my aluminum roof rack project, thanks to Gaston

[jeep-N-montero]

So after seeing Gaston's idea to build a roof rack from an atv ramp setup I started searching the classifieds and came across this, it's a single piece ramp that measures 47x63 and is perfect for what I want to do with it. The mounting points on the side where it hooked to a trailer are perfect for attaching a removable awning. Not bad for $130.

 

[gaston7]

Nice!! Looks like a solid find man. Cant wait to see the build out. Great start for sure.


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[jeep-N-montero]

Hoping to work on it this weekend if the weather is nicer.

 

[gaston7]

I leave for big sur tonight and will be puttin mine to the test with the RTT mounted and ready to hit the road. Stoked to see your progress if ya get to it. Good luck amigo.


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[Raul B]

what a great idea. i saw that other thread as well and thought to myself "why didnt i think of that"

 

[gaston7]

I cannot take an ounce of credit for the idea. I got it from www.wildyoats.com/the_jay-rack.htm. I just made my own bolt on version since i have no welding skills. But using an ATV ramp as a base, however you mount it, has proven to be the best and most affordable light weight option.


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[jeep-N-montero]

I leave for big sur tonight and will be puttin mine to the test with the RTT mounted and ready to hit the road. Stoked to see your progress if ya get to it. Good luck amigo.


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Been snowing the last 3 days and supposed to rain or snow over the weekend, so we will see if I get to it.

 

[off-roader]

I think you mean this link...
http://www.wildyoats.com/the_j-rack.htm

I also saw this rack build and was heavily considering it. To the point that I had bookmarked the ATV ramps on Amazon in preparation for the project.

In the end though, I already had my Wilderness Trails Rack. So I extended it's length by having new sides made locally then used Extruded Aluminum T-Slot bars for the floor. The J-Rack is a stronger rack though if you proceed with it.

 

[nckwltn]

So all of these racks attach to the "gutters" (can't think of the right work right now), how much weight are those things really able to support? Clearly the mount points for the factory roof rack (gen 2.5) don't hold all that much weight. I checked out an '00 that had the rear drivers mount point caved in.

I see guys with their racks all loaded up, but attaching to those gutters kind of freaks me out a little.

 

[jeep-N-montero]

So all of these racks attach to the "gutters" (can't think of the right work right now), how much weight are those things really able to support? Clearly the mount points for the factory roof rack (gen 2.5) don't hold all that much weight. I checked out an '00 that had the rear drivers mount point caved in.

I see guys with their racks all loaded up, but attaching to those gutters kind of freaks me out a little.

Gutters are a structural support for the entire roof, they are very strong. Do a bit of searching and reading to familiarize yourself.

 

[nckwltn]

Gutters are a structural support for the entire roof, they are very strong. Do a bit of searching and reading to familiarize yourself.

Thanks!

 

[off-roader]

I've carried an entire first gen rear end on my roof rack. In that instance were looking at a couple of hundred pounds plus my weight when I stood on it to put it up there and when I hoisted it off. This was using the original Wilderness trails rack floor which consisted of 3/4" steel square tubes.

 

[jeep-N-montero]

I've carried an entire first gen rear end on my roof rack. In that instance were looking at a couple of hundred pounds plus my weight when I stood on it to put it up there and when I hoisted it off. This was using the original Wilderness trails rack floor which consisted of 3/4" steel square tubes.

How on earth did you get it up that high?? And were you referring to your factory roof rack?

 

[off-roader]

How on earth did you get it up that high?? And were you referring to your factory roof rack?

3 of us put it up there. Lloyd, Carlos (aka cap510), & I. This is on my Wilderness Trails Rack that I mentioned above. I wouldn't recommend trying to do this with the factory rack or an aftermarket rack mounted via the factory rack.