Developing a new cargo managment prototype...any feedback?

blueblur1984

New member
I was thinking of doing a cargo box for the back of the t4r but I still want to keep my tie down points in case I need to strap something down. I was looking through some of the supplies at the CNC shop I work for part time and think I've found a pretty slick solution if I do say so myself. :naughty:

We sell something called a T-slot table which helps our customers bolt down their machine and the material they're working with in a precise manner. The extruded aluminum will hold a bolt head or square nut in place by tightening down the bolt/torquing the nut. It seems plenty sturdy (I'll post as I run tests) and the best part is the bolt can be slid back and forth and torqued down where you need it to sit. They are affixed with relatively small bolts, but I think with a fender washer, a backing plate and making the bolt holes every 2-3" it should be plenty sturdy.

I was thinking a set of 4, 3" segments would give me plenty of places to mount to, but the T-Slot channel comes in 10' lenghts so it can really be used on pick up trucks, roof racks, flat bed trailers...just about anywhere you need adjustable cargo mounts. The I bolt pictured doesn't require any tools. Just tighten the bolt down to lock, loosen to slide. I'm thinking it could probably be used to make your bolt on accessory lights moveable as well?

Now to the point; any questions or recommendations to improve the design are encouraged. Making these in small quantities is fairly expensive so would anyone else out there be interested so I can buy materials in bulk? I figure a set of 2, 3" long mounting points would cost about $15 in materials. I can get quotes on custom pieces, but I figure $80ish for a pair of 3ft long rails with 4 pieces of mounting hardware, and for the truck guys maybe $120 for a pair of 6ft long with 6 pieces of mounting hardware? I should be able to get a 5-10% price brake after ordering 20ft of material but the hardware is still retail :/
 

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You are definitely on to something! I like the rail system my Tacoma and my Tundra had, this is something along those lines where you can move the mounting point to fit your need. How do you plan to mount the rail system to the top of your cargo box?
 
You are definitely on to something! I like the rail system my Tacoma and my Tundra had, this is something along those lines where you can move the mounting point to fit your need. How do you plan to mount the rail system to the top of your cargo box?

Well I haven't built the box yetso I'll cross that bridge when I come to it. I figure intall it with bolts long enough to go through the board I make the box out of and make a backing plate for it. Maybe even make a frame out of 2x4 and run the a rack the length of the cab so I can suspend a cargo net across the entire back? Good to keep stuff in if the windows are open...use it as a makeshift hammock when my wife figures out how much I'm spending on the truck and kicks me out of the house?
 
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Ive used stuff from these guys a fair bit....

80/20® Inc. - The Industrial Erector Set®

You can find it all on Ebay as well.

I've seen these guys before and we used to use their framing too. Still do on certain projects, but the stuff we have now is a little more purpose built for our machinery tables. I definitely agree on ebay...that's where we got our start selling our products world wide for people's cnc needs :thumb:
 
It's been slow going since I've been busy at the full time job, but I finally got a few more hours to work on it this week. I've taken a couple of 2ft long sections, drilled them out and filed them down to do a demo on monday (more photos and hopefully a video) to follow.

In the mean time I made an end cap out balsa wood, made a silicon mold and have made a few to give it a more finished look. Pretty excited about getting this rolling, but again I'm looking for any feedback I can get while I'm piecing this together.
 

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Here I thought I had an original idea. The concept is the same, but the big difference would be the strength and customization. I build each one by hand so I can make this any specified length 10ft or under. Also because the rail is the same beginning to end you can put the eye bolt anywhere you want down to the milimeter instead of pre determined cut outs.

I'm hoping to have a video up by tomorrow showing a tensile strength and dial in exactly what it would cost to put one of these together. It's pretty labor intensive making the end caps and drilling the rails out the little shop we use so there's no way I'll be able to beat the price, but for heavy duty or custom applications I still think I'll be able to offer up a good value.
 
Do you have any pics of them in use on your vehicle?

I want to make sure it works like I hope before committing to installing them anywhere. I'm actually leaning towards welding up a safari basket and bolting them to that, but I'll be happy to throw up some IRL applications as they come around.

Heading back to the shop in about an hour. I should have a video loaded before dinner time if anyone is curious to see it in action.
 
Ive used stuff from these guys a fair bit....

80/20® Inc. - The Industrial Erector Set®

You can find it all on Ebay as well.

I was thinking it was like 8020 too (my company gets it from McMaster). Though what's nice about what he has is it's extruded in only one direction, not on all four faces like 8020. Makes it a bit simpler and nicer looking in my opinion.

Good luck with it, it's a simple and modular design and I think a lot of people could benefit from it.
 
I was thinking it was like 8020 too (my company gets it from McMaster). Though what's nice about what he has is it's extruded in only one direction, not on all four faces like 8020. Makes it a bit simpler and nicer looking in my opinion.

Good luck with it, it's a simple and modular design and I think a lot of people could benefit from it.

Thanks for the positive feedback!

So here's that video I mentioned earlier. I tried suspending 7 gallons of water from a single bolt (7 X 8.35lbs per gal = approx 58.45 lbs) and swinging it about. It seemed to stand up without a problem but I don't think I torqued the bolt all the way down. I'm planning on setting up a scenario where I can suspend the bar higher up and test with more weight. I'll post my findings.

CargoRailVideo - YouTube
 
I have seen these things on a few different vehicles, work really well and hold extremely well. No turning/tightening/loosening. They are spring actuated. I plan on getting a set at some point for myself once I get a tire carrier installed and out of the back of my rig.
Cargo Tie Down Rails & Stud Rings

This is a simlar system on a bed plate for a FJ by TRDparts4U & Baertrax (local offroad shop):
Baertrax Modular Cargo Mounting System for FJ BAER-MCMS

That modular cargo system, does it bolt in or just held in place by gravity? I dig the idea but it's tough to find stuff like that for a 3rd gen.
 
That modular cargo system, does it bolt in or just held in place by gravity? I dig the idea but it's tough to find stuff like that for a 3rd gen.

The system bolts down using the existing D-ring - mounting points in the back of the FJ. Pretty slick system. From what I heard they currently are working on some for the 4th gen and 80's series LC. Im going to try to get them to build one for mine once i get my rear bumper on and my spare tire out of the truck.
 
I suppose re-creating it out of fiberglassed particle board would be pretty easy, strong, lighter and a HECK of a lot less money. I especially like that it's removeable. I think I found my next project :naughty:
 
Another successful test! I just bolted the cargo rail upside on two storage racks I have in the garage and was able to successfully suspend myself from ONE BOLT! I'll have another video up once my wife gets off work, but I dare any competitor to try hanging a 250 lb man from their cargo rail!:rockon:
 
Ok, here is the new video. I also decided to stop waffling and just move forward ordering the aluminum. I made the largest order I could to keep the price down and posted it for sale on ebay. I'm willing to take orders directly at a lower price so if you or anybody you know might want this product don't hesitate to send me a PM! Suggestions are always welcome as I am always looking to improve the design.

20130822 181907 - YouTube

blueblur1984 | eBay
 
Well it's getting a slow start, but had my first buyer (other than myself of course). Here's some pictures.
 

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