My DIY Roofrack

Bostokkelos · Tue May 29, 2012 1:31 pm

Ok so I decided to build a Roof rack from Aluminium. Connect ti connectors was used to build it. Yes it is not designed for a Roof top tent, but will serve well for Jerrycans, extra wheel, ammo cases and kids bicycles and wood etc. It is extremely light, and I used Alu plate to cover the sides so its not open, and it adds to the strength. I used NS5 Aluminum undercoat to paint it, and spray painted it. I hope the paint last.

Cheers

Bostokkelos · Tue May 29, 2012 1:33 pm

I had fitted already on the roof bars, Front runner Roof bars, and the RR is bolted to them, can be removed easily

Davidvan · Tue May 29, 2012 8:11 pm

That roof rack is looking good, love those connect-it's!!!

gordonb · Thu May 31, 2012 6:43 am

Wow, that is brilliant. Would you consider building and selling one to a SWB owner without engineering skills?

Bostokkelos · Thu May 31, 2012 8:51 am

Haha, Gordon its so easy its scary! got to "Connect it"'s website, there's videos as well.

I will be glad to help you. You need hacksaw, drill and pop rivet gun. Then build it like a puzzle.

Deciding on the size is the important thing.

Bostokkelos · Thu May 31, 2012 9:00 am

Gordon, send me you email adres

Thu May 31, 2012 9:23 am

Bostokkelos wrote: I will be glad to help you. You need hacksaw, drill and pop rivet gun. Then build it like a puzzle.

Even easier if you have a compound mitre saw

I built my packing system with connect it's but have my doubts about their durability for something like a roof rack. Will be interesting to see how long it lasts.

Nismo · Thu May 31, 2012 9:41 am

I would also like to know how long it will last, I was also thinking of building a roof rack with the "connect-it"

It looks very neat by the way!

Bostokkelos · Thu May 31, 2012 11:17 am

Remember this RR is not for a RRT or heavy stuff, its purely for the "Bulky" things that takes up space.To make it stronger I fitted the Alu plates I added around the sides, it helps keeping it in tact and strong. I would like to put on top a spare wheel, and Jerry can and kids bikes and maybe some wood etc., The main purpose is to attach my Awning, and for the extra wheel. I tied 3 trailer wheels onto it Saturday and drove on gravel and through Donga's to test it, I will never load it that heavy and it held together perfectly. I am also going to add a Alu plate on the floor, and that should also be more peace of mind. I had the cutting done by the place I bought it, to make sure its perfect

Stofjakkals · Sun Jun 03, 2012 3:21 pm

Hi,

It looks great. I did mine the same way and I can tell you it works well. I loaded mine with a spare wheel, 2 x jerry cans and 3 bags of hardwood and then did the Namakwa Eco Trail. We covered a total of 683km on very bad dirt roads as well as a 9km extreme rock drive section along the Orange River. Not a squeak or a rattle and it is still as firm as when I left. Very happy with it.

To further test it, I left it empty on the roof as I travel a 89km dirt road from Garies to Hondeklip Bay on a 2 weekly basis. After almost 1400km on this dirt road it is still as sturdy as the day it was fitted.