Build Your Own (Better) Roof Rack - Improvements On The $300 DIY Roof Rack

[@overlandshower4312]

I’m so glad you mentioned the landscaping, I was getting really nervous that you would overlook it and all your viewers would build their roof racks and redo their garage floor and driveway but not know about the landscaping trick. Thank you

[@raymondclark1785]

Funny he should mention the paver stones. This morning I was power washing mine and the power washer is dying. I know while I'm in the store I'll find something else I need also :(

[@ErikPelyukhno]

You have provided me with an incredible amount of entertainment and calmness. Thank you for your work, here’s a little something to say thank you

[@SuperfastMatt]

Wow, thank you!

[@ferretface8782]

This is the first time I've seen this done. How does one go about donating to a youtube video from the comments section?

[@64maxpower]

You impress me. People like you make me take on bigger projects than I would have before watching your videos

[@shaneblacklord3313]

I love your sarcasm, you are not only very talented, you explain things very well and you a hilarious! Love your videos.

[@Michael-xo8lw]

This is, bar none, one of the very best videos I have ever seen on this stuff. And thanks for the Carol Burnett recommendation.

[@johnwaynejohnson1103]

OMG, getting to the end of this video was the best thing I seen in weeks! I was laughing here and there, but I f@#$ing lost it at the jackhammer and driveway!

[@judsontaylor3484]

the roof mounted guns is what got me, subscribed lol

[@rose8662]

This was so interesting, and...hysterical! At the beginning of the video I thought it was great that you had a chance to again use the tools you bought last time with all the money you saved. 😄 But then, I got to the end and realized you'd taken the tool list to a whole new level! 👏🏻👍🏻🤣

[@anidiotinaracingcar]

"Durability testing" is the best kind of testing!

[@chasenorton3505]

If you build this out of angle get 3/16 and make sure its squared on the inside corner. Most or all 1/4 inch has a rounded inside. Great video!

[@raygauthier9589]

OMG - I absolutely love your commentary - and your delivery. I hope you keep it up! Oh - and the details are truly appreciated too.

[@Matio25091]

Just found this channel and I love it. It's like This Old Tony but someone allowed you to get a driver's license

[@mattf6397]

This is one of my all time favorite videos 😆

[@linkinpark4life0220]

The second moment of area bit was classic. Also thanks for the improvement suggestions.

[@kyle6seaman]

Love the build and the easy steps. Looking more like $500 when I add everything to my cart. Still cheaper than off the shelf.

[@technicaltony1999]

Dude, you're freaking hilarious.

[@danweyant707]

This.

[@jwc3104]

I had this exact idea of using angled aluminum side rails and 80/20 extruded aluminum struts for roof platform. You got everything covered. I'll just copy your design and make mine :) great! thank you.

[@HookedonHD]

I've been looking for a DIY camper shell solution and this is awesome! Thank you all who contributed, really appreciate it!

[@SuntoshMankodi]

Great sharing, pal. Thanks for all the magnanimity - both the videos - AND the PDFs. Bro you're too kind, thanks one helluva lot. All this helps me oh-so-greatly.

[@firebird8600]

If I hadn't already subscribed to you a couple months ago, that tool list would have sealed the deal...

[@3.0colorado21]

Driveway looks good man. Love the video, keep it up

[@owlboogie]

This is the first vid I’ve seen from you and I’m dying. 😂 My new garage floor is in day 2 of drying. Thanks for the tip.

[@pauljcormier]

Thank you very much for the update. For the front bumper support things, you could also consider cabinet floor leveler inserts. They're basically the same as your design but pre-made, sort of. They also come with Ikea cabinets so lots of folks may already have some extras in a drawer somewhere. Or you can just buy them cheap, I think usually in sets of 4...in which case you'd have two leftovers laying in a drawer somewhere for the next roof rack.

[@sully5981]

Well I did it. It took me a few days but I followed your general idea with the aluminum angle and your google docs parts list. I ran into a few issues and had to order some different parts and improvise. First off, the 1.25 inch aluminum spacer needs to be 1.75 inches instead (the crossbars were sitting on the roof) which then needs to increase the m8x1.25 bolts by .5 inches. I didn't even use the rubber washers as I used Butyl tape instead. I used rattle can as I tried the truck bed liner and it chipped way too easy. Rattle can allows me to touch up as necessary (so far it has held up well.) Also when it was all said and done, I noticed the shark fin would stick up over the rack, which then made me think of the one day in the distant future where I would throw a piece of plywood or sheetrock up there and not think twice before breaking the shark fin. Luckily, I have a IMS here locally and had to make a few trips. I bought the wind shield (maybe 1/4 inch) for like $6 and then I got some 1/2 inch aluminum bars to provide a shield for the shark fin. If you need pics, just let me know.

