roof rack questions

[mattc113]

im gonna add a roof rack to my B2, so here's the question, better to buy one or build one? i can find racks for around $150-$200 online+shipping. how much in materials to build one? what materials and measurements did you use? how did you mount it? if drip rails, where did you get the hardware? if on the factory roof bars, how much does it support?

i do have the skills and tools to build one, but i want it to last, so im covering my bases.

 

[brinker88]

If you can find a Yakima rack, dont bother building one. I love these things.

 

[mattc113]

mounted to the drip rails? what kit did you use?

 

[brinker88]

Q-tower kit with the crossbars and Q-25 clips for my extended cab ranger. On a BII, you might have to get creative or use the exhisting crossbars. Should work nice.

 

[whocares]

im gonna add a roof rack to my B2, so here's the question, better to buy one or build one? i can find racks for around $150-$200 online+shipping. how much in materials to build one? what materials and measurements did you use? how did you mount it? if drip rails, where did you get the hardware? if on the factory roof bars, how much does it support?

i do have the skills and tools to build one, but i want it to last, so im covering my bases.

Check out this link.
http://pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=912185

I did this as well and it works perfectly. I used some thule gutter mounts and crossbars.

 

[4.0B2]

Personally I HATE drip rail mounts.
I would do an explorer luggage rack mount. The bars that run front to rear; and make your roof basket slide in those rails. That way; if you ever do wanna remove it all you gotta do is slide it out.

Look at a 1st gen explorers luggage rack with the cross bars. Look how those cross bars slide into the rails that go front to rear. Make your basket slide in that and use the explorer's twist locks to hold it on.

Will look tons better than that drip rail mount crap.

 

[mattc113]

whats the best way to run wires from a roof rack? you know, from lights. i really dont want to have to drill through the roof. 89 B2

 

[4.0B2]

whats the best way to run wires from a roof rack? you know, from lights. i really dont want to have to drill through the roof. 89 B2

without drilling the roof, my theory won't work for mounting the rack either...

without drilling there is no "best" method. probably running in the liftgate and down the inside... idk...

 

[mattc113]

well, as far as mounting the rack to the roof, i was either going to mount it to the factory cross bars or, when you take off the factory crossbars, you are left with just the tracks with the empty sliders...maybe just bolt the roof rack to the sliders? think it will work? and how did you seal the hole after running the wires? just silicone?

 

[4.0B2]

silicone no... i used a rubber grommet, put an X in it just big enough for the wires and then used a clear windshield sealant. its not silicone. silicone will flex, dry, and not stay sealed sometimes...sometimes it works great. this stuff i use stays flexible sorta.


if you have a factory luggage rack.
like

then i'd custom fab some "feet" on the basket rack to SLIDE in the bars going front to rear and then use the stock twist locks to secure it in place. then all you gotta do is wire it.

 

[unoleisu]

I made mine myself because I'm too cheap to buy what I really wanted, and mounted to the eddie bauer roof rack sliders. I don't know the full weight capacity, but I've hauled a spare tire regularly (until I made a rear bumper mounted swing rack) plus alot of camping gear.
I used perferated "L" channel steel, because I wanted to be able to position bungies anywhere I needed them.

 

[unoleisu]

my rack