Thinking of building a roof rack. need advice

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Jul 24, 2011 | 12:12 PM

#31

BLKXJ 96

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Joined: May 2008

Posts: 817

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From: Michigan

Year: 1996

Model: Cherokee

Engine: 4.0

Quote:

Originally Posted by bambam0417

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!

Total weight of the rack that I built is around 30 pounds. I welded it togather with a MIG welder and then dressed up some of the welds with an air grinder. You could use any size tube to make a rack, it all depends on what you plan to put in or on it. then use your own judgment. Thats the great part of having a welder and some tools you can make a lot of stuff for about 1/4 the price. I see it in my head and just build it.

Tools I used:

Lincoln 3200 HD welder with Argon shield gas run at 20psi.

Regular plumbing style tubing cutter.

90* air grinder with 80 grit 2" sanding disks.

Bench grinder to fishmouth the tube.

Jul 25, 2011 | 07:16 AM

#32

bambam0417

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Posts: 296

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Year: 1998

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coraphix

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.

Ok I can understand that. Im 6' and there is no way I could sleep comfortably in the back. When I hear camping I just think tent. lol

Jul 25, 2011 | 07:19 AM

#33

bambam0417

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Joined: Jan 2011

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Year: 1998

Quote:

Originally Posted by BLKXJ 96

Tools I used:

Lincoln 3200 HD welder with Argon shield gas run at 20psi.

Regular plumbing style tubing cutter.

90* air grinder with 80 grit 2" sanding disks.

Bench grinder to fishmouth the tube.

Got everything except a bench grinder but I think I can figure something out to improvise.

Jul 25, 2011 | 07:32 AM

#34

bambam0417

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Joined: Jan 2011

Posts: 296

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Year: 1998

Quote:

Originally Posted by Desert Rat

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.

Well I just want to make sure it can hold my gear without it breaking. I do want it for camping gear but also usurally when I go camping I bring my canoe strapped to the roof. It weights 80lbs itself so I really just want to be sure that a conduit rack can hold the weight of the canoe and camping gear. If im going to build it I don't want to rebuild it but, I still am very interested in the conduit because of how light it is.

Jul 26, 2011 | 09:47 PM

#35

brookhart63

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Joined: Apr 2011

Posts: 620

Likes: 1

From: cedar rapids

Year: 99

Model: Cherokee

Engine: 4 ohh

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coraphix

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.

I wouldnt use EMT if your going to sleep on it... Conduit is fine when the weight is dispersed, not when somebody is up there.