Thule Bed Rack for Hauling 4x8 Plywood Sheets

[dsmguy]

I just finished retrofitting a Thule Xsporter Pro bed rack on the lil subie truck for the purposes of future hauling of 4 x 8 plywood sheets (I don't think I will ever need to haul full 4 x 8 sheets of dry wall) and I think it turned out pretty nice. I based the idea off a fella on FB who used the same bed rack, except I decided I didn't want to drill into my baja's trim pieces, so I just mounted them on a frame comprised of 2 x 4s; and the 2 x 4s rest in the slots molded into the sides of the bed. Overall, it is fairly sturdy and I feel it will do the job to haul a few sheets just fine (although I wouldn't go crazy trying to haul a whole bunch of sheets at one time). I did a sanity test and did a few dips on it, and I weigh 175lbs-ish and the setup didn't budge at all, so I think this will definitely do the job. Also note that the stock 2 x 4 molded slots in the bed sides are supported by welded metal "structure" behind the behind the plastic, so this setup should hold up just fine for most DIYers hauling uses (again, I wouldn't go crazy hauling stuff with this though).

Link to the FB guy I based my setup on:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1455163 ... 455800152/

Link to the Thule bed rack. I bought mine used on FB marketplace for $130.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FSRNTT4?re ... F1Nig&th=1

Pros:
- It works, and I think looks nice.
- The wood frame where the Thule mounts on just sits in the 2x4 slots molded into the sides of the bed and secured down using only straps, so it is easily removable in minutes.
- Fairly easy to retrofit. The only fabrication work involved was drilling a bunch of 3/8" holes through the Thule rack setup and through some 2x4s for the 3/8"-16 nuts and bolts that hold everything together. All in, I drilled a total of (8) holes.
- The bed extender still works and is not impeded by the new rack.
- Cheap. Besides finding the rack system used, my only other costs were nuts, bolts, washers, and 2x4s from local hardware store.
- No need to permanently modify anything on the Baja itself.

Cons:
- Since the mounting frame is made of wood, it should be removed when not used since the wood will break down over time from weather. The benefit of installing it in the manner shown by the original FB guy would be better for someone who wants to permanently install this setup and never worry about removing it when done (but that alternate method includes alot more fabrication work).
- The setup eats somewhat into bed's normal storage capacity.