Redneck Roof Rack

[SteveAndTheCrigBoys]

Don't really feel like paying $900 for a Prinsu roof rack to go on my Snugtop, and the lead time is prohibitive. Heading to MT in November, hoping to come back with two bucks and two bulls in the truck with a buddy. So, I'd like to be prepared to throw elk/deer racks on the roof since the bed is likely to be full.

Anyone ever DIY'd a roof rack? Thinking unistrut P3300SL or similar. Just gotta buy that and fasteners for the Thule tracks.

I'm I crazy or could it be that simple? Not intended for heavy weight though I imagine it'll be pretty stout.

 

[Steve300xcw]

Get on marketplace and see whats out there

 

[SteveAndTheCrigBoys]

Get on marketplace and see whats out there

Nothin worth looking at within 500 miles of me

 

[Maverick1]

TLDNR: yes, it can be done.

Had an interesting situation come up this summer where I needed to carry two canoes on top of an SUV. it was a one-off and not something I planned to do on a regular basis. Didn't feel like paying the ridiculous amount they wanted for roof rack extensions (to make the roof rack wider.) Ended up making something up from 2x4's and 4" wide u-bolts. Put it together, bolted it to my existing roof rack, and carried both canoes with no problem. They were relatively lightweight: 45 and 35 pounds each, so only 80 pounds total.

Another option to consider for antlers is a cargo carrier. I use mine all the time for that - even did so this Monday on my way back from a successful elk hunt. Cargo carrier and ratchet straps work really well.

 

[SteveAndTheCrigBoys]

We're expecting to need the hitch carrier for a 150qt igloo.

Only thing I can think of needing (beyond the obvious strut and fasteners) is spacers to elevate the strut above the track a bit to clear the "hump" profile of the canopy and allow for some deflection.

 

[RS_Non-Res]

If you have Thule tracks already installed then any kind of cross-bar (e.g 2x4) that attaches to the tracks or some sort of riser should be fine. Unistrut is probably overkill but use it if you've got it lying around. Just make sure the connection to the track is as "factory" as you can. Because the tracks are kinda universal (pretty sure), you can check for Yakima products too. We used to haul 4 canoes stacked on top of a 15-passenger van using 2x4's and knotted ropes before roof racks got all Gucci.

 

[SteveAndTheCrigBoys]

If you have Thule tracks already installed then any kind of cross-bar (e.g 2x4) that attaches to the tracks or some sort of riser should be fine. Unistrut is probably overkill but use it if you've got it lying around. Just make sure the connection to the track is as "factory" as you can. Because the tracks are kinda universal (pretty sure), you can check for Yakima products too. We used to haul 4 canoes stacked on top of a 15-passenger van using 2x4's and knotted ropes before roof racks got all Gucci.

Finding some sort of riser appears to be the tough part. I'm thinking some square aluminum tube cut down to 1"x1"x1" and tapped for fasteners would work.

Thread is titled, "Redneck Roof Rack" but I figure painted sstrut will look a little less redneck than 2x's haha.