Roof racks can be pricey, and if you want a nice one it has the potential to get really expensive. I am building a rack that will fasten onto my truck bed cap. With access to a welder, I was able to make one with scrap metal that was lying around the shop. First, I cut pieces of 2″ angle iron and welded them together accordingly. I drilled holes for mounting on the cap, and holes for the cross bar.
Then I through bolted square stock aluminum (it is lighter weight) to the steel angle iron. I welded the thread of the bolt to the nut, so it cannot be removed.
I painted the roof rack with truck bed liner paint. This way it looks slick, and also has a rubber coating to protect it from the elements.
I cut rubber to act as a gasket, on the inside and outside, protecting the fiberglass cap.
Making this rack was extremely easy and cost effective. I paid for nothing except the paint, which was extra anyway. If I was to purchase a rack like this from Thule or Yakima, I would be spending between $300 – $500. My rack is way stronger than theirs…AND it is way cooler because I made it myself, and thats good for my street credit.
When I purchased the Autohome from some dude named Barry on Craigslist, he gave me some mounting hardware which seems to work great. He also gave me a pair of gloves for some reason.
So far this thing is sweet. It’s the same size as our queen size bed.
the truck and camper set up looks great. the rack is sweet and iam very jealous of your welding abilities.
job well done. now go get a awning and your ready to get the hell out of jersey city.
Thanks again Jed. Yea Im looking forward to that awning. And we are ready to bid farewell to JC for a while.