DIY Rod Rack for under Truck Topper - Welding Project

[captain belly]

I wanted a fishing rod rack for my topper, but I didn't want to drill any holes in it. I looked for products in stores and on-line and didn't find a thing.
So..... I came up with this idea. Welding is required, but maybe this will give someone an idea on design and use wood or PVC. Anyway......
The best part about this rack, is the fact that it is strong enough to use as a utility rack. I hang groceries, hunting gear, clothes, lantern, etc... on it. Love this thing. It's my 4th one that I built over the years (my friends wanted one in theirs too). Check it out!

 

https://youtu.be/32MS_l25OHU

[MOPanfisher]

Nice, better than the on I made many years ago.  I ended up modifying the reel handle section and used a short dropper loop to give it some sway/movement, but the bungee should take care of holding the rods in place.  Nice welding shop too, MUCH cleaner and nicer than mine.

 

[moguy1973]

Nice, but wouldn't work for my short 5 1/2' bed with my 7' rods

[Gavin]

Very nice! Could work with longer rods, even fly rods if you have a sliding rear window on your can.

[TRRANGER]

Really nice work and super neat rack.

 

[tjm]

Do you have any problem with the rings wearing against the rods? Or the rods sagging between the hook and ring?

Nice work and good presentation. Keep them up and out of the way.

[captain belly]

On 2/22/2018 at 6:48 PM, moguy1973 said:

Nice, but wouldn't work for my short 5 1/2' bed with my 7' rods

I should have shown my 7 footers in there.  I criss-cross them and it works great.  short rods in the middle and long rods diagonal.  

[captain belly]

11 hours ago, tjm said:

Do you have any problem with the rings wearing against the rods? Or the rods sagging between the hook and ring?

Nice work and good presentation. Keep them up and out of the way.

I've never had any issues with rod tip wear.  I imagine if a fellow actually 'stored' these on this rack it might happen over time, but just transporting them has worked for years without issues.  If there's any worry, you could felt the rings or rubber coat them.  As far as sagging.... I have 1 long ultra-light that will sag, so I just put it in first diagonally then it rests on the rods underneath it.   One good thing about securing this rack with topper clamps is the fact that you can adjust the span between the bows.  That would help cater to the more slow action rods if the span was brought in.   My long rods have to go in diagonally anyway because my truck bed is short.  My catfish rods and saltwater rods break-down, so that's how they fit in straight.   Hope this helps.