JKU - Improving Utility of MBRP Roof Rack (w/ Extension)

[mmaattppoo]

Just finished up adding a cargo platform insert to the front extension of my MBRP roof rack using some 1/4 inch thick 2 inch aluminum angle and 12 inch wide sure-grip aluminum stair treads cut to length.

The MBRP rack is a strong basal platform that requires some creative design to get full use from it. I want to be able to transport gear bins and NATO jerry cans on my roof rack and the stairs treads should provide a very sturdy base to do so.

Here are a few shots of the raw materials and fabricating and mounting the angle bracket/platforms used to mount the stairs treads:

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[ivers]

Interesting idea, I might steal it in the futur

 

[mmaattppoo]

Glad you like it! This DIY roof rack platform should easily be adaptable to your Kargo Master Safari roof rack...you'd probably only need the stairs treads and some u-bolts. The 2 inch diameter tubing of my MBRP rack required a little extra effort for mounting.

It turned out well; cheaper and more robust (IMHO) than any of the commercial options available through the usual and expensive channels here in Canada.

From start to finish the install took about 5 hrs (including having to cut a 1/2 inch off the ends of the stairs treads). A minor miscalculation remedied with the trusty Sawzall and a carbide tipped blade.

Here's a picture of the completed setup in daylight:

I will snap a few more photos this coming Canada Day long weekend loaded up with Jerry cans, chainsaw and other items lashed to the new platform. Should be a great weekend!

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[mmaattppoo]

Here are a couple photos with a 10 lb propane tank and 20 L jerry can lashed onto the new platform using ratchet straps. All worked well with a total of 800 km driven including 200 km of uneventful travel on forest service roads in the Hurley Pass and Carpenter Lake area of British Columbia.

With a bit more practice I should be able to put a couple more items on the roof next time to free up some more space inside.

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[(none)]

Looks nice. What is the vent for on the hood?

 

[mmaattppoo]

Looks nice. What is the vent for on the hood?

It's a hood vent to allow the copious quantities of heat from the 3.8 L engine bay to escape. Works both passively and actively (with the assistance of a 5 inch Spall pusher fan).

Here's a link to the thread I started for the installation of the vent and fan:

Vent installation: http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1922847

Fan installation: http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1997421


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[Comanche Scott]

Two things I really like about your rack mod

1). it's aluminum... That's like double bonus points in my book. :victory:
2). low profile.

Overall it looks like a great, and relatively easy mod for someone to copy. :beer:

 

[Kmrtnsn]

For those running a snorkel, MBRP offers a different rack extension that utilizes the A-pillar mounts for a light bar as the forward tie-in. Looking at the forward "box" it appears the ability to remove the roof panels has been lost.

 

[mmaattppoo]

For those running a snorkel, MBRP offers a different rack extension that utilizes the A-pillar mounts for a light bar as the forward tie-in. Looking at the forward "box" it appears the ability to remove the roof panels has been lost.

The removal of 4 bolts releases the forward cargo platform and allows access to remove the freedom panels.

Most forest service roads I drive are so dusty and full of mosquitos that I've never taken them off while driving off-road and I've only had them off a handful of times around town in the 6 years I've owned the vehicle.

Most of my mods are "reversible" or removable with the exception of the rear/main portion of the roof rack...16 holes drilled through the side of the hardtop to installed the supporting brackets for the rack. The holes are permanent. Well I guess the hood vent is permanent too. No going back on that mod now.

The roof rack extension looks to be very similar to the light bar. Both seem to mount using the stock bolts on the a-pillar. The roof rack extension has threaded holes at about the location where the light bar would attach.

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[Kmrtnsn]

The removal of 4 bolts releases the forward cargo platform and allows access to remove the freedom panels.

Most forest service roads I drive are so dusty and full of mosquitos that I've never taken them off while driving off-road and I've only had them off a handful of times around town in the 6 years I've owned the vehicle.

Most of my mods are "reversible" or removable with the exception of the rear/main portion of the roof rack...16 holes drilled through the side of the hardtop to installed the supporting brackets for the rack. The holes are permanent. Well I guess the hood vent is permanent too. No going back on that mod now.

The roof rack extension looks to be very similar to the light bar. Both seem to mount using the stock bolts on the a-pillar. The roof rack extension has threaded holes at about the location where the light bar would attach.

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Very nice job.