Unistrut Roof Rack Hack VW Sprinter Campervan conversion

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How to use Unistrut to make a Roof Rack VW Sprinter Camper Van conversion
My aim is to give you campervan conversion ideas on how to convert a van into a camper and to help inspire you to build your own tiny home on wheels
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25 мар 2021

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Комментарии : 168

@barry-cq4xg 3 года назад

Mel. I think you are the "rain God" because every time you start a job it starts raining!

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

You know rite ☔️👍

@leswatson9111 3 года назад

Hi Mel, you can also get rubber Rivnuts, which will seal as well. (saw on E-bay)

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Thank you buddy I’ve got some but don’t trust them for roof rack 👍

@ROUTEPLANNERPAUL 3 года назад

That's a great idea Mel from the uni strut am going to do the same.

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Thank you buddy 👍

@LT_TOMMY_ 3 года назад

Done exactly the same on a previous Crafter for the same reasons, worked an absolute treat, great vid Mel 👍

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Thank you for the positive feedback really appreciated

@barry-cq4xg 3 года назад

"Mentally Lost" aren't we all! Great video full of information as usual.

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Thank you 👍😂👍

@johnphilip6609 3 года назад

Love how Beck, was watching you and filming in the window 😂😂 Great video Mel as always 👍👍👍

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Thank you 👍🤓👍

@simontonks8903 3 года назад

Excellent video , and great idea especially if your like me and on a budget ! thanks for your other videos have really helped so far hopefully I’ll be fitting my side windows this weekend 😊

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Thank for taking the time to comment good luck with your build 👍

@LibraVanlifeUnit 3 года назад

Once I canget to working on my van again I'll be doing exactly the same as this. A good detailed demonstration Mel,

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Thank you and good luck with your build

@cytringan 3 года назад

Excellent stuff Mel, and very timely. I added 2 x 3m unistrut lengths to my LWB crafter, as you did, before starting the inside of my build. I now realise I may need to extend the roofrack forwards to support a crossmember to mount a bracket for a wind out awning. I had thought about using Rivnuts, so to see them "in action" is great!

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

You’re absolutely welcome thanks for the positive feedback really appreciated 👍

@skookumjack 3 года назад

Good detailed advice Mel, unistrut sales must be going through the roof.... or should that be 'on the roof' Ha! Keep up the good work and stay safe! 👍👍👍

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Hahaha that’s brilliant thank you buddy 👍😂👍

@gordonmansfield7536 3 года назад

Great job Mel you are the man

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Thank you buddy

@El-Tel63-Terry. 3 года назад

More great tips and advice, thanks Mel 👍🏻🙂

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Thank you buddy 👍🤓👍

@billcompton6050 3 года назад

Mel great job on the Unistrut. Good way top seal the opening on the rivnut. I used a lot of the Unistrut at Yale University to build jigs and fixtures for lifting and assembling panels.. Very flexible system and very strong. I know a lot of electrical contractors who use it for pipe runs, mounting boxes, etc. thank you BC

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Thank you buddy for the positive encouragement really appreciated 👍

@nealeburgess6756 3 года назад

That was interesting Mel. I have never used riv bolts or unistrut, so I have learnt something today! Well done.

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Thank you for the positive message really appreciated 👍

@jamescarro771 3 года назад

Thanks for sharing Mel I will definitely be using that system for my horsebox I will save the link 👍

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

You’re absolutely welcome thank you for using my links it really does make a big difference 👍😊👍

@FreedomStrider 3 года назад

Unistrut all the way!

@joshcliffejones 3 года назад

Awesome to see you recommending rivnuts for this DIY roof rack as i want to do the same on my sprinter camper and cant use bolts due to the inner roof already being in place! Thanks for the info! :)

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

You’re absolutely welcome 👍

@bobbyfischer6786 3 года назад

Mel was just ".... trying to get it out before it goes hard again.." pmsl

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

😂👍

@woolleycodwanderers4833 3 года назад

Thanks for that Mel 👍 we have our ceilings up and really wanted to know how to get round that problem 😉👍 ... ❤️👵🏼🐾🐾🤠x

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

No worries I’m pleased it’s helpful 👍🤓👍

@wiffer64 3 года назад

I did the same on a Renault Master, great video!

