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 :(

[@64maxpower]

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

[@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! 👏🏻👍🏻🤣

[@technicaltony1999]

Dude, you're freaking hilarious.

[@danweyant707]

This.

[@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?

[@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.

[@raygauthier9589]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@judsontaylor3484]

the roof mounted guns is what got me, subscribed lol

[@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.

[@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.

[@sibco96]

The bumper and jam nut graphic was well done.

[@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.

[@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

[@slim3time]

Inflation has really killed this “budget” option. 😭

[@firebird8600]

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

[@ThanaKrishnan]

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

[@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.

[@jprscottmb]

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

[@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.

[@MikeDS49]

That ending was perfect.

[@b.s.4018]

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

[@eleazararauz5413]

Thanks really appreciate your time to make the videos!!

[@SuperfastMatt]

My pleasure!

[@J-RallySite]

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

[@FirstLast-my6ke]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@jimfowler9556]

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

[@Cyromantik]

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

[@Magilla614]

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

[@erichwise7734]

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

[@prestonnovinger3762]

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

[@peterholub7662]

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

[@JSho005]

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

[@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!

[@mxhonda2]

T-nuts sounds like kind of a risky web search

[@jonathanmonteagudo2085]

Man you are thorough. Thanks a lot. Good video

[@G4Disco]

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

[@watchtheworldburnpepe2921]

Make a hood rack using 8020s

[@LE0NSKA]

gun-cases. now thats great outside the box thinking right there

[@katejennings7749]

😂 the ending… my brain works the same way

[@SeauT]

Nice dirty Witt! Good video.

[@robinlatta9619]

love the dry!

[@NeilLuu76]

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

[@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.

[@roadkillraker]

it got wild at the end but that red wire is still really messing with me.😂

[@leniivasquez8947]

Dude I love this !

[@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.

[@markthompson1796]

You are awesome. Thanks for taking the time.

[@mattf6397]

This is one of my all time favorite videos 😆

[@stefan3225]

Most roof rack companies sell their aero shield separately usually in the $100 range...prob worth it if there is one you really like.

[@evolusd]

Love your channel man. Keep it up!

[@chriss2295]

4:48 you made me spit out my coffee.

[@redgtscoupe]

"CAD" 🤣

[@onemansthought]

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

[@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 ??

[@charlieevergreen3514]

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

[@AP-br6dh]

Subscribing for the comedy relief. And good info.

[@EricLyke]

Great stuff Matt! Was struggling to find anything good for my 2nd gen 4Runner. Was considering a Prinsu for a 3rd gen but at nearly $1000 uh no. What are you thoughts on attaching to a bare roof without factory mounting points? Thinking running some pieces of aluminum flat stock (1"x 1/4") the length of the roof attached with sheet metal metal screws. I would attach the mounting brackets to these 'rails'. What do you think?

[@Fandkforever]

I also want to know this

[@EricLyke]

@@Fandkforever I think I’m going to use rivnuts / nutserts.

[@robertskillings864]

So helpful, thank you so much!!!!

[@Centerflix]

CAD = Cardboard Aided Design ! :D

[@ToolsOutsideTheBox]

I wish I could afford to be your neighbor! 🤣

[@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.

[@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.

[@EngineersHomestead]

Any chance you're Canadian? You sound like Ryan from Fortnines brother.

[@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

[@llinsmeyer3064]

Great Video! Thanks for adding all the detail. Will starting my own soon. 8020 is a great idea~ What did you use as weatherproofing for the factory main bolt mounts?

[@rcmatanane]

Best video ever!🤣

[@BrettLeMans]

Trunk Luggage Rack....Please?

[@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!

[@michaeltang7238]

Would you like to test SUV Doorstep ?

[@miltonwaddamsstapler]

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

[@benchesebrough3752]

Excellent.

[@sharada.a]

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

[@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

[@kar428]

Thanks!

[@paulhenderson1011]

thank you

[@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.

[@HannahFortalezza]

Instructions unclear, now mid way through demolishing my kitchen for renovation and installing a jacuzzi. About half way done with the roof rack

[@travisfarrell8084]

so good! Thank you.

[@simon4runner]

Nice video! 🔥🔥🔥

[@2000bvz]

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

[@HD46409]

F'ing excellent.

[@MatthewPierce9]

that light on the pivot handle, do you happen to have a link for that. i've struggled locating something similar online.

[@medaviate]

Matt, i bet you'll be famous if you do stand up. lol . Peace out

[@jkyoft78]

Very funny epilogue...!

[@jasoncoats7110]

Matt, the original build video along with this IMPROVED are fantastic! Thanks much! I'm going with the 90 degree angle aluminum and running into an issue. The 6061 seems to only come with a rounded inside corner. I'd have to go with 6063 and only 2x2 if I want a sharp inside corner. Am I missing something? I've messaged @carlkoerner also--he clearly used a sharp corner from his pix. Haven't heard back yet. Thanks!!!

[@SuperfastMatt]

6063 is probably fine if you're using at least 3/16 wall. You could also use rounded corners and just offset the bars up a bit. should work since you're screwing them in from the side anyway.

[@jasoncoats7110]

@@SuperfastMatt , thanks for the quick response. I think I’ll go with 1/4” 6063 to get the flush fit in the corner. The picture in my head of the crossbar ends not flush to the inside of the vertical rail side doesn’t seem clean. Thanks!

[@Fandkforever]

I used 1/4" and it's not flush but works fine...but wish I had done 3/16 and got it flush

[@furkatsadykov1219]

Thank you.

[@andrewstevens1138]

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

[@phillipspracklen5448]

How did you deal with the roof mounts as the gutter is offset ?

[@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

[@briansterken6269]

CAD/CAM cardboard aided design/cardboard aided mockup. An easy way to get curves is to combine the cardboard and popsicle methods. Large piece with smaller pieces taped to it to match the curves.

[@zingo_man]

OMG the parts list ;:0

[@KoolKat-hp6ew]

Wow u got bounce ✊🏼

[@urbanhillbilly1]

Love it!

[@deanharris2240]

Great vid! Quick question …. What paint and /or primer did you use on the bare metal pieces?

[@attitudeadjuster793]

In part 1 he used some cheap truck bed liner I think.