#1 DIY Roof Rack Thanks to This Guy. Here's how to make it.

[@bdoan66]

"Tip: close one eye for safety". Well done, great video.

[@pattimagee]

Fav line: "If your hardware store has the strut, they'll have the nut." 😉

[@grant8653]

Where is he in America that hardware stores or if he doesn't know auto stores are not filled with metric? My hardware stores are filled with metric and imperial and if hardware store doesnt auto store always has them. Because more than non metric America loves money and choices and if you have both they would love for you to buy the wrong thing and come back for more

[@matt_queso]

"I swear this wasn't an ad" Dude I'm a new subscriber and I gotta say, love the subtle humor. Instant fan.

[@MattTheDesigner]

Thanks my fellow Matt!

[@dirtyred1530]

I don't comment on a lot of videos but I just wanted to say that you've done an excellent job balancing editing, education, and entertainment. Subscribed.

[@MattTheDesigner]

🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@markfinal5ive]

Same here love the content

[@welcometocattown2036]

Unistrut, the unsung hero of the modern world! Three cheers for Unistrut!

[@MattTheDesigner]

I have a lot of idea for it! So old yet still great.

[@ingela_injeela]

You're not only a designer and engineer - you're a film maker and a comedian! Kept me - as someone with zero interest in the subject matter - engaged and entertained til THE END. ☺️

[@HAZMAT2364]

I've been looking at a lot of DIY roofrack options lately, and I must say this is one of the simplest bolt-together options I've seen so far. Just like a meccano set!

[@melcarter6422]

Loved that you showed what it would look like inside, if the rail were invisible.

[@Stephenwc]

That toilet wipe shot had me yelp out a belt. Well done video and this idea of using the racks with holes all along it rocks. I can see a ton of utility in being able to strap on or bolt all sorts of stuff anywhere along the length of the rack.

[@MattTheDesigner]

If spent a few years with it and it’s been great!

[@ctran693]

The quality of your videos is outstanding. I hope your channel blows up. The humor, editing, and workmanship is amazing. Thank you

[@MattTheDesigner]

Me too!

[@mrs.c5471]

I LOVE how you film/teach! And you do an amazing job! I love your window cover!

[@northstarscout]

Wish I had found this earlier and saved some money.... now I know for future! Thank you for great content!!

[@nickymazur]

The quality of your videos just keep getting better! would love to see your full suv camper setup when your done creating!

[@MattTheDesigner]

Thanks man! It’s defiantly on my list. I just can’t stop thinking of things to add. Haha

[@RawFitChris]

How could I NOT? Subscribe AND build this rack on top of my Explorer that is? Your design is great. And your instructional video is both perfectly educational TIMES TEN and professional, while FUN AS HELL to watch. You set the bar for all the rest. Good luck coming close to you. The best!

[@MattTheDesigner]

Thanks Chris! Glad you like it.

[@mikefranks4528]

Classic ending but so so true. Have fun building everyone!

[@ron4jon]

I wouldn’t have thought of this. Super idea..! And there’s many other unique applications that other people can come up with. Thanks for sharing. Awesome..!

[@MattTheDesigner]

Thank you @ron4jon ! We’re on the road right now and I added two more bars to it to hold a specific size box. It’s working out really well.

[@rowdysgirlalways]

I love this! If I was a regular traveler, I would give this a try. I also love the water tank. If I was going van life, I would certainly have one of those. By the way, I don't know how you control that wild dog.

[@yoshigirlrocker]

You are so talented!! These videos are going to help me tremendously when doing my suv camper by the end of this year. We have the same model of car w a sunroof! I’ve looked through all your content and I’m so excited for what’s to come!! I knew I wanted to utilize my suv the best I could to emulate a van lifer without investing tens of thousands of dollars into a build like that. You’re the best!! 🤠

[@MattTheDesigner]

Thank you! Hoping to do the full van build thing someday but working with what i got for now and having fun doing it. Thanks for watching!

[@ReadySetElement]

Dang I love this! My wife and I really need roof racks on our car to hold up our roof top tent and this is a perfect solution. You have saved us so much time and money. Thank you 😄

[@paulkelm6550]

Thank you. This is really well made and very watchable - and enjoyable. I like the quality of the script, picture, and music. The humor is icing on the cake. Love it!

[@torahforeverwithmashiach8767]

First video about making roof rack ive watched....instant confidence now about making it...thank-you for posting sharing n caring

[@torahforeverwithmashiach8767]

Hii Matt the plastic rooffs spacers - what other names might these be know by? Im having hard time finding these online. All other strut channels and fixings ive found - thanking you in advance.

