ZR2 Storage Hack: How about truck bed rail system?

[Jason_Overland]

Hey y’all,
So I’ve been lurking on these overlanding threads and recently found something that’s got me eyeing my truck’s messy cargo area… A basic modular rack system (attached below). It claims to let you add straps, hooks, tool organizers… basically build a custom storage setup over time. But as a newbie, I’m stuck on a few questions:

·Durability Test: Has anyone used these basic rails on rough terrain? 

·No-Weld Setup: It says you can mount it without drilling? My garage tools are beginner-level (screwdrivers, a drill, and hope). Any tips on DIY-friendly installation?

·First Add-Ons: If I start with the rails, what’s the must-have accessory to prioritize? 

[NavyVette]

Do you have a link for them?

[bbqjoe]

I did a custom install on mine with the same type of rail.  I prefer the rings with a double stud connection.  I plan on making a load bar for this.

 

[Jason_Overland]

11 hours ago, oldKarl said:

 

 

 

I saw these on YouTube— the link’s in the description for Amazon. Looks nice, give it a look when you got time. Appreciate it, man. 

Edited May 16, 2025 by Jason_Overland

[Jason_Overland]

Looks solid! You've already got a bunch of modular gear set up. Just one question — how durable is it? Excited to see what you do with the upgraded setup!

5 hours ago, bbqjoe said:

I did a custom install on mine with the same type of rail.  I prefer the rings with a double stud connection.  I plan on making a load bar for this.

 

 

 

Edited May 16, 2025 by Jason_Overland

[bbqjoe]

I have a custom piece of 1/4in steel that is bolted on the ends, then the track is bolted to the steel every 6in, except where the three plugs are on the sides, those are thru bolted from the track thru the steel and into the bed.  I haven't put a dyno on it, but I used them to tie down a 1400lb pallet of brisket and they held.

[bbqjoe]

3 hours ago, Jason_Overland said:

 

 

I saw these on YouTube— the link’s in the description for Amazon. Looks nice, give it a look when you got time. Appreciate it, man. 

I don't like that the track is two pieces, part of the strength is from it being one piece, and if you were to attach the strap between the brackets you could bend the track. It is real easy to over stress tie downs with ratchet straps.  I could probably damage or pull out those with just rope.  The track also looks thin on the top.

[Jason_Overland]

Still figuring out what weight capacity I need, but the 1,400 lbs rating you mentioned seriously impressed me. Where’d you get these rails? Also, do they require drilling into the truck bed for installation?

 

28 minutes ago, bbqjoe said:

我不喜欢轨道是两部分的，一部分的力量来自于它是一体的，如果你在括号之间连接皮带，你可以弯曲轨道。使用棘轮皮带很容易过度拉紧固定装置。我可能用绳子就能损坏或拉出那些。轨道在顶部看起来也很薄。

 

[bbqjoe]

Here is a 4ft track with fittings.

https://a.co/d/3aAsDyv

 

Here is one style of the double stud

https://a.co/d/3aAsDyv

 

Here is the other style ( use these)

https://a.co/d/hIBkbm1

 

I strongly suggest doing something similar to what I did to mount the track, I am not crazy about only using the three holes on the sides.

[Jason_Overland]

1. Purpose of the Black Plastic Strip Under the Rail：
   I noticed there's a long, black plastic strip installed underneath the rail in the image. What is its specific function? Is it for vibration damping, anti-slip purposes, or another application?

2. Solutions for Limited Hole Positions：
   My vehicle only has three existing hole positions. If I need to install more screws for mounting, would I have to perform additional drilling? Are there alternative methods to avoid damaging the original vehicle structure?

   On 5/17/2025 at 1:38 AM, bbqjoe said:

   Here is a 4ft track with fittings.

   https://a.co/d/3aAsDyv

    

   Here is one style of the double stud

   https://a.co/d/3aAsDyv

    

   Here is the other style ( use these)

   https://a.co/d/hIBkbm1

    

   I strongly suggest doing something similar to what I did to mount the track, I am not crazy about only using the three holes on the sides.

