DIY Roof Rack

[luppercut]

Hello all!

I’m interested in creating my own low profile roof rack. The idea is to create something similar to a Prinsu rack by having some sides and a wind faring laser cut at a local shop and installing 80/20 cross members.

Does anyone in the group have any experience with this? I was hoping to find some CAD models to reference. If anyone has seen something like that and if willing to share, that would be greatly appreciated.

 

[honda250xtitan]

just buy a rack from the many companies selling them. by the time you go thru that hassle you'll be into it more than your time is worth

 

[sactown]

I flirted with a DIY rack but after considering the costs and time and having no mounting leaks and quality of the final product I opted for buying one from LFD. Sometimes I’ve gotta know when to curb my DIY tendencies and this was one of them. But that was my call, YMMV.

 

[Humble Leader]

I know you want to DIY but in case you haven't fully decided on that, check out this thread. the amount of fabrication and design that goes into a DIY is not worth it for most people. there are many good products out there for a reasonable price if you are in the USA


can anyone recommend me a roofrack ?

 

[SDMAG]

First post on here! You can absolutely make your rack. I turned a pile of steel into a rack in an afternoon for about $220. I followed this build 4Runner Roof Rack - DIY Build Guide (5th Gen) - A Family Adventure Blog I did some minor tweaks to make the install more adjustable but overall its an easy build if youre handy with a grinder and and a welder.

 

[spartacus]

Hello all!

I’m interested in creating my own low profile roof rack. The idea is to create something similar to a Prinsu rack by having some sides and a wind faring laser cut at a local shop and installing 80/20 cross members.

Does anyone in the group have any experience with this? I was hoping to find some CAD models to reference. If anyone has seen something like that and if willing to share, that would be greatly appreciated.

Have at it. It's fun and pretty satisfying to do projects.
Here is a thread that will give some idea but picture are missing.
DIY: Ultra Low Profile Custom Rack / Crossbars for OEM TE Roof Rails

 

[Bandit Runner]

Interesting thread, and very timely for me. I just recently started designing my own DIY roof rack as well. I've already spent a lot of time measuring the 4Runner's roof. Mine will be made from round tubing, as I like that look better. I designed and built a similar one for my old 3rd gen.

I look forward to seeing what you come up with. Good luck.