Quick overview of the roof rack I built for my Overland rig. Built using super strut which is available at most hardware stores. Sturdy enough to stand on!
I got my (basic) rack installed and it's great! I plan to build it out a bit as you have, but the feet and first two horizontal pieces are on and your video and suggestions were incredibly helpful! Thank you.
My cap came with Thule rails so everything was already there for me to bolt into. You can just drill through the fiberglass caps to attach your own rails but be careful because some of them aren’t designed to carry weight up there. Check the manufacturers website for more info before you do anything
I just priced out the materials for a much more basic version of this rack at Home Depot in Canada….one 10 ‘ price of this strut material is over $100, tax included! All the parts I need for it would cost about 400. $! Nothing at all cheap about it now in Sept. 2023!! The one he made could cost double!! I can get thick aluminum Chanel ..8 ‘ at $35 per piece. Need 3 pieces! Cut one into 4 pieces 2 ‘ each to attach 2 cross members cut to length. Drill some holes, use stainless steel bolts, washers and nuts, glue the rails to my fibreglass truck cap with outside window caulking, put a stainless eyebolt on each end and voila about $200. Seems much better to me! I only want to secure a canoe and perhaps some lumber etc. from time to time!
@@athikerguy4lifeI live on an island (Nfld.). Just about everything we get comes across by ship from the mainland so that explains maybe 20% of the cost as everything is more expensive here. But the difference between what it cost you and me is just crazy!! If I go with the aluminum, it will be based on your idea so thanks for that! I am still looking into options so might find something else!
IMO for the money, benefits (ie low profile, strength to size ratio and customability) you can beat this. I especially like that you caped both sides with a length of strut it makes it more sturdy and provides anchor points for ratchet straps etc. Also I think an occasional paint touch up is an insignificant price to pay when it comes to the benefits. BTW I have some experience with utility racks etc for trucks because Im a contractor. My new truck sits pretty high and will be using your method for my truck rack due to the low profile strength and customability. Great work thanks for posting!
Hi Matt. One more question. I have a very similar truck camper top. Do you remember what size bolts you used to attach the the rack to the topper? I’m going to build the rack based off of your design. You just saved me at least $400!!!!
I had it on my truck for 3 years, although I did take it off for one winter to make it easier to get the snow off my roof. I had to touch up the bedliner once or twice from branches and whatnot, but otherwise it was great! It’s still sitting in my garage now..
I’ve had to touch it up in a couple areas where it’s been hit by branches on the trail and whatnot but overall the Bedliner has held up really well! It’s still solid up there and everything has stayed mounted great. The awning is starting to look a little beat up but it’s hanging in there
I used the factory hardware that came with the cap. I used to have a set of Thule rails on there but two of the feet broke after taking out a low tree limb and I just scavenged the factory bolts.
Nice video!! I notice that the 4 feet are kinda raised up where the superstrut touch the topper rails. What do you use for those? Are they some type of metal block?
I cut it with an angle grinder and a cut off wheel. Not 100% sure on the dimensions, but I basically just made it slightly larger than the truck cap so it would overhang a bit
Jose sanchez you can search for “square nuts” on amazon or eBay and you should find some. You can also try searching for “t nuts”. You may need to buy a few different sizes until you find some that fit your rails properly.
@@wilmotf16 it depends on the type of nuts you use to secure it. In my case, removing the end caps isn’t necessary because the nuts are a rectangular shape so you can slide them in the gap and then when you tighten them it turns to secure itself. If you’re using square nuts you would probably have to remove them
