#1 DIY Roof Rack Thanks to This Guy. Here's how to make it.

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You really only see two DIY roof racks on RU-vid. After building this Unistrut rack I can see why it's the most popular and may even be the best. It was easy to make, cheap compared to Yakima or Thule, and in my opinion more versatile. In this video I mostly focus on cross bars for my 2014 Honda CRV but this would easily extend into whatever kind of SUV roof rack you’d like to make.
This video was not sponsored (not that I’m opposed to that. Ahemm…) I purchased most of this at Menards or Home Depot. But if you’d like to support me you can buy some of it through the amazon affiliate links below. The ones that aren’t amazon links are just there so you know what I used.
Shout out to @T-Sparky and the tons of other RU-vid roof rack makers for the ideas in this video.
Materials
Unistrut Fittings amzn.to/3BgB68d
13/16” Unistrut bit.ly/3wYh4wS
¼” Spring Nuts bit.ly/3KPTGXY
¼ - 20 Bolts amzn.to/3CWFgDl
M6 Couplings amzn.to/3cMXQ6e
M6 Bolts amzn.to/3cVY7Uq
(The length you need will depend on how tall you rails and pvc are)
Flat Washers amzn.to/3wVG6N6
Split Washers amzn.to/3TMPc8s
PVC Spacers amzn.to/3Qd11Sw
Truck Bed Liner amzn.to/3qbGuDe
Tools
Metal Cutting Circular Saw Blade amzn.to/3wUHFL2
Circular Saw amzn.to/3RFlzEa
Miter Saw amzn.to/3TMO8Bu
Hand Hack Saw amzn.to/3xm3T9d
Ratchet and Wrench Set amzn.to/3ASwMuh
Ratchet Screwdriver amzn.to/3TOy1mX
Old Unistrut Ad
• Unistrut: The Sky's th...

Опубликовано:

3 окт 2024

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Комментарии : 290

@matt_queso Год назад

"I swear this wasn't an ad" Dude I'm a new subscriber and I gotta say, love the subtle humor. Instant fan.

@MattTheDesigner Год назад

Thanks my fellow Matt!

@pattimagee 2 года назад

Fav line: "If your hardware store has the strut, they'll have the nut." 😉

@grant8653 10 месяцев назад

Where is he in America that hardware stores or if he doesn't know auto stores are not filled with metric? My hardware stores are filled with metric and imperial and if hardware store doesnt auto store always has them. Because more than non metric America loves money and choices and if you have both they would love for you to buy the wrong thing and come back for more

@dirtyred1530 Год назад

I don't comment on a lot of videos but I just wanted to say that you've done an excellent job balancing editing, education, and entertainment. Subscribed.

@MattTheDesigner Год назад

🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

@markfinal5ive Год назад

Same here love the content

@melcarter6422 Год назад

Loved that you showed what it would look like inside, if the rail were invisible.

@bdoan66 6 месяцев назад

"Tip: close one eye for safety". Well done, great video.

@PeaceDeliverer 17 дней назад

Gotta figure it out for my subaru..👍 thank you!, Great ideas!

@paulkelm6550 Год назад

Thank you. This is really well made and very watchable - and enjoyable. I like the quality of the script, picture, and music. The humor is icing on the cake. Love it!

@ron4jon Год назад

I wouldn’t have thought of this. Super idea..! And there’s many other unique applications that other people can come up with. Thanks for sharing. Awesome..!

@MattTheDesigner Год назад

Thank you @ron4jon ! We’re on the road right now and I added two more bars to it to hold a specific size box. It’s working out really well.

@HAZMAT2364 Год назад

I've been looking at a lot of DIY roofrack options lately, and I must say this is one of the simplest bolt-together options I've seen so far. Just like a meccano set!

@circleofowls Год назад

I use Unistrut all the time at work, it's fantastic stuff. Much heavier than the 80/20 aluminum extrusion but much cheaper, more widely available and probably more versatile with all the holes already available for random attachment points.

@MattTheDesigner Год назад

It’s relatively new to me but I love it.