[@guardian_agent1776]

Hi, I’m in the process of building mine using some parts from his first video and some parts from this video. If I may ask, when you talk about the “1.25 inch aluminum spacer” are you talking about the unthreaded spacer or the threaded stud bumper (rubber feet)? The parts diagram shows the unthreaded spacer as 7/8” long and the threaded stud bumper is 1 1/4” thread length. The 8 hex head screws which attach to the roof (m8x1.25x50mm) should be what size? I’m ordering the new parts now so I’d like to make sure and get the correct size & length. BTW my vehicle is a 4th gen (2005) if that makes any difference. Thanks

[@sully5981]

@@guardian_agent1776 yes, the unthreaded spacers. the issue was the front weren't long enough so the crossbars were basically sitting on the roof. the stud bumpers worked fine. If you mount the cross bars higher on the frame rails, it wouldn't be an issue. I used alum angel and had the cross bars at the bottom (for support)

[@WesleyEccles]

Would love pics of what you did with the shark fin

[@JAMPROSOUND]

Hold a large piece of cardboard centered on top of the roof over the windshield. A paint stir stick with a sharpie stuck to one end makes a quick tool to drag along the roof line witch can then transfer the profile to the cardboard via the sharpie. You now have your correct profile. Cut the arc, then cut the overall height of the template to create the final shape.

[@deliciousfewd]

I don't know you very well but I think I love you. Also I'm suing you for all the money I spend on projects inspired by this channel.

[@obsgr1]

If only the US was metric, then I would understand what 7/16ths of an inch and a half means. Love the content. Not only is it hilarious, but it's also educational.

[@Lawrence330]

Oh, it's easy, see? Just take 7/16 times 1.5, find the common denominators, round to the nearest decimal, convert to a fraction, then reference a table to discover which "common" fractional value is closest. Easy as pie. Who would ever want to deal in whole integers again?!?!?

[@sibco96]

The bumper and jam nut graphic was well done.

[@jimfowler9556]

The dry humor here is the true trademark of an engineer.

[@De_forresto]

Great video. I originally wanted to make my Tacoma roof rack with the same design, but I decided to make an aluminum style Gobi rack. The entire “floor” portion will be removable too, so super light weight and will look aggressive.

[@overlandtowater]

I cheap LED light bar mount for above the windshield would work great on the front portion of the rack. If you don't mind drilling.

[@eleazararauz5413]

Thanks really appreciate your time to make the videos!!

[@SuperfastMatt]

My pleasure!

[@b.s.4018]

Man, I really appreciated and ENJOYED your video! Thanks! I'm def gonna do this.

[@googlyooglydoo]

good thinking with the edge trim on the front of the wind guard thingy, but- if it touches the paint and moves a little, then it'll rub off the clearcoat and eventually paint

[@jprscottmb]

HAHAHAHA!!! I love it! You did a great job of making all the technicals interesting! Thanks!

[@barrylinkiewich9688]

Fastenal has the 80/20 for really good pricing if you can do your own cutting, 145" long pieces of 2"x1" for under $100

[@J-RallySite]

Your BOM is the bomb! What a time saver, thank you.

[@Magilla614]

Love the "While we're here we might as well..." section at the end. LOL

[@mrc8155]

Men this guy makes me laugh every time. Thanks for all the neat info, I guess I just created myself some new needs for my van.

[@slim3time]

Inflation has really killed this “budget” option. 😭

[@JSho005]

Cardboard aided design killed me an earned an insta sub. Love your content!

[@jonathanmonteagudo2085]

Man you are thorough. Thanks a lot. Good video

[@ThanaKrishnan]

love the format, content and ending!😂😂😂😂

[@MikeDS49]

That ending was perfect.

[@khoapham2764]

Man oh man, I clicked on the video to see the rack build but stayed for the humor. When your significant other thinks you’re in the bathroom (longer than usual) contemplating if you’re talking with another girl, when simply, you’re watching roof rack and home improvement builds. 😂😂😂

[@GarretSterling]

You can simply use a sheet of cardboard to meet the roofline and run a compass from the roof to the cardboard to achieve the desired curvature without any guessing or multipoint measurements. I too found out too late.

[@chopperjamie]

This is me but I wear contacts most of the time. I subbed at CAD. Thanks for the info! I am building one of these!

[@wanderlostNW]

just did a quick run of all these parts cost if you do the angle side bar, it comes down to just under $800 ($795.74). The most costing part is these two side angle bars for $114 a piece at least (McMaster even more expensive at $163 a piece). Just from cost perspective you might just buy one instead of diy, of course it's another story if you enjoy the diy process and don't care the time spending.

