Bed Rails

04crewvt · Post by **04crewvt** » Thu Nov 24, 2005 5:03 am

So I have the zr-5 package with the factory bed rails and the instruction manual states they are for looks only

Anyone know of a set of bars that are better/more useful ore a way to beef up the factory bars ?

jeff024 · Post by **jeff024** » Thu Nov 24, 2005 5:21 am

BED RAILS

04crewvt · Post by **04crewvt** » Thu Nov 24, 2005 5:53 am

Ok Now How bout one in black. I'm not into ss/chrome on this truck but at least there are some out there.

Post by **HenryJ** » Thu Nov 24, 2005 6:27 am

How are you planning to reinforce the bed to withstand the forces when you have a sturdier bar?

04crewvt · Post by **04crewvt** » Thu Nov 24, 2005 6:30 am

Thats part of what I am trying to figure out I thougt of running a bar down the entire inside length and then bolting the rail on at multiple points like stock which would spread the load eveny across the entire length of the bed.

Post by **HenryJ** » Thu Nov 24, 2005 6:42 am

Rail protectors would help to reinforce the top for sure. I think you are going to be talking about a custom built system now though.
I have never seen very heavy duty rail protectors available. At least not for the short crew cab bed.

04crewvt · Post by **04crewvt** » Thu Nov 24, 2005 5:56 pm

Thats what I was afraid of. I just may have to have my machinist friend help me out and fab some up for me someday when I have the time and $