Homemade Roof Rack Under $150 - No Welding

[Bulldog_Runner]

*Not mine, another member's...mine was almost identical, but stretched the entire length of the roof and thicker EMT*

First: I know this isn't as sturdy as the racks that run $400+, I get that. I own a 2001 Jeep XJ that is built up for camping/fishing/biking trips and I needed a functional roof rack but didn't want to spend over $150. After researching I found plenty of cheapo's like me who wanted a good looking/functional rack that didn't require welding.

Total Cost = $105 - 2 hours

That being said...

Here's the Link:

Homemade Roof Rack without Welding - Jeep Cherokee Forum

When I built mine, I used a thicker conduit and used self tapping screws to hold it all together. I attached it to the factory roof rack with U bolts and locktite/lock nuts. I also used more plates in between the bottom and top hoops to make it a little sturdier and give it a better look...worked well.

I literally hung off the side of the truck and pulled on the rack with all I had and it was ON there, the thing didn't move whatsoever. I had it on my XJ for over 5 months and never had a problem with it...

When the tornadoes hit in April here in the DFW area the car next to me flipped, my XJ stayed planted, thankfully....the EMT rack? No damage, bends, nothing. The factory rack is what actually broke off the top of the XJ, I found the factory rack/bars later with the roof rack still attached. :thumb3:



Enjoy!

 

[gaterose]

That actually looks pretty nice to be homemade with no welder.. I'd like to see how much it will hold though.

 

[Bulldog_Runner]

That actually looks pretty nice to be homemade with no welder.. I'd like to see how much it will hold though.

I put four bars running front to back and five side to side and was able to carry a spare tire, shovel, hi-lift, jerry cans, etc.

For $100, I definitely got my money's worth...I'll be making another for the 4runner soon.

 

[jmildoc]

Not bad at all. I can weld and my FiL has a mig so when the time comes I hope to make my own.

 

[stevec5000]

That looks nice after it's painted but it's actually cheaper to buy one at Pep Boys for $59.99. I've had one of these on my pickup for about 10 yrs and it's been great except for needing to be painted.
Highland Roof Top Multi-Purpose Steel Basket Carrier, Black Finish | Product Details | Pep Boys

 

[jmildoc]

have been sketching out some ideas for this (in my head, i cant draw) and I think i may use some of these ideas and just weld them, or use a bit different material and just get it bent at the muffler shop,

 

[Dawg4Runner]

Great looking dog!