HOW to Install Roof Rack Cases | Harbor Freight 9800 Cases | UpTop Overland Bravo Rack Review!

HOW to install roof rack storage cases to maximize space in your vehicle. I am mounting harbor freight 9800 cases to an UpTop Overland Bravo rack. I think this is one of the best value combinations on the market. Check out the rest of the video for more details as to why I think so!
Harbor Freight Apache 9800: www.harborfreight.com/9800-we...
UpTop Overland Bravo: www.uptopoverland.com/product...
UpTop Overland Alpha: www.uptopoverland.com/product...
Uptop Overland Hardware: www.uptopoverland.com/product...
UpTop Crossbars: www.uptopoverland.com/product...
UpTop Mounts & Brackets: www.uptopoverland.com/collect...
UpTop Handles: www.uptopoverland.com/product...
UpTop Scene Pods: www.uptopoverland.com/product...
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Instagram: / overland_engineer
Patreon: / overlandengineer
Website: www.overland-engineer.com
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
DISCOUNT CODES:
MyMedic (21%): OVLDENG21
LASFIT (10%): OVLDENG10
Autonomous (Varies): R-ca5d0e
Midland (15%): OVRLNDENG
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Some gear I use:
GSI Non-Stick 12" Pan: amzn.to/32GikFe
Jetboil Flash: amzn.to/3gBDjB8
MSR Backpacking Stove (Closest new thing): amzn.to/3sH4cpS
Yeti 10 Oz Rambler: amzn.to/3sJUH9t
Yeti 35 Oz Rambler: amzn.to/3ayktHv
Smittybuilt 2781: amzn.to/3tK6fdP
Midland PPG1000: alnk.to/4Mtwmtb
Midland MXT275: alnk.to/btgG7un
Midland Radios Discount Code: "OVRLNDENG" for 15% off
Midland 6dB gain antenna: alnk.to/aAGTdqH
Midland 6dB gain mount:
Rago Fabrication Dash Mount: www.ragofabrication.com/colle...
Rago Fabrication Driver Side Antenna Mount: www.ragofabrication.com/colle...
Ethernet Passthrough: amzn.to/3sqCVZk
OEM Light: amzn.to/3sCtciY
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4Runner Build Links:
Grill Lights: cartrimhome.com/Black-Style-L...
LFD Cross Rails: www.lfdoffroad.com/catalog/toy...
LFD Wind Screen: www.lfdoffroad.com/catalog/toy...
Gloss Black Vinyl: amzn.to/3iokqk1
Apache Storage Box: www.harborfreight.com/9800-we...
Traction Boards: amzn.to/3nY7VN7
Mattress (Full Size): amzn.to/35PTdla
APEX Badlands 12k Winch: www.harborfreight.com/apex-12...
C4 Fab Lo Pro Bumper: c4fabrication.com/products/4r...
OME 3" Lift: ok4wd.com/old-man-emu-3-suspe...
---I have 2887 Front Springs, Rear 2898 Springs, 90010 Front Struts, 60080 Rear Struts, Stone Guards, and 5 mm Driver Side Lean Spacer
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The Desk I use:
Standing Desk Discount Code: R-ca5d0e
Autonomous Smart Desk DIY Kit: rb.gy/61ouoy
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Disclaimers:
-only products specified in this video or a previous video have been supplied though a sponsorship or partnership
-some links may be part of an affiliate program to help support the channel.
-the music I use: www.epidemicsound.com/music/f...
0:00 - Intro
1:41 - Hardware
4:56 - Case Mounting
7:05 - Bravo Rack Review

[@OverlandEngineer]

A couple people have mentioned this so I think it’s important. If your cases will carry heavier weight, it might be best to step the bolt up to a ~24 from 20 and add a larger diameter washer to prevent tear out of the case. I was trying to get away with using included hardware but it’s much safer to use larger washers, especially when the boxes are heavy. I’d keep all of it the same, but place a larger washer and same size larger rubber washer under the bolt, lock washer, smaller washer.

