Truck inside camper shell rod carrier - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

45user · 06-23-2014, 08:26 AM

Hey BWE!
Anyone have a good system that they use to carry their fishing rods inside the camper shell?
I want to hang something inside the camper shell to carry my rods but don't want to drill a hole in my camper shell.
Anyone have good system/diy rack they want to share?
I looked rod loft pro and it looks good but have some negative reviews and pretty expensive.
Thank you in advance!
45

MrPatrick · 06-23-2014, 08:28 AM

Could you run some spring loaded closet/shower rods across the inside?

45user · 06-23-2014, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrPatrick

Could you run some spring loaded closet/shower rods across the inside?

I tried that and with the vibration it sometimes collapses..
I am hoping someone has a better idea on their truck
My truck has Leer shell

Widgeon · 06-23-2014, 09:49 AM

You could build something out of 1x material or plywood strips and make a pressure / wedge fit. Use uprights that rest on the lip of the bed and follow the contour of your shell to support a header. Then attach your rod holders to the header or make them integral. Could use some construction adhesive as backup

easyday · 06-23-2014, 10:02 AM

I boight one that is a strap system with loops built in and I use it on the inside of my SUV it works great.

fishingfool · 06-23-2014, 10:06 AM

Bass pro shops sells a pole that attaches to the sides. Have one in my pilot works great each pole is held in place with Velcro. Everyone can sit in the car with out getting hit with poles.
http://www.basspro.com/Rod-Saver-Veh...product/15989/

45user · 06-23-2014, 10:28 AM

I heard the strap ones kinda sags
But at $20 I may try that one
Any others have used something else? Or pic of their diy system to give me some idea?
Thank you all for your help!

45user · 06-24-2014, 07:13 AM

I found this on the internet and I think I'm going to try modify this idea a bit. I will need to find a thin hook to put this on inside the camper window.

45

IN2DEEP · 06-25-2014, 08:37 PM

I had the same dilemma when trying to come up with a rod rack for my camper shell.
I didn't want to drill any holes to mount an overhead rack and also didn't want to lose any head room in the shell since I sometimes sleep back there when camping.
I was planning on using the existing screws on the side window frames to mount some "gun rack" type holders to hold the rods.

In the end, I utilized the shell ledge and existing hold down bolts to store 3 rods on each side.
The hooks are bent aluminum.
The lower hook is a separate piece from the upper section. They are sandwiched together with the hold down bolt.
The rods are separated from rubbing each other and I used peel and stick felt on any surface that they might rub against.

I have a long bed(8') so this design works out. I can fit rods up to 8'
If you have a short bed, it might not work out too well
As previously mentioned, with a short bed truck, you will need a system to be able to pass the rods through a window.

Harbisgirl · 03-03-2021, 07:32 AM

IN2DEEP - I love this, its exactly what I was looking for. I want to mount our poles (2 on each side) along the rail because I need clearance along the roof.

You say that the hooks are bent aluminum - did you make these yourself? I'm hoping to purchase something somewhat ready-made since we just moved and all our tools are in storage so we can't fabricate anything right now.

Harbisgirl · 03-03-2021, 07:33 AM

And I just realized this thread is from 2014 so IN2DEEP probably won't see this. Oh well, maybe someone else will chime in LOL

Salty · 03-03-2021, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harbisgirl

And I just realized this thread is from 2014 so IN2DEEP probably won't see this. Oh well, maybe someone else will chime in LOL

I've looked in to a couple different options for my truck. I have a short bed
2016 Colorado. I don't have a camper shell, but I do have the large Yakima HD Overhaul Racks and I've though of different ways to utilize the T-rail system on the BOTTOM of the crossbars to mount something, just haven't had much time to actually do anything. But for you purposes, if you aren't able to fabricate something, these holders above reminded me of the holders used for pool-cleaning nets/poles. Maybe something like this would work for you? Might even be able to heat them up a little and bend them to shape to your truck better. Just a thought!

https://www.amazon.com/Aluminium-Swi...585364045&th=1

06-23-2014, 08:26 AM	#1
45user Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Posts: 576	Truck inside camper shell rod carrier Hey BWE! Anyone have a good system that they use to carry their fishing rods inside the camper shell? I want to hang something inside the camper shell to carry my rods but don't want to drill a hole in my camper shell. Anyone have good system/diy rack they want to share? I looked rod loft pro and it looks good but have some negative reviews and pretty expensive. Thank you in advance! 45

06-23-2014, 10:02 AM	#5
easyday Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Oceanside Posts: 1,469	I boight one that is a strap system with loops built in and I use it on the inside of my SUV it works great. __________________

06-25-2014, 08:37 PM	#9
IN2DEEP Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 82	I had the same dilemma when trying to come up with a rod rack for my camper shell. I didn't want to drill any holes to mount an overhead rack and also didn't want to lose any head room in the shell since I sometimes sleep back there when camping. I was planning on using the existing screws on the side window frames to mount some "gun rack" type holders to hold the rods. In the end, I utilized the shell ledge and existing hold down bolts to store 3 rods on each side. The hooks are bent aluminum. The lower hook is a separate piece from the upper section. They are sandwiched together with the hold down bolt. The rods are separated from rubbing each other and I used peel and stick felt on any surface that they might rub against. I have a long bed(8') so this design works out. I can fit rods up to 8' If you have a short bed, it might not work out too well As previously mentioned, with a short bed truck, you will need a system to be able to pass the rods through a window. __________________ Not as much of a Noob w/a PA12

06-23-2014, 08:28 AM	#2
MrPatrick Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Waiting to launch Posts: 1,381	Could you run some spring loaded closet/shower rods across the inside?

06-23-2014, 09:49 AM	#4
Widgeon Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Clairemont Posts: 175	You could build something out of 1x material or plywood strips and make a pressure / wedge fit. Use uprights that rest on the lip of the bed and follow the contour of your shell to support a header. Then attach your rod holders to the header or make them integral. Could use some construction adhesive as backup

06-23-2014, 10:06 AM	#6
fishingfool Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Crestline Posts: 37	Bass pro shops sells a pole that attaches to the sides. Have one in my pilot works great each pole is held in place with Velcro. Everyone can sit in the car with out getting hit with poles. http://www.basspro.com/Rod-Saver-Veh...product/15989/

06-23-2014, 10:28 AM	#7
45user Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Posts: 576	I heard the strap ones kinda sags But at $20 I may try that one Any others have used something else? Or pic of their diy system to give me some idea? Thank you all for your help!

06-24-2014, 07:13 AM	#8
45user Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Posts: 576	I found this on the internet and I think I'm going to try modify this idea a bit. I will need to find a thin hook to put this on inside the camper window. 45

03-03-2021, 07:32 AM	#10
Harbisgirl Junior Join Date: Mar 2021 Posts: 3	IN2DEEP - I love this, its exactly what I was looking for. I want to mount our poles (2 on each side) along the rail because I need clearance along the roof. You say that the hooks are bent aluminum - did you make these yourself? I'm hoping to purchase something somewhat ready-made since we just moved and all our tools are in storage so we can't fabricate anything right now.

03-03-2021, 07:33 AM	#11
Harbisgirl Junior Join Date: Mar 2021 Posts: 3	And I just realized this thread is from 2014 so IN2DEEP probably won't see this. Oh well, maybe someone else will chime in LOL