@mrs.c5471 Год назад

I LOVE how you film/teach! And you do an amazing job! I love your window cover!

@torahforeverwithmashiach8767 Год назад

First video about making roof rack ive watched....instant confidence now about making it...thank-you for posting sharing n caring

@torahforeverwithmashiach8767 Год назад

Hii Matt the plastic rooffs spacers - what other names might these be know by? Im having hard time finding these online. All other strut channels and fixings ive found - thanking you in advance.

@ingela_injeela 3 месяца назад

You're not only a designer and engineer - you're a film maker and a comedian! Kept me - as someone with zero interest in the subject matter - engaged and entertained til THE END. ☺️

@rowdysgirlalways Год назад

I love this! If I was a regular traveler, I would give this a try. I also love the water tank. If I was going van life, I would certainly have one of those. By the way, I don't know how you control that wild dog.

@welcometocattown2036 2 года назад

Unistrut, the unsung hero of the modern world! Three cheers for Unistrut!

@MattTheDesigner 2 года назад

I have a lot of idea for it! So old yet still great.

@deganni2688 Год назад

Let me start by saying thanks for sharing. I completely agree most roof racks are expensive with only some accessories. The few that have accessories are also overpriced. I'm gonna look into your suggestions with hopes to have a build soon.

@MattTheDesigner Год назад

Thanks @deganni2688 it's been working great for me so far.

@mikesheets4332 10 месяцев назад

Matt you are the man unistrut is lot stronger you just saved me a butt load of money

@anthonyadams6442 6 месяцев назад

Discovered this at 3am! Glad I did!

@MattTheDesigner 6 месяцев назад

Good morning!

@nj4x4fever2 2 года назад

You always make cool stuff.

@MattTheDesigner 2 года назад

1st! Haha. Before it even premiered. Thanks Dennis!

@yoshigirlrocker 2 года назад

You are so talented!! These videos are going to help me tremendously when doing my suv camper by the end of this year. We have the same model of car w a sunroof! I’ve looked through all your content and I’m so excited for what’s to come!! I knew I wanted to utilize my suv the best I could to emulate a van lifer without investing tens of thousands of dollars into a build like that. You’re the best!! 🤠

@MattTheDesigner 2 года назад

Thank you! Hoping to do the full van build thing someday but working with what i got for now and having fun doing it. Thanks for watching!

@elmago5022 Год назад

I love everything about this! Can you please teach us how to make a mount for a bike next?

@MattTheDesigner Год назад

I considered doing in video so yes at some point I’ll probably do that.

@blahber222 2 года назад

beautiful job my guy. always excited to see your new vids! kinda biased because we have the same car, but you putting out consistent content to inspire doesn’t go unnoticed!

@MattTheDesigner 2 года назад

🙏🏼 Thank you @Roland 🙏🏼 the CRV is great. Hoping to do a full blown van build some day but I still have plenty of ideas for this thing.

@s-c.. 2 года назад

Nice! Now I can move my toilet to the roof! You truly are some kind of genius : )

@MattTheDesigner 2 года назад

😂😂😂

@rwind656 16 дней назад

Unistrut, used it first time recently and at the big box store there were two gauges. Lots of weight diff. I did not know you could get them painted or in aluminum.

@ryanhernandez8388 Год назад

Great video. I love the succint style and the lack of video "fluff"

@northstarscout Год назад

Wish I had found this earlier and saved some money.... now I know for future! Thank you for great content!!

@nickymazur 2 года назад

The quality of your videos just keep getting better! would love to see your full suv camper setup when your done creating!

@MattTheDesigner 2 года назад

Thanks man! It’s defiantly on my list. I just can’t stop thinking of things to add. Haha

@ex-engineer6657 Год назад

I can't believe you dont have more subs. Oh yeah, another RU-vidr calls his "eye protection" the safety squint. Aaand I'm calling BS on the metric problem in the US; our car makers have been using metric for many years. Sometimes the hardware stores have MORE metric than inch nuts and bolts. Keep up the good work!