[@circleofowls]

I use Unistrut all the time at work, it's fantastic stuff. Much heavier than the 80/20 aluminum extrusion but much cheaper, more widely available and probably more versatile with all the holes already available for random attachment points.

[@MattTheDesigner]

It’s relatively new to me but I love it.

[@donnsoul]

That monotone delivery is pure gold

[@lightskingamingGTA]

the effort put into the editing of this video is appreciated lol excellent stuff :)

[@rwind656]

Unistrut, used it first time recently and at the big box store there were two gauges. Lots of weight diff. I did not know you could get them painted or in aluminum.

[@s-c..]

Nice! Now I can move my toilet to the roof! You truly are some kind of genius : )

[@MattTheDesigner]

😂😂😂

[@deganni2688]

Let me start by saying thanks for sharing. I completely agree most roof racks are expensive with only some accessories. The few that have accessories are also overpriced. I'm gonna look into your suggestions with hopes to have a build soon.

[@MattTheDesigner]

Thanks @deganni2688 it's been working great for me so far.

[@PeaceDeliverer]

Gotta figure it out for my subaru..👍 thank you!, Great ideas!

[@elmago5022]

I love everything about this! Can you please teach us how to make a mount for a bike next?

[@MattTheDesigner]

I considered doing in video so yes at some point I’ll probably do that.

[@mikesheets4332]

Matt you are the man unistrut is lot stronger you just saved me a butt load of money

[@blahber222]

beautiful job my guy. always excited to see your new vids! kinda biased because we have the same car, but you putting out consistent content to inspire doesn’t go unnoticed!

[@MattTheDesigner]

🙏🏼 Thank you @Roland 🙏🏼 the CRV is great. Hoping to do a full blown van build some day but I still have plenty of ideas for this thing.

[@AndrewB416]

Did this for cross bars on my Nissan Frontier a while ago. Nissan OEM wanted $500 a pop for cross bars on their proprietary factory rails. $100 and some elbow grease later I had a set of cross bars and was off camping!

[@MattTheDesigner]

They’ve been great so far. Glad I didn’t splurge for the brand names.

[@wildarkanaworkshop2099]

This is so well produced. Thanks for the video, man. Great job.

[@KAMIA_MIA]

I just made a roof rack with a solar panel on gas struts, max track mount, solar shower and awning mount. All of it is mounted on a variation of this system. Thank you for posting this!!! Informational but also hilarious 😂

[@MattTheDesigner]

I need to get some solar up there! 1 thing at a time haha.

[@donwyates]

I have to say, that segment with the TP was quite cinematic. I think I considered Unistrut before going with a Yakima rack, but lacked the will. Could've saved a little $.

[@M4rio21]

Your humor is just good enough for me to click that subscribe button. I have no use for this as I own a truck, but this was entertaining.

[@danneukirch4486]

Another well made useful video, and love the humour!

[@SuburbanBeard]

im so excited i found your video before i started building! thank you!!

[@travelfeet]

I've made a couple different truck racks from unistrut using the standard connectors as welding in combination. It's thin enough to weld with a 110v welder, though be sure to sand off the rustproofing/galvanized coating.

[@MattTheDesigner]

I need to learn to weld. Currently getting the hang of 3D printing. Welding will be next.

[@ja.935g67]

This is actually a very neat idea!

[@sdnlawrence5640]

Great design and construction! That dogs looks very hyper active.

[@DocumentTheDownfall]

Fantastic very informative video, I’m gonna binge your channel now…ty

[@julialopez3725]

Thank you for the video. Could I add a side tarp to that? Thank you?

[@MattTheDesigner]

You absolutely could. I should probably do that.

[@danielbowman4819]

I like the toilet paper holder!!

[@FOZ23]

Why is nobody mentioning the transition from TP to the white tank! That was smooth. 3:44

[@MattTheDesigner]

💩

[@taylorspears9305]

Best video on DIY stuff I've seen in a long time! 🤣🤙

[@MattTheDesigner]

Thank you Mr. Spears!

[@mikereedy2978]

Did you do any prep for the bedliner paint? I hear you have to prep galvanized metal before painting. If you didn’t how has to paint held up? Thanks.

[@MattTheDesigner]

@@mikereedy2978 I used the strut that has a green paint coating already. I sanded that lightly before the bed liner and it’s holding up really well. It’s worn off in a few high friction places but the green layer is there as backup.

[@mikereedy2978]

@@MattTheDesigner Thank you for the reply. That’s exactly what I needed to know.