    

 

[bbqjoe]

The strip you are seeing is a piece of 3/16 x 2in w steel that has pieses welded on the ends that are bolted to existing square holes.  Each steel bracket is only mounted to the bed in 5 places, the three oval holes in the side of the bed and two square holes under the pockets.

[Jason_Overland]

5 hours ago, bbqjoe said:

The strip you are seeing is a piece of 3/16 x 2in w steel that has pieses welded on the ends that are bolted to existing square holes.  Each steel bracket is only mounted to the bed in 5 places, the three oval holes in the side of the bed and two square holes under the pockets.

It seems you've completely built your own rail system from scratch. That's truly impressive. However, I still prefer to purchase a ready-made product. I’ll try to contact the seller about upgraded versions of such products. Thanks all the same.

[Transient]

I'm just going to throw this out there to be different.  Have you considered MOLLE panels?  I know Putco makes some that are available through GM Accessories/your dealership, but I have no experience with them.  I got the ones from Valhalla Offroad.  I've had them on my truck for a few years.  They've survived a crossed country trip and several dirt road adventures.  No drilling for installing.  I have 2 of the Rotopax 1.75 gallon containers (2 gas cans on drivers side and 2 water cans on passenger side) hanging on each side.  The drivers side also has an ARB twin compressor with 50 feet of hose.  The passenger side has a 5# fire extinguisher.  Install method is by installing the mid-bed tie down hooks from GM Accessories and some hardware that comes with the MOLLE panels to help install under the top of the bed sides.  If you're going to have a tonneau cover it's possible this setup will work, but I'm not making any guarantees.  I'm just going to say that I did get it to work with my Retrax tonneau without any difficulty at all.  I'd even argue the Retrax tonneau install method helped make the MOLLE panels more secure.  I have installed the Rough Country trifold tonneau and WeatherTech tonneau on other trucks and think the MOLLE panels wouldn't affect them.  Iirc, the Valhalla Offroad MOLLE panels are cheaper than the GM Accessories MOLLE panels.  The Valhalla ones are very stable and durable, imo.

 

I'm not affiliated with Valhalla Offroad in any way besides being a satisfied customer. 

 

These pics are 2 years old, but they're the only ones I have.  Install is so easy a 6 year old can do it, lol.

 

https://valhallaoffroad.com/maps/vq4crf0ky2nl2v3pr76zk7kllitdj6

Edited May 24, 2025 by Transient

[bbqjoe]

On 5/23/2025 at 7:43 PM, Transient said:

I'm just going to throw this out there to be different.  Have you considered MOLLE panels?  I know Putco makes some that are available through GM Accessories/your dealership, but I have no experience with them.  I got the ones from Valhalla Offroad.  I've had them on my truck for a few years.  They've survived a crossed country trip and several dirt road adventures.  No drilling for installing.  I have 2 of the Rotopax 1.75 gallon containers (2 gas cans on drivers side and 2 water cans on passenger side) hanging on each side.  The drivers side also has an ARB twin compressor with 50 feet of hose.  The passenger side has a 5# fire extinguisher.  Install method is by installing the mid-bed tie down hooks from GM Accessories and some hardware that comes with the MOLLE panels to help install under the top of the bed sides.  If you're going to have a tonneau cover it's possible this setup will work, but I'm not making any guarantees.  I'm just going to say that I did get it to work with my Retrax tonneau without any difficulty at all.  I'd even argue the Retrax tonneau install method helped make the MOLLE panels more secure.  I have installed the Rough Country trifold tonneau and WeatherTech tonneau on other trucks and think the MOLLE panels wouldn't affect them.  Iirc, the Valhalla Offroad MOLLE panels are cheaper than the GM Accessories MOLLE panels.  The Valhalla ones are very stable and durable, imo.

 

I'm not affiliated with Valhalla Offroad in any way besides being a satisfied customer. 

 

These pics are 2 years old, but they're the only ones I have.  Install is so easy a 6 year old can do it, lol.

 

https://valhallaoffroad.com/maps/vq4crf0ky2nl2v3pr76zk7kllitdj6

Looks good, I haul some items that are 600- 1000lbs and felt that having something like this might not be secure enough, but they are a good easy solution.  What I did required custom fab knowledge and a welder.