[@cfox28]

Matt, Thank you for the update. i've always been a fan of this project because buying new is crazy spendy, when the design is pretty straight forward. I get it a little but more with welded tube, but still. Question for you, I understand that steel adds weight and rusts, but would you find any benefit to the performance of the rack if you did your sides in steel? For example on a similar flat bar design someone attached a hammock to one of the main side bars, which caused the bar to bend out. obviously this isn't the intended load, but making something more robust isn't a bad thing. I would imagine your idea about the angle profiles would counter act this and still benefit from not rusting, and being light weight.

[@SuperfastMatt]

Yeah, but you could just use thicker aluminum, too. Either way, it would be more efficient to use angled sides in that case; probably significantly more efficient. You want material in the direction of the load, so pulling sideways on flat bar isn't an efficient loading. The easiest solution would be to tie the hammock right next to one of the mounts so the load goes basically directly into the vehicle.

[@kevinc3427]

Download any tslot or 80/20 catalog. They tell you how to calculate the loads properly. Unless you are going to be doing crazy loading - like way over 500lbs - I wouldnt worry about the load ratings. You could build your horz span lengths shorter and add more of them if you got worries. There are many ways to connect tslot together including drilling holes through it. The aluminum wont break, it might bend (yield a bit) if you severely load it but I wouldnt worry, a roof rack is not a precise thing, a little bit of deflection isnt going to affect anything, again, unless you plan on having a party on top of your roof... The extrusion design itself adds to its strength.

[@litreland764]

2:45 that's gonna vibrate holes in your paint; i'd assume pretty dang fast when paired with dirt acting like lapping compound

[@pog4life89]

I'm very confident i can build my roof rack for my tacoma and 4runner. Great video

[@thefix2573]

I had a Taco, got 13mpg couldn't tow, and an'88 ext cab R22Ew/ a/c, got 18mpg, an '85 R22w/ a/c got 17mpg. In 2002 got an 01 Cummins, get 18mpgs, still got it.

[@BF-rn3oz]

I love your video. Just subscribed. You've provided some amazing links I've never used. (but certainly heard of somewhere) Thanks so much for parts lists and info!

[@thomasr1051]

This is exactly what i needed. Including the battery isolator

[@joell439]

Really love the wad of all-red-wire-loom in the engine compartment. Somehow I’ve got behind in watching your content. Looking forward to some well deserved SuperfastMatt binge watching today 🎉

[@NeilLuu76]

Love your Videos Dude!, + love the Fkd up nerdery & sarcasm. Keep up the great work!

[@Cyromantik]

Doin' this for my kei van. XD Thanks for the entertaining and informative (funny as hell) video!

[@StreetMachine18]

Also traveling across several states like (Illinois) is easier if your guns are not “in” the vehicle. If you get pulled over its less confrontational if they are not within reach etc.

[@photog1529]

National constitutional carry (hopefully its coming once this idiot is out of the White House) will put an end to that nonsense.

[@shadowgarr7649]

@UCD1AycR-XSEu9YZZfQJCxcg you're a bit behind the times. The idiocy has been out of the WH for 6+ months

[@photog1529]

@@shadowgarr7649 Okay.

[@erichwise7734]

The extrusion that Tnutz uses is AA 6063-T6. FYI

[@markthompson1796]

You are awesome. Thanks for taking the time.

[@excelsior7608]

Any recommendations on mounting my 33” spare tire up there ??? Thanks for the video! Super info👍🏼 also don’t see the option for thread tapping on McMaster site ??

[@robinlatta9619]

love the dry!

[@sergiosoto78]

Do you happen to know the part number of the black stainless washer? The one in excel is the same as the part number above is for the stainless nut.

[@Shoeless_DA]

Love your channel man. Keep it up!

[@leniivasquez8947]

Dude I love this !

[@FerdiGaleon]

Awe man I love, your witty videos. Always 🤣🤣🤣

[@antony1103]

I love 80/20. Made a truck bed rack with it

[@jakeaurod]

First time watching your channel, and find it hilarious. But to get serious for a moment, I've been thinking about building cross bars and a forward extension for my Pontiac Vibe, but I wonder if there is any concern about liability for DIY vs. commercially manufactured roof racks. I've seen several DIY roof rack videos and no one's mentioned this.

[@ItIsJustDan]

At 11:09, where did you get that swivel light holder? What is it called? Great video, learned a lot as far as building my own roof rack for my Excursion. Thank you for doing these videos.

[@G4Disco]

I need to do this to my 3rd gen 4runner.

[@2000bvz]

Tnutz uses 6063-t6 aluminum vs. 6061 that 8020 uses. Do you think that is going to present a problem?

