby won't need to measure or use the drill hole guide, but since I hadn't found anyone that's done this I wanted to be sure it'd work:

here's how it ended up:

here is the hole i added to the stock extender brackets:

there is a minimal clearance issue that I'll have to address, but it's not bad, just needs a good pull:

this is a great mod for anyone that is in the same boat. i know a lot of you that have the extender and overhead racks. any questions please ask. i simply lock the tailgate to keep my items where they should be, in my truck. i was really surprised not to find this anywhere. It only took 2 hours, most of that was spent at Sears buying torx bits and a step drill bit. I will probably add some washers and get hex head bolts to really secure it but I just couldn't wait to share.

Tim

**bbomar** · 08-12-2007, 11:12 AM

Nice mod Tim!!!

I am sure it will help many!!!

**walleeme** · 08-12-2007, 01:24 PM

That is downright trick.

**DeadRiver** · 08-12-2007, 01:51 PM

thanks, i find it to be helpful.

now the question become whether or not to buy a second set of brackets for when the racks are off.. time will tell. i've also been looking at boxes for in the bed.. starting to have too much crap in the cab.

considering adding an armada roof rack, saw it in another thread, cool idea.

**loufish** · 08-12-2007, 02:54 PM

I saw the genuis of the Util-Trak right away, the only limit to it is is your imagination...As you can see in this thread, some of what can be done, and I have more projects for my Trak system in store...

Proper use of Uni-Trak system...

**DeadRiver** · 08-13-2007, 09:25 AM

yeah lou, i scoped out the bottle opener mod a while back... haven't figured out where to put mine yet.

still toying with a tool box idea, the small delta box:

i've also looked at that stock utilitrack box and for a way to mount that up with my ladder racks but i'm not sure it's possible. the delta box above is only 33" wide leaving plenty of clearance on the side for long items or gas cans. i'd like to get it in aluminum or black diamond plate.

any ideas, please share. i have tie downs and some hand tools, flash light, maybe some blankets to put in the chest. i don't want a huge one, but i also don't want to fill the box immediately.

**konigfritz** · 08-13-2007, 09:32 AM

very nicely done. I'm looking at getting the titan tool box and will probably have to do a similar thing.

**Blackbeauty** · 08-13-2007, 10:13 AM

You two would do well together, I believe.... Both of you typically show up at Titan meets with dirty trucks!!!

Nice job, Tim! That turned out well!

**DeadRiver** · 08-13-2007, 11:03 AM

haha thanks ed! i know i know, i should have washed it, but with all those blinin trucks i had to keep it real..... real dirty!

i was looking at pics of the titan box... i'm not sure what the clearance between the box and tracks are but it seems to be tight. i'd need at least a 1/2" on either side for the racks, then of course they taper, so would the lid open?

then final piece of the equation is that when my atv is loaded i'd either put the wheels up on the tool box or have it on the tailgate pushed against the bed extender, which is why i'm on the fence about the box...

54warrior · 08-13-2007, 11:38 AM

Nice mod. It's things like that that leave you scratching your head saying "Why in the hell didn't Nissan do it that way to begin with???"

Can the utilitrac system be added to a non utilitrac bed???

**DeadRiver** · 08-13-2007, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 54warrior

Nice mod. It's things like that that leave you scratching your head saying "Why in the hell didn't Nissan do it that way to begin with???"

Can the utilitrac system be added to a non utilitrac bed???

that's the exact thing i was thinking... why not? so i made it happen.. you have no idea how proud of myself i am *insert patting self on back emoticon (c'mon BB i bet you can find it)*

yes, it can be. it would seem that the "utility bed package" has a few things the non-uts don't, namely extra support for the brackets. there's a few threads on here about adding it to a non-utility bed.

**DeadRiver** · 08-13-2007, 04:22 PM

i fixed the clearance issue @ the adjustment knob. i simply loosened all the torx bits in the center of the extender and it fell into place.

**Blackbeauty** · 08-14-2007, 05:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeadRiver

that's the exact thing i was thinking... why not? so i made it happen.. you have no idea how proud of myself i am *insert patting self on back emoticon (c'mon BB i bet you can find it)*

How's this one? Name: butt-moon.gif
Views: 888
Size: 3.3 KB

Or maybe.... Name: clapping.gif
Views: 891
Size: 1.2 KB

Hmmmm..... Name: bluegrab.gif
Views: 888
Size: 9.5 KB

Or......

Name: bricks.gif
Views: 887
Size: 6.0 KB

Nope.... This is the one we need.... Name: gayfight.gif
Views: 898
Size: 15.8 KB

**DeadRiver** · 08-14-2007, 06:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blackbeauty

Nope.... This is the one we need.... Attachment 47276

is that you and sledge post meet?

**DeadRiver** · 04-08-2008, 10:42 AM

for anyone that may need a set I spoke with Bruce @ AMP Research about getting an additional set of sliding bed extender brackets:

AMP Research has them,

Titan Utilitrack Bed X-tender mounting bracket: sliding bracket
assemblies 10-2736L-92 ( Left ) / 10-2736R-92 ( Right ) $25.00 per side
plus shipping.

Eva
800-315-9697
949-221-4198

Eva bounced me around so I still have to place my order.....