Directly mounting full size roof rack

[heiser]

I've searched, and couldn't find anything too informative. I've seen plenty of full length racks mounted, but not too much on how it's done.

I want to mount the rack (pictured) to the top of my 04. It's 84in x 50in. I removed the stock rails and want to mount it directly to the roof. I won't be loading it up too heavily. (snowboards, kayak, camping gear, etc).

Can the stock mounts handle something like this or will I need to drill more mounting points? Is there a better way I should be mounting it?

Note: The extra bar on the front and back are jeep mounts. It'll be flat once these are taken off.

 

[having fun]

Things you might want to look at before attempting. Measure your distance between factory mounting locations on your ride (both, front and rear) they are different.
The arch your roof has compared to flat, need tall enough to keep from the roof. And think of weight being added in certain points and bowing downward and hitting the roof.

 

[heiser]

I've taken measurements of everything. I'm going to have to make my own mounts, I'm just wondering if the 4 corners would suffice, or if I should look into drilling extra mounts in the middle ( like I've seen on Gobi and African outback racks and others) or not. I'm leaning towards adding the extra support.

 

[Range]

I've taken measurements of everything. I'm going to have to make my own mounts, I'm just wondering if the 4 corners would suffice, or if I should look into drilling extra mounts in the middle ( like I've seen on Gobi and African outback racks and others) or not. I'm leaning towards adding the extra support.

Add the extra support, it can only help. The spacing between the 4 corners is long enough in my opinion whereas if you put enough weight in the center you might cause the rack to bow a little. Unless you're using some seriously thick tubing I would add it just for your own peace of mind.

 

[having fun]

Obviously you will have to design special mounts as the space in the channels are narrow. The 4 contact points will be enough to support any weight on the rack as long as the gauge of the tubing can handle what your going to put in/on it for flexing, yes it will flex the heavier your items. This is why I I stated, making the mounts high enough with clearance to the roof.

The rack I made was with EMT conduit, and bought mounting feet from WMW(Josh), so mine sits pretty close to the roof. Me 180# and 4 wheel barrows load of wood in it still held up with flex and no touch to the roof(example).

 

[heiser]

Obviously you will have to design special mounts as the space in the channels are narrow. The 4 contact points will be enough to support any weight on the rack as long as the gauge of the tubing can handle what your going to put in/on it for flexing, yes it will flex the heavier your items. This is why I I stated, making the mounts high enough with clearance to the roof.

The rack I made was with EMT conduit, and bought mounting feet from WMW(Josh), so mine sits pretty close to the roof. Me 180# and 4 wheel barrows load of wood in it still held up with flex and no touch to the roof(example).

That's a great example. The stock mounts should be fine for me then. Its a pretty heavy duty rack (steel). If I start needing more support I'll consider it later. I wish I could get work done by josh, but I believe he still has more important things going on.