thanks for the suggestions.
It seems steel tubing would be my best bet.
The only other thing I could think of (I know it probably sounds very redneck)... was taking a neck length of that 1-1/2" hose, slitting it and trimming off a bit so I can use it as a spacer, glob on some of that Hylomar HPF sealant, clamp her down with some heavy duty wide band clamps, and hope for the best.
I have the bed wood out so if anything I do does leak, it's easily accessible.
Any other suggestions? Also, feel free to tell me my cunning plan is a no no.