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Thank you buddy 👍😊👍

@toastiesvanbuild4644 3 года назад

Great video as always

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Thank you 👍

@whippetsadventuresandoneman 3 года назад

Unistrut is the best thank you to yours on your roof I made the same for mine do need to get the cover trim you did to make it finish tho :) looking good Mel Hope your keeping well and safe 🤗😊

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Thank you buddy I wouldn’t worry about the covers it’s a waste of time 👍😊👍

@whippetsadventuresandoneman 3 года назад

@@BigVanSmallWorld oh really? How come? :(

@BruceLauderdale 3 года назад

Mel, I find that if you squeeze the first time onto the nut, then tighten the screw at the top again while holding tension, then go again to make sure it is squished tight.

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Thank you Bruce 👍😊👍

@thierryviez4551 6 месяцев назад

Thks mate

@zacccy89 Год назад

Insightful and entertaining as usual. Cheers Mel

@BigVanSmallWorld Год назад

Glad you enjoyed it

@billmccaslin4198 3 года назад

Love the video

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Thank you buddy

@LostNative 3 года назад

This is awesome Mel, I'm gonna use it in on the next van. If I ever hear from the insurance 😂

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Good luck with that I do hope you get it sorted soon 🤞🤞🤞

@Rickym403 3 года назад

Great video an info Mel, cheers 👍🚐

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Thank you 😊

@katcankan7129 3 года назад

Another excellent Job Mel...you are such a cheerful fellow. Have a nice weekend 😃🍸🍺😀

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Thank you and you 👍🤓👍

@katcankan7129 3 года назад

@@BigVanSmallWorld Thank you😊

@tilly1950 3 года назад

Great work Mel and good info to fitting the roof rack love the VIDS . Robbie U K

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Thank you Robbie 👍

@pedrolg 3 года назад

Fantastic video as always. I found by experience that rivet nut gun breaks after some use, for £25-£30 you have those 1 foot handle, much solid ones.

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Oh ok thank you 😊

@tonytca9439 3 года назад

I used unistrut on my roof with rivnuts over a year ago and no sign of leaks. i got 550w of solar on them. Its a perfect frame for mounting panels, cameras, light bars etc ALSO use 2 lengths of unistrut for your bed frame! This allows for a strong very low profile frame which bolts to the beams on the side of the van with galvanised L brackets from B & Q. it needs no down legs supports that you need with wood and opens up the garage area. It also means i can remove my bed after taking out the slats and undo 4 bolts which allows to do small furniture removals. A washing machine and fridge freezer etc will go straight in the back.

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Sounds brilliant 👍😊👍

@importadorasportmotorsltda9884 2 года назад

Good system

@BigVanSmallWorld 2 года назад

Thank you 😊

@wanderlifediary1706 3 года назад

Cool

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Thank you 😊

@anfieldroadlayoutintheloft5204 3 года назад

Good video

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Thank you 😊

@justinsmith6296 3 года назад

Well your up there Mel you couldn't give the old van roof a wash, polish and wax for the good lady, there's a good chap 😆

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Haha 😂

@pa_maj.MARTINI-van-MAN 3 года назад

Mel I noticed that you squeezed the rivet nut gun once then removed the bolt. After the first squeeze you're supposed to screw the gun down tight then squeeze again to spread the nut out properly. I noticed you trying to push the gun down as you would using a rivet gun but because of the threads you need to screw it as unlike a rivet it won't slide. I prefer Plusnut type rivnuts for anything structural to be honest but the Plus Nut gun is more expensive, the Plusnut type spread more to give greater catch, the gun used is bigger because they a strong and need more force to spread. I just thought you may want to know mate 👍

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Thank you buddy I’ll go back over them to check 👍

