Roof racks - build ($) vs mission

[Schattenjager]

I'm looking for a roof rack so the cruiser can be optimally laid out for the long trip back to america. Looking at prices, I am amazed how much these things cost and weigh for the task they are asked to do. I've seen a Disco I use an SD rack as a slider before, but that was unnecessary. I'm an advocate for overbuilt gear, but today I saw something that got the ole gears turning and wanted to collect your thoughts.

No pics of course, but at the REI in anchorage I saw a beautiful FJ60 with a Yakima Mega Warrior supported with 4 Yakima crossbars. On the rack he had 4 Scepter fuel cans, two large Pelican cases, a shovel and high lift xtreme, and a Mombossa rtt. It looked like he had the middle seams welded together, likely for added support. The huge plus to this is uber low price of course plus the crazy amount of modular fexilbiltiy with the cross bars. Most Yakima gear will bolt right on the rack if the added height is not a problem, as it would be for any other rack.

While the elitist overlander may look over their Engle fridge at this setup with a bit of distain, I find this to be a compelling alternative to the much more spendy (forget added shipping) pretty racks.

What am I missing?

 

[762X39]

Racks for the top of Overland vehicles tend to be spendy for several reasons. The Safety Devices rack on the Disco was probably pretty expensive but they are wonderful pieces of kit well worth the asking price. Anyway, the market for a decent rack is small and shipping is very expensive. I built a rack for my old Niva years ago because I couldn't afford the shipping on a ConFerr rack up to Canada. The rack I built was strong enough (and the ConFerr brackets, I used 6 of them to secure the rack) allowed me to lift the Niva from the rack if required.
If you can find a commercial rack (Yakima or who-ever) and modify it or use it as is for you purposes, you should be good to go.

 

[Deleted member 9101]

Very easy to build:


http://www.wildyoats.com/the_j-rack.htm

 

[roving]

build your own. i would never pay $2000 for a freaking rack. what a waste of money. you can build one for less then $100 in materials.

the yakima racks are pretty good as well. i haven't seen one break yet.

most guys with the racks never use them anyway. they just want to look cool

 

[Schattenjager]

Have looked at a few racks the past couple of weeks - an ARB, SD on a rover, and a couple home built. Roving is right - there is no way a rack is worth what some ask for. Are they well built? Sure are! Are they going to do everything I need? Likely! Will I ever put anything on top of my lifted rig to merit the uber construction and cost? NEVER! Please do not misunderstand - I am all for over built goodies and I understand there is a price to pay for quality. But a $pendy rack to me is like spending $1200 for two 'expeditionary cargo' drawers - NUTZ! So I got a Yakima MegaWarrior today, on sale for $300. Extension is on order. It even comes with a built in 5 Jerry can holder!!! (How much more would that cost on boutique rack?)

I can walk on it now and with the extension will have plenty of room for the RTT, gas cans, pelican cases, hi lift and an awning. Not shabby for $400 all in. Brand new.

 

[Chris Cordes]

I picked up my defender roof rack for 500. The yakima is cheaper but I like the look of the defender more personally. Ive carried anything from tires fuel water and luggage to sofas dressers chairs and tables and it hasnt had any problem.