[@sharada.a]

I watched this for the 2nd time and just noticed the adjustable light mount. where did you find that?

[@patskelton4370]

Where can I get the articulating LED lights you have in the video?

[@miltonwaddamsstapler]

How would you recommend building for a vehicle that already has crossbars, like a Subaru Outback?

[@wanderlostNW]

Very cool! I’m gonna build one

[@ivanperkes6006]

Tnutz has a sale on prinsu sized aluminum pre tapped.

[@cecilstewart121]

Does the Angle need to be 1/4" angle (6.35mm for those complaining about freedom units) or would 3/16 be enough for 75# pelican cases 2 across? 3/16 is about half the cost.

[@stuartmorton5788]

Thanks for the updated video! For the Multipurpose 6061 Aluminum 90 Degree Angle (8982K61): - Do you know how Carl Koerner cut the aluminum at the front end of the rack in order to place the Aero Shield at that angle? - Did he cut it himself, or can you buy the 6061 Aluminum piece with that angle cut into it?

[@fmurillo6151]

Hi. I got "pay to tap for screws" (on the crossbars); however, did you drill the side bars yourself? Thank you, as I'm about to place the order!

[@chadparkermusic838]

Please tell me where you got the lights and mounts that you are using for camping That’s exactly what I’ve been looking for

[@matthewmurray9699]

Thanks this is exactly the style I was looking for, with the flat bar on the sides. No way I'm spending 1000 for my xj

[@jgostage]

I love the recommended tools list at the end🤣ROFL I have the same sense of humor. #becauseengineer

[@robertskillings864]

So helpful, thank you so much!!!!

[@e.c.8668]

Did you have any corrosion in the aluminum around where you have stainless hardware? It didn't look like it, but I thought I'd ask. Galvanic corrosion is my concern, but it only occurs when you have water...living in So. Cal I can probably ignore it. Love the videos. The design is so simple. McMaster-Carr is probably my favorite book, well maybe second to the Bible; third would be the MSC Catalog. But you totally had me at looking up the second moment of inertia. If you've never seen the equation for calculating it, look it up. It's a hoot.

[@SuperfastMatt]

No corrosion. The stainless fasteners are black oxide coated, so that helps. If it were on a saltwater boat, I'd probably use a coating on the threads as well, but I think it's fine with the black oxide.

[@SirWilliamGoes]

Bro!!!! The first vid was great then this one 🤯 thanks for all the info

[@ericswilley357]

I would have your love child… awesome project, professional presentation, and smarmy wit… love it!

[@andrewstevens1138]

When choosing the extruded aluminum, what fractional length do you pick?

[@johnyasmer6417]

@SuperfastMatt, thanks for the update. I was wondering if you knew what the person who made the extruded aluminum rack used to attach it? At around 6:40, it kind of looks like bent flat bar.

[@joyridaz]

Any reason, maybe aerodynamically or functionally why I shouldn’t do angle upside down? So the extrusion bars are immediately below a this strip of aluminum angle? I like the idea of using angle but I also was hoping to follow the contour of the roofline on the sides kind of like some of our favorite aftermarket designs....@superfastmatt- Grt video thnx for sharing, I hope to do this design on an lx

[@prestonnovinger3762]

Now I just gotta add a $60k 4 runner to that parts list... Orrr could I adapt it to fit my Mercedes roadster? 🤔

[@freeidaho-videos]

If you use a DA sander with 60 grit on all the aluminum before you wipe down the aluminum, the paint will stay on way longer.

[@justcallmeDiesel]

Do you have any details on the second roof rack you showed? The one laying in the guys living room? That thing looks slick

[@peterholub7662]

Should have been "Make sure to also get season 7 of the Carrol Burnet show." That show is classic.

[@onemansthought]

There is a drawing for the LEFT rail but not one for the RIGHT rail, just a heads up.....

[@AP-br6dh]

Subscribing for the comedy relief. And good info.

[@SeauT]

Nice dirty Witt! Good video.

[@BigTomJeff]

Anyone know what the spacing would be for 2x1 extrusion???

[@Deckzwabber]

Thanks! My girlfriend never seems to understand why I wish to rent a bobcat for every diy project, but you've explained it so eloquently. Honey, can you please stop at the hardware store on the way home? Pick up a box of screws, a can of paint, I'll text you the colour. Oh and another small thing... please hook up the rental trailer with the skid loader. It should be waiting for you on the parking lot, I've called ahead.

[@joshhh_g]

scribing the roof contour might be another option - there are videos of how to do this, usually for woodworking/finish carpentry (like installing baseboard trim on an uneven floor)

[@charlieevergreen3514]

Joke’s on you; my driveway is dirt already. Bam!