[@floridascorcher4289]

Did the Berliner spray stick to the galvanized unistrut?

[@MattTheDesigner]

The unistrut I used was already coated in a green paint. I sanded it a little and applied the truck bed liner. It's holding up well. Not sure if galvanized would need a primer or something.

[@nj4x4fever2]

You always make cool stuff.

[@MattTheDesigner]

1st! Haha. Before it even premiered. Thanks Dennis!

[@kalpasupathy3933]

Matt, great designs, fab and videos, keep it up and thank you!! I see you have steel struts, any thoughts on using aluminum?

[@MattTheDesigner]

Aluminum would be great. I just used what was easy to get. Menards, Homedepot, and Lowe's near me all only had steel.

[@anthonyadams6442]

Discovered this at 3am! Glad I did!

[@MattTheDesigner]

Good morning!

[@devinbraun1852]

I learned and I laughed. Great job.

[@ryanhernandez8388]

Great video. I love the succint style and the lack of video "fluff"

[@random40s]

How have I never heard of that before.. That's AWESOME!👍👍

[@MattTheDesigner]

Thanks for watching @random40s!

[@goosetrooper]

Agreed what others have said. I hope you hit the algorithm soon, quality is top notch. Feedback more "final product" video time. It looks great, show it off.

[@MattTheDesigner]

Appreciate the input!

[@CH-om9sc]

How do you keep water from the connection to the roof ? Going to do this on my jeep grand Cherokee .

[@MattTheDesigner]

I didn't do anything for that. I just assumed Honda sorted that out because these are supposed to have accessories attached to them. So far so good.

[@ex-engineer6657]

I can't believe you dont have more subs. Oh yeah, another KZbinr calls his "eye protection" the safety squint. Aaand I'm calling BS on the metric problem in the US; our car makers have been using metric for many years. Sometimes the hardware stores have MORE metric than inch nuts and bolts. Keep up the good work!

[@MattTheDesigner]

Maybe it's just that the coupling is rare. Thanks for the comment. More BS coming soon.

[@011CJ]

Never seen this rack before but I have used unistrut in a lot of my 4x4 builds

[@MattTheDesigner]

It’s great stuff!

[@Dekn33s]

This is cinema. Beautiful glad I subbed you explain things so well

[@Fingerprintguy]

So why did you choose the PVC parts for the extensions? I'm currently building the same thing on my Subaru and will have to set up a riser like you did but I think I have room for some square channel to act as a spacer. Since I already bought a metal cutting blade I figured I might as well put it to good use.

[@MattTheDesigner]

It’s high pressure pvc. The thinking was it would compress a little and act like a lock washer. Not sure if it’s true but it’s been solid since I bolted it on there.

[@Infamousss93]

@1:27 my jeep compass doesn't have the covers ontop but has the 2 nut covers facing inward for a rack. Anyway to make one using the holes facing inward?

[@MattTheDesigner]

I’m sure there is a way. Sounds like you need some kind of angle bracket. Sometimes I just walk the isles of the hardware store and see if anything looks like it could work.

[@mattr8370]

This is awesome! If only there was a way to mount these on a vehicle without the mounting spots.. (i have a 2014 ford edge limited with panoramic sunroof)

[@MattTheDesigner]

You might be able to buy some of those brackets that clamp on to the doors. But at the point your probably better off just buying the whole rack.

[@crissgen]

Thanks for the video very well done, question …why did you used those small strut underneath the crossing one

[@MattTheDesigner]

Each of the 4 mounting points on the CRV has 2 bolts. The small piece of strut connects those two bolts. I was worried if I didn't connect the two and only used one it would break.

[@felixmartin8416]

How’s it looking one year later?? I’m about to copy you and make the same next weekend and wondered if you would make any changes / improvements

[@MattTheDesigner]

It’s been great. Only small issue has been some road noise when on the highway. This only happens when nothing is mounted to the rack. I wrap a black bungee around each cross bar and that stops the sound.

[@WisconsinWanderer]

ok but will this work on a ford E Series cargo van thanks for the video 😊

[@MattTheDesigner]

For sure! In fact I've seen it done on KZbin.

[@philsowers]

Great video. Do you have information on the water tank? Is it just DIY PVC pipe?

[@MattTheDesigner]

Yep. Really just a pipe, end caps, a faucet, and a mouth to pour the water in. It was made before I started the channel. Maybe I should make a short about it.

