Rear deck build

[rruiz820]

So, I'm starting to look into adding a rear deck to our skoolie. I've taken into consideration what issues adding onto the back can cause, like big dips etc. I found a great video of a guy that did one using C-Channel beams, but I'm having trouble getting them. I'm curious if something like 2x6 wood would work. Or maybe a couple of stacked steel square tubes.

[Cheezewhiz]

We built our cargo rack with 1" square tube, but it's supported on both sides. Stacked tubes should be fine, but I'd for sure add gussets.

Our rack flexes noticeably (if you're paying attention) when walking at the edges, and it's about 2' from edge to support.

I don't see why 2x6's wouldn't work, but I'd worry about them degrading quickly. However, it would look cool as ****.

I'd start with pressure-treated lumber, do all bolt-through bracketed construction, and then paint on a thick layer of used motor oil. Then re-oil seasonally, in the summer. I would not paint- then it'd be real hard to see cracks

[rruiz820]

Originally Posted by Cheezewhiz

We built our cargo rack with 1" square tube, but it's supported on both sides. Stacked tubes should be fine, but I'd for sure add gussets.

Our rack flexes noticeably (if you're paying attention) when walking at the edges, and it's about 2' from edge to support.

I don't see why 2x6's wouldn't work, but I'd worry about them degrading quickly. However, it would look cool as ****.

I'd start with pressure-treated lumber, do all bolt-through bracketed construction, and then paint on a thick layer of used motor oil. Then re-oil seasonally, in the summer. I would not paint- then it'd be real hard to see cracks

Thanks for that info! We won't be doing a lot of walking on it tbh. We're actually converting to a food truck and want the deck for us to mount our generator and propane. Probably could've stated that from the start.

I may go with the square tubing stacked to extend out and then build the reset with treated 2x6's.