DIY Modular Roof Rack

[pith helmet]

Looks good! Here's an idea for some additional forward storage that might work well with your custom rack design:

Custom Roof Cargo System for JKU

That’s a great and well thought-through set up you have. Thanks for the link.

 

[pith helmet]

I really appreciate seeing projects like this posted because it promotes my own creativity. I built a tube rack years ago out of 3/4" square tubing. I used a williams low buck tubing bender that cost me @ $100 that made really nice curves for 3/4 and smaller. It was going to go on my CJ7 but a friend walked into the garage just as I was finishing the basket and bought it from me to put on his VW bus! I haven't built another since but I should.......

You should do it! I’m glad if you find any inspiration in this project; getting inspired by other people’s builds is a great thing about this forum for me.

 

[pith helmet]

‘Tropical Roof’ mode? This made a big difference in temperature inside the Jeep. May be a good set up for those shade-less spots. An idea I saw via @jscherb ‘s Land Rover Ideas for Jeeps thread.

 

[billiebob]

very cool, well done
hope to eventually camp beside you

I am always impressed when design is "compromised" by materials available

 

[pith helmet]

very cool, well done
hope to eventually camp beside you

I am always impressed when design is "compromised" by materials available

Thanks! I never throw anything away and am always pilfering the ‘collection’ for parts and ideas. Looking forward to getting it out into the wild.

 

[pith helmet]

Wanting to try my hand at sewing some sidewalls for the privacy enclosure that can also swing out to connect for a complete back wall. I’m really impressed with the poly canvas tarps from MyTarp.com. The one complaint is the center seam isn’t nicely finished, but the material is great; water beads up and rolls off. Wanted to use something heavier than lightweight nylon backpacking type materials. Also seems it’s quieter in strong wind.
Will start with a 6x12 from them identical to the roof and may cut it down to fit better eventually. This is just an old drop cloth.

 

[pith helmet]

This is a sleeping platform I made for our first trip in the Jeep last year. I tried to make it as simple as possible and where it would store flat when not in use. It is 8" high in the back and was made so to fit a chuck box and some plastic bins for food, etc. That was a pretty good compromise for headroom vs storage, but decided we will go down to 2" for the next trip for added comfort. This only meant making new 'bedrails' for the side. I haven't used it yet but I think it will work great, even for storage below. In the new version I removed the carpet, lid and plastic tray from beneath to allow for better storage.

There are no fasteners and it is not connected to the Jeep in any way. For travel, the cooler is strapped down to the back to the anchor points in the tub and to the roll cage and prevents it from shifting or becoming a projectile in a quick stop or accident.

 

[tx-jeremy]

This is a sleeping platform I made for our first trip in the Jeep last year. I tried to make it as simple as possible and where it would store flat when not in use. It is 8" high in the back and was made so to fit a chuck box and some plastic bins for food, etc. That was a pretty good compromise for headroom vs storage, but decided we will go down to 2" for the next trip for added comfort. This only meant making new 'bedrails' for the side. I haven't used it yet but I think it will work great, even for storage below. In the new version I removed the carpet, lid and plastic tray from beneath to allow for better storage.

There are no fasteners and it is not connected to the Jeep in any way. For travel, the cooler is strapped down to the back to the anchor points in the tub and to the roll cage and prevents it from shifting or becoming a projectile in a quick stop or accident.


View attachment 659174View attachment 659175View attachment 659176

That’s excellent.


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[tx-jeremy]

This is a sleeping platform I made for our first trip in the Jeep last year. I tried to make it as simple as possible and where it would store flat when not in use. It is 8" high in the back and was made so to fit a chuck box and some plastic bins for food, etc. That was a pretty good compromise for headroom vs storage, but decided we will go down to 2" for the next trip for added comfort. This only meant making new 'bedrails' for the side. I haven't used it yet but I think it will work great, even for storage below. In the new version I removed the carpet, lid and plastic tray from beneath to allow for better storage.

There are no fasteners and it is not connected to the Jeep in any way. For travel, the cooler is strapped down to the back to the anchor points in the tub and to the roll cage and prevents it from shifting or becoming a projectile in a quick stop or accident.


View attachment 659174View attachment 659175View attachment 659176

I’m curious what purpose the pipe holds.


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[pith helmet]

I’m curious what purpose the pipe holds.


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Some homemade conduit tent poles for a previous awning.

I also rigged up a piece of para-cord to the latch mechanism so I can open from within.

 

[pith helmet]

That’s excellent.


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Thank you, it has worked well. Looking forward to using it again!

 

[tx-jeremy]

Some homemade conduit tent poles for a previous awning.

I also rigged up a piece of para-cord to the latch mechanism so I can open from within.

Last time I went camping I just used an air mattress with seats down.

I definitely want some sort of platform and to do the “inside latch” trick.


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[pith helmet]

Last time I went camping I just used an air mattress with seats down.

I definitely want some sort of platform and to do the “inside latch” trick.


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Sounds like a good set up. It certainly makes a lot of room and gains some payload removing the rear seats, if that’s practical for your non-camping life.

re: inside latch; After taking off the little plastic grille I ended up feeding a small keychain ring around the lever inside there with a flathead screwdriver and some needle nose pliers and tying the para cord around it. I’ve seen fancier setups but this works really well and can be put back to stock with ease.

 

[tx-jeremy]

Sounds like a good set up. It certainly makes a lot of room and gains some payload removing the rear seats, if that’s practical for your non-camping life.

re: inside latch; After taking off the little plastic grille I ended up feeding a small keychain ring around the lever inside there with a flathead screwdriver and some needle nose pliers and tying the para cord around it. I’ve seen fancier setups but this works really well and can be put back to stock with ease.

Unfortunately I still need all the backseats for the kiddos.

Those seats don’t quite large down flat which is why I want a small something to lay down over them


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[pith helmet]

Unfortunately I still need all the backseats for the kiddos.

Those seats don’t quite large down flat which is why I want a small something to lay down over them


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Well, having kiddos in the back seat is better anyway...they won’t be there long enough, in my experience.