[@philsowers]

@@MattTheDesigner Most of what I've seen are ABS showers. I'd prefer your video sense of humor and style better anyway 😉 get that legit yt plaque 😂

[@NotaDoctorOrLawyer]

I watched a variety of these diy’s and this one (I think is the coolest and most utilitarian) I grew up with erector sets. Adult erector set here I come.

[@MattTheDesigner]

That’s exactly what it is. It’s been working great for years at this point.

[@BritneyLeigh24720]

How much weight do you think this can withhold? Thinking of making a rooftop tent for my RAV4 too.

[@MattTheDesigner]

I think if the weight is evenly distributed it could hold a tent. I recently put a bunch of treated lumber in the middle of it and it did bend a bit so its not invincible.

[@BritneyLeigh24720]

Thanks! I really appreciate your help

[@abatenate]

How heavy would a full rack be compared to aluminum ?

[@MattTheDesigner]

Not sure. Just working with what I got. But I'd guess aluminum would weigh about 1/3 what this setup does.

[@ShaunBurton]

Cool idea,, Will have to look into it myself, Want to do a video on your storage pipe?

[@MattTheDesigner]

I probably should. Thanks for the suggestion!

[@CarlotaGalofréGuasch]

Hello! That’s amazing I made my own roof racks, thank you so much. Just a problem now. The wind makes a lot of noise and whistle when I drive. Any idea on how to fix that? It still empty so maybe when I will put the cargo box will stop.? Don’t know.

[@MattTheDesigner]

Cargo box will stop it. Until you get one, attach a bungee cord to one end of the bar and wrap it around then attach it to the other side. This will stop the noise and you’ll always have a way to start things to your rack.

[@CarlotaGalofréGuasch]

It worked! Thank you!

[@joejoe5500]

Thanks for all the replies! Just one other thing, would 4inch machine screw work instead.of m6 110 mm bolts

[@MattTheDesigner]

When connecting the pieces to each other you can use a range of bolts. But what you use to attach it to the car will be determined by the car. You’ll have to figure out the size and thread count of the attachment points on the car.

[@negueba235689]

DIY roofrack... how can you document max wigth load ? for road seafty check? + that if you crash your car will it keep on the roof.

[@MattTheDesigner]

🙏🏼

[@talpalatnyizold]

Hi. How about black paint on this galvanize surface after years?

[@MattTheDesigner]

The strut I used was painted green already. The black paint on top of that has held up really well.

[@talpalatnyizold]

@MattTheDesigner thanks for the answer! I going to make something similar that was the reason I needed some info about paint. Greatings!

[@ImChrisDeDecker]

This was impressive, good job!

[@MattTheDesigner]

Thanks @BuildsUnited!

[@aidengrimm1033]

How do you think this could be applied to a bare roof? I have a 17 Civic Hatch and holy crap those Thule, Yakima, and Rack Attack setups are stupid expensive. Was originally thinking of this but instead removing the rain gutter and securing it to a tapped hole somewhere on there. Edit: And cut the rain gutter and re fasten it.

[@MattTheDesigner]

If it has tapped hole then that’s likely the answer. A lot of people have asked what to do if there aren’t any and I don’t have a great solution for that. Let us all know what you end up doing.

[@michaelfranklin8850]

Apologies if I missed this but what are the dimensions of the different sized pieces?

[@a.w.thompson4001]

I think.i might actually have died laughing so hard at the unruly dog and tp. 😉 🐕 It's not just educational, it's entertainment!

[@MattTheDesigner]

@A. W. Thompson thanks for watching 😂

[@vanguardcycle]

absolutely brilliant

[@mariajacqueline1140]

Great video 👌 is there any issue with water leakage? Asking this because there was a cover that was removed to expose the bolts and the couplings no longer have the same “seal” to where the nuts meets the roof of the car.

[@MattTheDesigner]

No issues so far and it’s been a few years. But I’m just a guy on the internet so take that with a grain of salt.

[@mv80401]

Or just use any type of silicone sealant which can be peeled off.

[@TylerBennie-nk1bm]

Is this on a 3rd gen CR-V? I’d love to do this on mine for a rooftop tent. Having trouble finding what size coupling nut I need. I suppose I could always look at my car….

[@MattTheDesigner]

I think it’s 4th gen but I’d guess they’re similar.

[@robertbehan9186]

I just watched this and another video (window covering with fan/snorkel). Nice job. I like that your videos, so far, aren't too long. Going on the road full time with a van, so hiring rid of my CR-V. Is just to small for me to live in full time. I like your humor. Going to watch more videos later today.

[@MattTheDesigner]

Welcome to the channel Robert.