@pa_maj.MARTINI-van-MAN 3 года назад

@@BigVanSmallWorld I just thought it better to mention Mel, I almost wasn't going to but hey, I'd rather something was pointed out to me too mate, it's all good 👍 Look into those PlusNuts Mel, I've an idea that should make it easy fitting them with a cordless drill, same goes for those rivnuts 👍

@pa_maj.MARTINI-van-MAN 3 года назад

@@BigVanSmallWorld Mel I was just thinking, they have probably compressed up tight anyway if they didn't spin when you were tightening up the bolts 👍

@13yearsaprepperr.jtilbury.51 3 года назад

Great vid Mel , Once you use RIVNUTS you find many many uses for them ,I think my RV weighs about 50Kg`s more because of them ,,I have used 100`s of the bloody things Rob NSW Australia

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Haha thank you buddy hope you’re not getting to much rain 🌧 I hear it’s quite bad at the moment 👍😊👍

@bobscullion3533 3 года назад

I used rivnuts on the roof of my transit custom to mount the solar panel but put some sealant in the hole then the rivnut and also into the threads before I put the bolt in because 1 of the bolts leaked via the thread last time I used them, just a tip that might help others

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Thank you 😊

@paulus47 2 года назад

the way you use the rivenut tool is wrong when you clamp the fistime the tool you must use the knob om the tool to wind up then use it again I believe the rivenuts are not completely pulled up ! please check those from the under side if possible for the rest weldone job

@sivelo5021 3 года назад

I thought Katsu only did curries, I didn’t realise they also did tools!

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Haha 😆

@HomesteadDad 2 года назад

I'm so glad I found your channel. I have a passenger sprinter that didn't come with a roof rack, but I haven't wanted to take down the headliner. I was wondering if it could be done with rivnuts. Do you know how it has done over a year of use? Thanks!

@BigVanSmallWorld 2 года назад

Hay buddy thank you for the positive feedback the rivnuts are fantastic 👍

@davidlimacher676 2 года назад

You can also get end caps for the unit strut to finish it off

@BigVanSmallWorld 2 года назад

Yes you can 👍

@gillwil 3 года назад

Hope those riv nuts are waterproof sealed.. Update; just seen your demo...

@jasontibbitts5231 3 года назад

Should you have used a sealing washer ??? It could leak

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

It will be fine 👍

@Cous1nJack Год назад

I find the M8 rivnuts are friendlier.

@tine8849 3 года назад

I bought some Unistrut for my van but I thought it was surprisingly heavy. It's only shortly after that I found out it comes in Light gauge and heavy gauge and I assume we're all putting the lighter stuff on the tops of our vans.

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

That’s absolutely right 👍

@unknownmeaning8506 3 года назад

Don't suppose you know if Mk7 transit hightop has these hole's? that's a brilliant idea

@BigVanSmallWorld 2 года назад

I’m sorry I didn’t think they do

@GB-hu6uf 3 года назад

It's none of my business but have you considered plus nuts? These are supposedly stronger than rivnuts. I remember a van build vid where the rivnuts came loose due to shearing. Tensile strength is close to 1100 kg per rivnut so you're good there. I am using 10mm bolts and nuts just like your own van. Wish I had thought off the struts though. Much easier to fasten stuff to. Too late for me. Thanks for posting!

@grumpygrandpa3640 3 года назад

That roof looks like it could do with a good scrub and a good waxing

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Yep 👍

@garyharrad4876 3 года назад

Hi Mel you can get spring zebs for unistrut short and long will make things even easier and fully adjustable too. If you remember I sent some end caps if you struggle getting hold of some let me know I can send you some deep and short in black too. Drop me a message if needed

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Oh thank you buddy I remember you really appreciate your encouragement and support 👍

@ant_hart 3 года назад

Any particular reason you use the slotted mate vs the solid? Weight saving would be minimal so assume it’s just ease? I think when I eventually make one I’ll use the solid and just measure where to drill the holes...plus there no danger of any water sitting in the slots being solid itl just run out when moving or on a slope 👍🏼 Still love the idea though it’s one of those all time great van hacks 💯👍🏼👍🏼

