Guys, I'm gonna build me a high rack for my flatbed. My problem is I dont know what size metal to use(angle or square tubing or both). I want it to be as affordable as possible, but still sturdy. ANY INFO WILL HELP!

Questions you need to answer
1. how big, tall and wide are you wanting
2. how many people will be on it
3. how many people are going to be around to help load and unload

That's a start anyway

1. prolly 6 ft long, feet at cab height, as wide as the bed is
2. 2 adults, maybe a kid. (600lbs)
3. i want to be able to unload/load with two ppl.

It all depends on your bracing. 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 14ga sq tubing is your best and cheapest option.. Anything bigger and you get heavy and expensive.

I'd stick with primed sq tubing if you can

I used 1x1x11ga tube steel on the last one I built, it was pretty heavy duty, a lot more so than the ones you buy

If you brace it right you will probably be fine with heavy wall 1" square. But, make sure you put plenty of bracing. Otherwise I would go with 1 1/4

The one on the Beast we used 1" just fine



The one on Mr. Ugly we used 1" also

i got a price on some 1x1 14g.....$0.50 a foot. Will that size work.

Yep

high rack

one of the members (gogburn) on here has one for sale, might want to check it out

i would not go with 14ga i would go with at least 11ga. 14ga will not hold as long as the 11ga. vibrating around on the back of the truck will bust welds eventually on on the 14ga due to lack of penatratable surface. it may be a little heavy but worth it. the first one i built was out of 14ga, now i have an 11ga. mine is 6'x3'x37" tall and me and my little brother can load it by hand easily. i have even done it alone but its a chore