roof rack mounts

[NWDISCO2]

So it might be a dumb question, but I am woundering if anyone made a custume roof rack mount. All searches come up with very nice roof racks but limited details of the mounts themselfs. Im on a limited budget, and an arb or church rack is right out of the question for now. But I have an abondent amount ofnsteel and the toools to do the work needed. Ive gone through two designs so far but the moment I put any sideways motion on the support It pulls and and pops out of the rsin channles. Any input is greatly apreciated.

 

[kferg]

Yes it can be done cheaply and relatively easy. I did this, or I should say I designed a rack and mounts and then had the local community college weld it up for me as a class project. I have about $350 into a half rack with a floor. All you need is some plate steel, square tubing and bolts to cut/weld into shape for the mounts. All can be purchased from Lowes or a Home Depot. Use a vise, heat and hammer to shape.

 

[NWDISCO2]

Thats what i had in mind, what gauge metal did you( they) use. I was thinking 1/8steel for the gutter mounts. But the more I dig into it its looking like that might be over kill. I just want a rack that I can put some lights up on, and maybe some gear. No rtt for me yer. Tents are fine lol.

 

[tacr2man]

If you are gutter mounting , then dont use "feet" , but use a rail type foot I used 1/4 x 1" flat on its thin side so that the load is spread right along the gutter . That way you dont end up with difficulty opening doors when the gutter gets hammered down. HTSH

 

[NWDISCO2]

Thats good to know. Im woundering if anybody has any good photos of the gutter mounts. I could buy pre fabed but the cost is killing me. Steel is cheap and my welder is collecting dust. Im not affraid to break out the drafting habbits of mine. But it would be nice to see what works and what doesnt.