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Sounds good 👍

@markriley7115 3 месяца назад

Hi Mel, could you please let me know where you got the mastic tape from ? Thanks mark, good video by the way 👍

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 месяца назад

www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0036APFJM/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_GA0JA2BMDAYVBC8K8YYH?linkCode=ml2&tag=melsvanworld-21

@exploresandtosummit 3 года назад

Is it possible to get plastic end caps for both sizes of the unistrut? That would really make them look neat.

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Yes it is

@patrickjobling8676 3 года назад

Gotta tellya mate ..im likin these strutskis ..nutskis ..yes sirree bob ..😁😎pip pips and carryon pilgrim

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Haha 😂

@rob12841 3 года назад

You can get them sprung on the back which makes them a bit easier and stops them wiggling about

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

That’s rite 👍

@beyondthe.moment Год назад

great video mate, would a set up like this work for us to get a deck on the roof too?

@ScoobieDee 3 года назад

Hi Mel. So does the m6 bolt fit into a riv nut that have a diameter of 8mm . meaning the whole in the crater is 8 mm wide? thanks

@WrathOfVaz Год назад

Hi Mel, could I please ask why you used rivnuts. What's their purpose? Couldn't you just put bolts through with washers and seal them? Many thanks.

@BigVanSmallWorld Год назад

Yes you can do that remember once you have done them up if you insulate and fit a ceiling to your van you can’t undo them that’s why it’s better to use riv nuts 👍

@ScoobieDee 3 года назад

Thanks Mel. Can you tell me how long a piece of Uni strut you use and was the van a MWB or LWB ?

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

3 meters long and it’s a MWB

@billmccaslin4198 3 года назад

Don't forget to like subscribe and share and check out Mel's Amazon storefront Link in the description and thank you for watching

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Thank you buddy that’s really appreciated 👍🤓👍

@wanderingbox7971 3 года назад

I have one too got idea off Urban guy

@JulesTravels-On 3 года назад

Hi,via there any point on putting strip of neoprene between side bar and cross bars to prevent rattles? 😎

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

It should be ok it’s all held down so won’t rattle 👍

@in-the-vanpeter5157 3 года назад

You smashed that Mel , what about another make eg transit or boxer will it work ?

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Thank you buddy I don’t know about other vans 👍

@whitevanman9500 3 года назад

That unistrut roof rack is just so durable but also you can put as many cross members across it is you want for the things like spare wheels etc mega value for money👍 cool vid as usual mel!

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Thank you and that’s absolutely rite 👍😊👍

@abodeless 3 года назад

💙

@chrislee1099 Год назад

Love your vids, just wondering if I would be able to use nut rives and unistrut on a vw transporter t6 high roof its fibre glass

@BigVanSmallWorld Год назад

Definitely no buddy they just not designed for fibreglass that will pull out

@chrislee1099 Год назад

@@BigVanSmallWorld thank you 😊

@hikingbikingscotland1267 3 года назад

Nice job Mel. Tell me, do you get any wind howling or whistling like with some roof racks? Martin.

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

With all the clutter rattling around in the back I wouldn’t know lol 😂

@hikingbikingscotland1267 3 года назад

@@BigVanSmallWorld 🤦‍♂️😂😂

@KarenSavageEpicTV 3 года назад

Hey Mel, Is there any reason why you used 40mm for the length bars. I am going to be trying this with my pop top and am concerned about the maximum weight it can carry so could i get away with 20mm for the length bars

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

H Karen the sprinter roof has a slight curve to its edge profile so I need the 40mm for clearance in the middle good luck with yours 👍

@travellingjournalist966 3 месяца назад

Hey Mel I can’t see a link for the unistrut maybe I need to clean my glasses lol

@duncansarmy 3 года назад

Cheers Mel! Will you be doing one for the solar mounting?

