Just got done with my Prototype rain rail mounts. They came out pretty good no door clearance issues but I did make them about an inch to tall for what I am planning. So I will have to do some alterations. Made them out of 1 1/2"x 1/8" flat stock. I mounted them to the rails to measure how wide I need to cut a piece of metal to fit and they were mounted on there really good. Plan on dipping the clamping part in to some rubber paint so I don't mess up the paint on the rails. I can see people telling me this so ill just mention it. I do plan on using nylon lock nuts for the finished product. Just using regular nuts till I get it finished.

 

Well I cut the mounts down and welded in a cross bar and it looks like it came out pretty good for some one with little fabrication skills. If I stopped now I think it would make a good light bar with some primer and paint. lol Are the rain rails in the back the same distance apart as the front? If they are this would make life easier cause I will not have to take any more measurments. I know I can go out and try it on the back but its 102* out now.

 

They are.

Sent from my Garminfone while fighting off ninjas

 

I made mine out of conduit...worked awesome. JCR has gutter mounts you can buy.


Sent from my keyboard using my fingers.

 

How big was the conduit? And how sturdy is the rack?

 

^x2

 

3/4 inch, If you put a floor in it to dispurse the weight......200 pounds. It would all depend on how many gutter mounts and supports you had. This rack has zero flex, after the conduit is welded togather it is very rigid. Total cost $40 bucks.

 

For mounts and everything?? Not bad! Howd you bend the conduit?

 

Oh no, sorry!!! I used the mounts from a Surco rack I had before. I used a hand bender I got at Home depot, sold in the same isle as the conduit.....One stop shopping its nothing fancy just and arch on a piece of thick pipe, cost like $17 bucks. Just be careful when welding the Galvinized conduit, do it in a well vented area and try not the breathe the fumes.

Real easy to make, I have made two so far. Im thinking about a Pre-runner-ish one for my DD..

 

How much do you think the rack weights? Im trying to make something I can take off when not needed. Did you stick or mig weld it? It looks like you did a great job!

 

just jumpin in here, i have been looking at making a roof rack for a while and am still looking for ideas. i was looking at the emt conduit and welding that together. but i was recommended to go for 1" not 3/4" if i want to put any weight on it. your opinion?

second is size. im looking at a 4' by 6' and probably 4 or 5" tall. long enough to sleep on and still hold some gear. and i dont mind it sitting low. just my idea.

 

Why would you want to sleep on it?

 

Protection from the creepy crawlies when camping!

Sent from my Garminfone while fighting off ninjas

 

because a lot of the time when i go camping its in an area to small or rocky for a tent. and it sucks trying to fit a 6'2" tall person inside to sleep. without a ton of gear. so the roof is nicer.

 

A homebrew conduit roof rack works great. I keep hearing questions regarding how strong a roof rack made from conduit is, this puzzles me. What on earth are you guys planning on putting up there that strength is even an issue? A racks not meant to haul anything more than a spare tire (had mine up there for about a year but pulled it off as it was killing my mileage) or light camping gear like your sleeping bags, tent, pads etc.
Heres mine, $90, held together with screws/bolts and has handled everything I've ever asked of it with no problem.
Most people assume I bought it and are surprised when I point out the fact that its home made.