#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

[@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. ☺️

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@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!

[@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!!

[@mikefranks4528]

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

[@donnsoul]

That monotone delivery is pure gold

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@PeaceDeliverer]

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

[@danneukirch4486]

Another well made useful video, and love the humour!

[@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.

[@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 😄

[@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.

[@SuburbanBeard]

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

[@wildarkanaworkshop2099]

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

[@mikesheets4332]

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

[@lightskingamingGTA]

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

[@s-c..]

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

[@MattTheDesigner]

😂😂😂

[@sdnlawrence5640]

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

[@DocumentTheDownfall]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@devinbraun1852]

I learned and I laughed. Great job.

[@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.

[@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.

[@danielbowman4819]

I like the toilet paper holder!!

[@nj4x4fever2]

You always make cool stuff.

[@MattTheDesigner]

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

[@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 $.

[@anthonyadams6442]

Discovered this at 3am! Glad I did!

[@MattTheDesigner]

Good morning!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@taylorspears9305]

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

[@MattTheDesigner]

Thank you Mr. Spears!

[@random40s]

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

[@MattTheDesigner]

Thanks for watching @random40s!

[@ryanhernandez8388]

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

[@Dekn33s]

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

[@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.

[@FOZ23]

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

[@MattTheDesigner]

💩

[@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.

[@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.

[@SuperMIKevin]

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

[@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!

[@ImChrisDeDecker]

This was impressive, good job!

[@MattTheDesigner]

Thanks @BuildsUnited!

[@011CJ]

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

[@MattTheDesigner]

It’s great stuff!

[@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.

[@DDsRestoRepair]

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

[@MattTheDesigner]

Thanks Sean!

[@mr_DIY]

Nice 😂. I need one asap!

[@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.

[@chefprepjustindieh]

Great video!

[@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 😂

[@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.

[@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 😂

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@jaxpatriot904]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@SeanNay]

Great video. Thank you

[@roryoconnell7759]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@odiesclips7621]

Great video!! 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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@PureBloodWNC]

Close one eye for safety. 😂😂 My kind of safety. LOL

[@landshass2849]

I switch back and forth between 1:00 and 3:50 with loud speakers to drive my roommate crazy 😁

[@MattTheDesigner]

Which one do they hate more? I’ll add more of that to the next one for them.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@meshark_t]

Just wow.

[@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!

[@rednecktech00]

As a Toyota guy I love metric. Wanna hear a funny fact ? In every country even the metric only ones they still use 1/4, 3/8 & 1/2" ratchets ......no such metric exists MUHAHAHA a WIN for the US !

[@gta-6837]

That was one bad ass! Cut

[@MattTheDesigner]

🤘🏼🎸🤘🏼

[@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

[@michaelfranklin8850]

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

[@gsdls]

Great video.

[@emilye709]

My 97 yoyota rav4 doesn't have the bolts on the car. It has these little tiny pieces that slide open up to a flat hook type thing. . Do you have any recommendations aside from drilling holes on my roof?

[@MattTheDesigner]

Hmmm. Looks like you'd need a pretty specific part like the one in this video. Sometimes I just walk the hardware isles hoping a solution will jump out at me. Or maybe you can buy that little bent piece of metal on it's own. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hYPEqnapaclkfpI&ab_channel=HEYFRED

[@nore8141]

Love it ❤

[@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.

[@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?

[@Max-kn9yi]

Is it noisy from the wind? Since it's a square profile?

[@MattTheDesigner]

Sometimes at high speeds it quietly hums when nothing is on it. I keep a bungee cord wrapped around it which solves that problem and means I always have a way to strap things on.