@MattTheDesigner Год назад

Maybe it's just that the coupling is rare. Thanks for the comment. More BS coming soon.

@rednecktech00 Год назад

As a Toyota guy I love metric. Wanna hear a funny fact ? In every country even the metric only ones they still use 1/4, 3/8 & 1/2" ratchets ......no such metric exists MUHAHAHA a WIN for the US !

@011CJ 2 года назад

Never seen this rack before but I have used unistrut in a lot of my 4x4 builds

@MattTheDesigner 2 года назад

It’s great stuff!

@SuperMIKevin Год назад

That was such a nice video I wish it were longer! 😂

@That86Bronco 6 месяцев назад

I logged in to like this video, good editing, good video 👍🏻

@MattTheDesigner 6 месяцев назад

Thanks Sean!

@mikefranks4528 Месяц назад

Classic ending but so so true. Have fun building everyone!

@PureBloodWNC Год назад

Close one eye for safety. 😂😂 My kind of safety. LOL

@FOZ23 Год назад

Why is nobody mentioning the transition from TP to the white tank! That was smooth. 3:44

@MattTheDesigner Год назад

💩

@donwyates 10 месяцев назад

I have to say, that segment with the TP was quite cinematic. I think I considered Unistrut before going with a Yakima rack, but lacked the will. Could've saved a little $.

@SuburbanBeard Год назад

im so excited i found your video before i started building! thank you!!

@jaxpatriot904 Год назад

DIY and modular , this can be found in the electrical section in any hardware store

@crazycrab8578 5 месяцев назад

going to make this, have a Doblo, it has 6 holes in roof, for roof rack, a roof rack for my vehicle is £200, :(, its nice and simple, how I like it,

@CH-om9sc 2 месяца назад

How do you keep water from the connection to the roof ? Going to do this on my jeep grand Cherokee .

@MattTheDesigner 2 месяца назад

I didn't do anything for that. I just assumed Honda sorted that out because these are supposed to have accessories attached to them. So far so good.

@ctran693 Год назад

The quality of your videos is outstanding. I hope your channel blows up. The humor, editing, and workmanship is amazing. Thank you

@MattTheDesigner Год назад

Me too!

@floridascorcher4289 Год назад

Did the Berliner spray stick to the galvanized unistrut?

@MattTheDesigner Год назад

The unistrut I used was already coated in a green paint. I sanded it a little and applied the truck bed liner. It's holding up well. Not sure if galvanized would need a primer or something.

@danneukirch4486 2 года назад

Another well made useful video, and love the humour!

@mattr8370 Год назад

This is awesome! If only there was a way to mount these on a vehicle without the mounting spots.. (i have a 2014 ford edge limited with panoramic sunroof)

@MattTheDesigner Год назад

You might be able to buy some of those brackets that clamp on to the doors. But at the point your probably better off just buying the whole rack.

@abatenate Месяц назад

How heavy would a full rack be compared to aluminum ?

@MattTheDesigner Месяц назад

Not sure. Just working with what I got. But I'd guess aluminum would weigh about 1/3 what this setup does.

@JohnPhilyaw-r5w Год назад

Have material list?

@MattTheDesigner 4 дня назад

check the description.

@JasonHurricane Год назад

I guess you could make crossbars for cars that dont have attachment points for racks by using two lenghts of struts threaded rubber feet and cutting slots at the ends of the struts so you can run webbing strap's through them and the doorways to secure them on the roof

@MattTheDesigner Год назад

Give it a shot.

@jasonflt Год назад

called superstrut at home depot Canada

@Fingerprintguy 5 месяцев назад

And like double the price!

@ReadySetElement Год назад

Dang I love this! My wife and I really need roof racks on our car to hold up our roof top tent and this is a perfect solution. You have saved us so much time and money. Thank you 😄

@gta-6837 2 года назад

That was one bad ass! Cut

@MattTheDesigner 2 года назад

🤘🏼🎸🤘🏼

@felixmartin8416 3 месяца назад

How’s it looking one year later?? I’m about to copy you and make the same next weekend and wondered if you would make any changes / improvements

@MattTheDesigner 2 месяца назад

It’s been great. Only small issue has been some road noise when on the highway. This only happens when nothing is mounted to the rack. I wrap a black bungee around each cross bar and that stops the sound.