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Yes I have done 👍

@duncansarmy 3 года назад

Mel's Van Life legend! will look forward to it!!

@annheadley5004 2 года назад

Please could you put up the link for those self-adhesive fixings that hold the solar panel cables to the roof of Rebekah's van? I can't find the video, but need to get some strong self-adhesive fixings. Many thanks Mel.

@BigVanSmallWorld 2 года назад

amzn.to/3CK2ppo

@annheadley5004 2 года назад

@@BigVanSmallWorld Brilliant. Thank you.

@justinsmith6296 3 года назад

Where do you get your unistut from?

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Amazon link in the description 👍

@mrgardiner4519 3 года назад

Morning all, I have a 2014 Sprinter MWB High top and just sorting out some strut and was hoping that someone would kindly let me know the width between struts, that way I can source pre-cut and powder coated? Some have suggested that its 1400mm? Cheers J

@BigVanSmallWorld 2 года назад

Get on your roof with a tape measure it so that way you know how much it is 👍

@M.Mchale 3 года назад

HELP , What style of licking washers would I need., THANKS

@M.Mchale 3 года назад

Locking not licking...bloody predictive text drives me nuts....no pun intended lol

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Anyone’s that are the right size will do

@M.Mchale 3 года назад

I've gone for nord locking nuts

@Outlander1963UK Год назад

Hi Mel, did you use the light duty or the heavey duty strut.

@BigVanSmallWorld Год назад

Both!

@royabayliss3277 Год назад

Hi Mel, can I ask what spray paint you used for galvanized steel? Thanks

@BigVanSmallWorld Год назад

You need galvanised primer 👍

@nickapple8551 3 года назад

Afternoon Mel You been through an MOT yet with your chopped up double seat? Have any issues? I chopped mine and mot time is coming up. Cheers!

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Yes and I made a video all about it good luck with your MOT

@nickapple8551 3 года назад

@@BigVanSmallWorld oooo I'll hunt it down. Can't believe I missed one! Gutted. Thanks for the reply :)

@David_11111 3 года назад

yay .. roof roof oh .. no dog :)

@gabrielsansar6187 Год назад

well done for not saying what size bolts u used to pin it down... why are all these vids by comedians who waffle and miss out the most important info

@gillwil 3 года назад

The chopper is watching you two...beware..

@davidnew1887 3 года назад

Mel can I ask you something that’s nothing to do with this video. It’s more to do with upgrade on rear leaf springs. I took single leaf off and put 3 leaf ones on now it’s picked up the back end 4inchs. Now my shocks are to short and so is the anti roll bar links there both about 4” to short iv phoned Mercedes told them Iv upgraded form 3.5 ton to 5ton they said the 5 ton has the same shocks as iv got. I no your switched on mate I’m desperate to get this sorted iv phoned everyone I can think of the 1st thing they want is my reg but no good buying from my reg because Iv upgraded and it’s giving me a 4 inch lift on the back I need 24inch back shocks it’s not easy as just saying I need 24 inch heavy duty shocks nothing is simple no more please help me May van is off road it’s like having my legs cut off with no transportation

@goth_dude6874 3 года назад

Mevi will never Iive it down lol

@NOMAD-LEISURE 3 года назад

is becky ur gf mel 😳

@grahamhardyvanlife5704 3 года назад

ah what you on about it costs £2.50 to get your van upgraded to 15 tonnes to hold the 5 tonne steel roof rack most vans have, just do you dvsa instructor a "special favour" wink wink and you get your licence sorted to drive a truck. LOL. I wish i had done this rather than attract the panels to the roof as a result my roof is f**ked.

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

I got a class 1 HGV so worries buddy did you get your class 2 yet

@grahamhardyvanlife5704 3 года назад

@@BigVanSmallWorld no tests allowed till end of lockdown apparently :( me theory's run out in June.

@gabrielsansar6187 Год назад

Im english and i need the translator on... what happened to fully formed words !!!!!!!?????????????????? innit