[@SamE2109]

Thanks for the video! How does one find out the size of the bolts on the roof rails?

[@MattTheDesigner]

There is likely a thread cap in each of the connection points. Take that out and bring it into your hardware store. They’ll help you find the right thing.

[@SuperMIKevin]

That was such a nice video I wish it were longer! 😂

[@DDsRestoRepair]

I logged in to like this video, good editing, good video 👍🏻

[@MattTheDesigner]

Thanks Sean!

[@roryoconnell7759]

The "helped me through some $#!%" comment earned you a subscriber. Well done.

[@aliciaboswell817]

Thank you! Is there a way to put this on a car roof that doesn’t have rails?

[@MattTheDesigner]

I’m sure there is but I’m not sure what it is. I know they make roof racks for cars without rails but I’m not sure if you can buy just the piece that attaches to the car. You probably have to buy the whole thing.

[@aliciaboswell817]

@@MattTheDesigner thank you.

[@CarlotaGalofréGuasch]

HELLO MAT! WHAT IF I HAVE FIXED POINT FOR THE ROOF RACKS BUT I DON´T HAVE THE SCREWS FACING UP...? I JUST HAVE A HOLE IN THE CAR... THANK YOU!!!

[@MattTheDesigner]

If the hole is threaded you can skip a step and screw bolts right into it.

[@cashanks]

Any thoughts or considerations about extruded aluminum as alternative?

[@MattTheDesigner]

Would be lighter. If it’s readily available where you are give it a try.

[@jaxpatriot904]

DIY and modular , this can be found in the electrical section in any hardware store

[@mariofribla]

Hello, how to cover the bolt holes in the roof of the car to prevent water from entering? Greetings.

[@MattTheDesigner]

I don’t have a solution for that. 😬

[@mariofribla]

I imagined that, 😄

[@JohnPhilyaw-r5w]

Have material list?

[@MattTheDesigner]

check the description.

[@nubia2621]

How is the noise on this diy roof rack, while driving higher speeds. I remember putting my roof rack on and I forgot to put in the rubber strap, that should stop then from whistling and it made so much noise, I had to drive under 70km/h, so I would not go insane. Granted these unistrut do not have a tiny gap along the whole of it, that will create such a high frequency noise, but did you notice much more noise coming from it, compared to driving without? Nice work btw!

[@MattTheDesigner]

If there’s nothing on the rack it does occasionally make a soft hum. I just wrap a bungee cord around them to break up the air and it works perfectly. Plus that way I always have a way to strap things to the roof.

[@nubia2621]

@@MattTheDesigner awesome, cheers, mate

[@ethanoltean]

I’m a little confused, a coupling slides into your roof, then you screw in a bolt with another coupling? To then bolt the strut into the second coupling?

[@MattTheDesigner]

There are two threaded rods sticking out of the car at each of the mounting points. Each threaded rod gets one coupling and one bolt.

[@ethanoltean]

@@MattTheDesigner did you place the thread rods yourself?

[@conordonachie8742]

Hey, I wanna buy some couplings for my roof rack bolts, but am not sure which size threading they are. Do you have any advice or recommendation of how to size that correctly? Thanks.

[@MattTheDesigner]

The bolts on my car had threaded caps on them. I removed one and took it to the hardware store. Most hardware stores will have something for measuring the threads on that but if they don't you can just try threading in different bolts into the cap and see what fits.

[@conordonachie8742]

@@MattTheDesignerVery well, thank you

[@JasonHurricane]

I guess you could make crossbars for cars that dont have attachment points for racks by using two lenghts of struts threaded rubber feet and cutting slots at the ends of the struts so you can run webbing strap's through them and the doorways to secure them on the roof

[@MattTheDesigner]

Give it a shot.

[@JonathanBrettMiller]

How did you cut holes into the existing roof rails?

[@MattTheDesigner]

I didn't. There were mounting points on the car already. I just had to pop off a little plastic piece to find them.

[@J6273387]

Do you get any wind noise or whistling at high way speeds ? I’m about to do the same thing. $30 worth of parts for strut or $100 for a Nissan cross bar that’s not nearly as strong.

[@MattTheDesigner]

Yes. Which I didn't notice until way after posting. I just wrap a black bungie around the cross bar and that eliminates it completely. Plus I always have a bungie handy if I need it.

[@Saltandpepper757]

Is it possible to apply or install this kind of DIY rack on a naked roof type of car?

[@MattTheDesigner]

There is always a way. But idk what it is. 🤔

[@mr_DIY]

Nice 😂. I need one asap!