@Rrhode23 2 года назад

Somebody get this man a portable band saw

@MattTheDesigner 2 года назад

Yes I agree. Send me gifts!

@julialopez3725 Год назад

Thank you for the video. Could I add a side tarp to that? Thank you?

@MattTheDesigner Год назад

You absolutely could. I should probably do that.

@lightskingamingGTA 8 месяцев назад

the effort put into the editing of this video is appreciated lol excellent stuff :)

@jakedenny9258 7 месяцев назад

I’m a little late to the party, but does anyone have any ideas or recommendations on how to do this on a naked roof?

@MattTheDesigner 7 месяцев назад

I know there are racks that work by gripping the door frame. But idk if you can find just that part without buying the whole rack.

@philsowers 3 месяца назад

The fastest way to mount anything to a roof is to drill holes, preferably in the tracks, and tighten down with grip nuts (aka: rivet nuts, plus nuts, bulbed shank) that are sealed with silicone or RTV, then tightened down. You can then attach all the equipment to the top.

@wangchung_ Год назад

You need to make more content these videos are great

@MattTheDesigner Год назад

Working on it! 🐢🐢🐢

@ShaunBurton Год назад

Cool idea,, Will have to look into it myself, Want to do a video on your storage pipe?

@MattTheDesigner Год назад

I probably should. Thanks for the suggestion!

@CreateMyOwnOpportunities Год назад

Unistrut is one of the few product that's only limited only by your imagination. It's probably one product that you can find anywhere in the world. Get hold of a product catalog!

@MattTheDesigner Год назад

I’m trying to find a reason to use the trolly wheels.

@J6273387 2 дня назад

Do you get any wind noise or whistling at high way speeds ? I’m about to do the same thing. $30 worth of parts for strut or $100 for a Nissan cross bar that’s not nearly as strong.

@MattTheDesigner 2 дня назад

Yes. Which I didn't notice until way after posting. I just wrap a black bungie around the cross bar and that eliminates it completely. Plus I always have a bungie handy if I need it.

@donnsoul 4 месяца назад

That monotone delivery is pure gold

@crissgen Год назад

Thanks for the video very well done, question …why did you used those small strut underneath the crossing one

@MattTheDesigner Год назад

Each of the 4 mounting points on the CRV has 2 bolts. The small piece of strut connects those two bolts. I was worried if I didn't connect the two and only used one it would break.

@aidengrimm1033 5 месяцев назад

How do you think this could be applied to a bare roof? I have a 17 Civic Hatch and holy crap those Thule, Yakima, and Rack Attack setups are stupid expensive. Was originally thinking of this but instead removing the rain gutter and securing it to a tapped hole somewhere on there. Edit: And cut the rain gutter and re fasten it.

@MattTheDesigner 5 месяцев назад

If it has tapped hole then that’s likely the answer. A lot of people have asked what to do if there aren’t any and I don’t have a great solution for that. Let us all know what you end up doing.

@Fingerprintguy 5 месяцев назад

So why did you choose the PVC parts for the extensions? I'm currently building the same thing on my Subaru and will have to set up a riser like you did but I think I have room for some square channel to act as a spacer. Since I already bought a metal cutting blade I figured I might as well put it to good use.

@MattTheDesigner 5 месяцев назад

It’s high pressure pvc. The thinking was it would compress a little and act like a lock washer. Not sure if it’s true but it’s been solid since I bolted it on there.

@joejoe5500 7 месяцев назад

Thanks for all the replies! Just one other thing, would 4inch machine screw work instead.of m6 110 mm bolts

@MattTheDesigner 7 месяцев назад

When connecting the pieces to each other you can use a range of bolts. But what you use to attach it to the car will be determined by the car. You’ll have to figure out the size and thread count of the attachment points on the car.

