The stake pockets in pickup trucks vary from 1 1/4-by-2 inches to 1 1/2-by-2 1/2-inches. Knowing the dimensions of the stake pockets on your truck is vital to building a custom ladder rack. Cutting the posts to these dimensions means the ladder rack installs and removes easily. There is no need for screw clamps that can damage the top of the truck bed when installed. Add screw-in hooks on the rails of the ladder rack to carry extension cords and other similar items.
Get the dimensions of the stake pockets on the sides of the truck bed. Set the fence of the table saw on one of the measurements and rip 12 8-foot 2-by-4s on that setting. Reset the fence on the other measurement, rotate the lumber and rip the pieces again.
Cut the parts. Measure the distance from the top of the bed to the top of the cab. Add the depth of the stake pockets plus 12 inches to that measurement and cut four posts with the electric miter saw. Cut four crosspieces equal to the distance between the outside of two stake pockets opposite each other. Next, cut four rails equal to the length of the truck bed.
Mark the posts for the crosspieces. Stand the posts on one of their narrow sides on the worktable. Measure from one end of the posts, and make marks at 6 and 10 inches. Put the combination square on the marks and draw lines across the posts. Label the end from which you measured as the top of the posts.
Secure the crosspieces to the posts. Separate the posts according to the length of the crosspieces. Lay the crosspieces on the posts so that the wide side is facing up. Secure one on the top line with the deck screws and the other on the bottom line.
Attach the rails to the posts. Stand the post assemblies in the stake pockets on the truck. Lay the rails on one of their narrow sides on top of the crosspieces. Hold them against the posts and secure them with the deck screws.