@kalpasupathy3933 2 месяца назад

Matt, great designs, fab and videos, keep it up and thank you!! I see you have steel struts, any thoughts on using aluminum?

@MattTheDesigner 2 месяца назад

Aluminum would be great. I just used what was easy to get. Menards, Homedepot, and Lowe's near me all only had steel.

@ChrisHansonDev 3 месяца назад

Would the insurance assholes have anything to say about this though if you got into an accident with this attached? I don’t know I’m genuinely wondering if it would or not.

@MattTheDesigner 2 месяца назад

I won’t tell them if you don’t.

@mariajacqueline1140 4 месяца назад

Great video 👌 is there any issue with water leakage? Asking this because there was a cover that was removed to expose the bolts and the couplings no longer have the same “seal” to where the nuts meets the roof of the car.

@MattTheDesigner 4 месяца назад

No issues so far and it’s been a few years. But I’m just a guy on the internet so take that with a grain of salt.

@JonathanBrettMiller Месяц назад

How did you cut holes into the existing roof rails?

@MattTheDesigner Месяц назад

I didn't. There were mounting points on the car already. I just had to pop off a little plastic piece to find them.

@cashanks 4 месяца назад

Any thoughts or considerations about extruded aluminum as alternative?

@MattTheDesigner 4 месяца назад

Would be lighter. If it’s readily available where you are give it a try.

@bigredhammer2 4 месяца назад

Not the prettiest, vut certainly serviceable. Thanks for the ideas!

@MattTheDesigner 4 месяца назад

Me?

@robertwilson1827 5 месяцев назад

Extra heavy, looks could be deceiving though??😊😊😊

@MattTheDesigner 4 месяца назад

It's a couple pounds heavier than an aluminum one. An SUV shouldn't really notice that. A bike on the other hand...

@DioPorco-yi7fm 11 месяцев назад

I don't know where are you from but here the Police Is allowed to shoot you for drive a car with that on the roof...

@MattTheDesigner 10 месяцев назад

Sounds scary.

@mr_DIY 19 дней назад

Nice 😂. I need one asap!

@climbjt Год назад

“Capper things” . I’ve always known them as sex nuts, or binding posts(publishing)

@goosetrooper Год назад

Agreed what others have said. I hope you hit the algorithm soon, quality is top notch. Feedback more "final product" video time. It looks great, show it off.

@MattTheDesigner Год назад

Appreciate the input!

@wildarkanaworkshop2099 3 месяца назад

This is so well produced. Thanks for the video, man. Great job.

@cjam3660 10 месяцев назад

lol. all that steal and you lout it all on pvc...Lord, yea! good one buddy. dyi at its best...lol

@MattTheDesigner 10 месяцев назад

💪🏽

@roryoconnell7759 Год назад

The "helped me through some $#!%" comment earned you a subscriber. Well done.

@mikereedy2978 3 месяца назад

Did you do any prep for the bedliner paint? I hear you have to prep galvanized metal before painting. If you didn’t how has to paint held up? Thanks.

@MattTheDesigner 3 месяца назад

@@mikereedy2978 I used the strut that has a green paint coating already. I sanded that lightly before the bed liner and it’s holding up really well. It’s worn off in a few high friction places but the green layer is there as backup.

@mikereedy2978 3 месяца назад

@@MattTheDesigner Thank you for the reply. That’s exactly what I needed to know.

@WisconsinWanderer 5 месяцев назад

ok but will this work on a ford E Series cargo van thanks for the video 😊

@MattTheDesigner 4 месяца назад

For sure! In fact I've seen it done on RU-vid.

@Magny80 Год назад

well...I was interested...til I learned that this wont work for my 96 Pathfinder lol

@DocumentTheDownfall 9 месяцев назад

Fantastic very informative video, I’m gonna binge your channel now…ty

@sdnlawrence5640 5 месяцев назад

Great design and construction! That dogs looks very hyper active.

@ethanoltean Год назад

I’m a little confused, a coupling slides into your roof, then you screw in a bolt with another coupling? To then bolt the strut into the second coupling?

@MattTheDesigner Год назад

There are two threaded rods sticking out of the car at each of the mounting points. Each threaded rod gets one coupling and one bolt.

@ethanoltean Год назад

@@MattTheDesigner did you place the thread rods yourself?

@chefprepjustindieh 2 месяца назад

Great video!

@aliciaboswell817 5 месяцев назад

Thank you! Is there a way to put this on a car roof that doesn’t have rails?

@MattTheDesigner 5 месяцев назад

I’m sure there is but I’m not sure what it is. I know they make roof racks for cars without rails but I’m not sure if you can buy just the piece that attaches to the car. You probably have to buy the whole thing.

@aliciaboswell817 5 месяцев назад

@@MattTheDesigner thank you.

@philsowers 3 месяца назад

Great video. Do you have information on the water tank? Is it just DIY PVC pipe?

@MattTheDesigner 3 месяца назад

Yep. Really just a pipe, end caps, a faucet, and a mouth to pour the water in. It was made before I started the channel. Maybe I should make a short about it.

@philsowers 3 месяца назад

@@MattTheDesigner Most of what I've seen are ABS showers. I'd prefer your video sense of humor and style better anyway 😉 get that legit yt plaque 😂

@michaelfranklin8850 Год назад

Apologies if I missed this but what are the dimensions of the different sized pieces?

@M4rio21 Год назад

Your humor is just good enough for me to click that subscribe button. I have no use for this as I own a truck, but this was entertaining.

@joejoe5500 8 месяцев назад

Will 3/8 spring nuts work?

@MattTheDesigner 8 месяцев назад

I believe so.

@Dekn33s Год назад

This is cinema. Beautiful glad I subbed you explain things so well

@ImChrisDeDecker Год назад

This was impressive, good job!

@MattTheDesigner Год назад

Thanks @BuildsUnited!

@kungfumachinist Год назад

Was super excited about this until I realized my 2014 Honda CRV doesn't have roof rails. 😞

@MattTheDesigner Год назад

Sounds like you’ll have to go the clamp on rack route.

@meshark_t Месяц назад

Just wow.

@AmbuBadger 2 года назад

They're so versatile, Germany used them to make MG42 barrel shrouds! _(just joking)_

@MattTheDesigner 2 года назад

Haha. I never made that connection. Looks just like that.

@TylerBennie-nk1bm Год назад

Is this on a 3rd gen CR-V? I’d love to do this on mine for a rooftop tent. Having trouble finding what size coupling nut I need. I suppose I could always look at my car….

@MattTheDesigner Год назад

I think it’s 4th gen but I’d guess they’re similar.

@dk206 Год назад

I feel uneasy not using anything other than bars designed by the manufacturer. Am I too paranoid? After market is wayyyy cheaper

@MattTheDesigner Год назад

They both can fail but with a DIY version you can only blame your self. That’s the scary part.

@KAMIA_MIA 5 месяцев назад

I just made a roof rack with a solar panel on gas struts, max track mount, solar shower and awning mount. All of it is mounted on a variation of this system. Thank you for posting this!!! Informational but also hilarious 😂

@MattTheDesigner 5 месяцев назад

I need to get some solar up there! 1 thing at a time haha.

@travelfeet Год назад

I've made a couple different truck racks from unistrut using the standard connectors as welding in combination. It's thin enough to weld with a 110v welder, though be sure to sand off the rustproofing/galvanized coating.

@MattTheDesigner 11 месяцев назад

I need to learn to weld. Currently getting the hang of 3D printing. Welding will be next.

@emilye709 Год назад

My 97 yoyota rav4 doesn't have the bolts on the car. It has these little tiny pieces that slide open up to a flat hook type thing. . Do you have any recommendations aside from drilling holes on my roof?

@MattTheDesigner Год назад

Hmmm. Looks like you'd need a pretty specific part like the one in this video. Sometimes I just walk the hardware isles hoping a solution will jump out at me. Or maybe you can buy that little bent piece of metal on it's own. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ORayCs4d1H0.html&ab_channel=HEYFRED