[@austinfouts9139]

I used steel flat bar for my "washers" running the length of the cases and I've never noticed an issue. But I do like your idea for the washers

[@seth1340]

Funny, I had this pop into my head this morning of how these were secured to your rack. Perfect timing 👌🏼

[@OverlandEngineer]

Haha, there ya go!

[@erok080]

Thanks so much for this video. You’re the only dude I follow that has a bravo rack.

[@manueldelgado2306]

dude i had been trying to figure out the rtt situation and happen to stumble upon your video, good stuff

[@CraigG21]

I am doing research on roof racks now - thanks for the info on the Uptop Overland!

[@neorose2005]

Just ordered my Uptop roof rack for my rav4 and thanks for the video and ill try out these for my rack!

[@jonathanonza]

Nice! I have the same case, I use carriage bolts to mount the Apache case and traction boards to my Prinsu Rack!

[@RichieValentine]

That's a very clean look! I'll try to get a box for blackfriday, they're cheaper than the pelican boxes.

[@Trd2020]

Great video

[@lcatalla7292]

I am interested in the uptop brave roof rack but the frontal design is what holding me back. What's the wind noise like especially on the highway speed?

[@jason7231]

Dd has amazing lights.

[@JanoBoii]

What size drill bit did you use to make the holes in the case? I just purchase an Apache case to mount on my Bravo rack as well

[@d.phothirath5084]

Yess ! Same Rack i have for my 5th Gen

[@OverlandEngineer]

Sick!!!!

[@christopherburbidge972]

No lock washers alone. Always use Nylon lock nuts with lock washers if you don’t want issues during or because of the summer heat.

[@trailrunnah8886]

Looks good! I really like those t-slotted crossbars. I have a 13 Trail Edition, and it has a different roof rack that has the T slots in the factory side rails. I'm wondering if those t-slot cross bars will fit. I'd like to upgrade the cross bars, but I really like the factory side rails. I want to mount an awning and a shovel and maybe one of those boxes on my rack, and having those crossbars would help a lot.

[@OverlandEngineer]

Yeah I am not sure what there is out there. Maybe LFD makes stock roof rack crossbars. The UpTop ones will be too wide I would bet. T slot is sooo nice.

[@trailrunnah8886]

@@OverlandEngineer a while back I was at the local hardware store, and if I recall correctly they have the extruded aluminum. I wonder if I purchase some of that cut to the correct length it would function as a crossbar? I think you are right that the up top would be too wide I have zero desire to put a tent or anything really heavy up there, like I said just shovel mount, awning, and perhaps one of these boxes and some traction boards. . I thought LFD offered them for the early Trails, however I checked their website and they specifically say it's for the later ones.

[@InGratitudeIam]

What if you placed a rubber washer between the rack and the case as well? Wouldn't that aid in sealing the opening against water intrusion? That, and a little silicone grease on the threads where they pass through the case. The reason I mention these things is due to the flexing of the case and the rack under stress.

[@OverlandEngineer]

I don't think the rubber in between the case and rack would do much unless you had multiple washers. You could put a small bit of silicone if you were really worried but just using the rubber washers keeps almost everything out.

[@christopherburbidge972]

UpTop is the best. Prinsu Damages your Clear coat and eventually the paint where the rubber constantly rubs against the roof if you don’t leave a space and from every one of their racks I’ve seen installed will surely do it.

[@tpseeker3367]

Might want to check out Lock Picking Lawyer ch on choice of locks. I'd get a lock with a key cover flap to keep Dust & Dirt out of the lock. Change out the 1" washers for 3" washers & cut an inner tube for rubber seal under. Doing 50 mph the four 1" washers really aren't secure. Gotta say it does look good

[@OverlandEngineer]

Yeah I could, idk been fine so far! I guess I would need to get a longer bolt because you would want to step up washers. Would not hurt anything! Yeah, the locks are probably not crazy. Just depends on if you think there is a huge risk. I guess I mainly just have them there so someone can't walk up and open it.

[@OXFOOT]

You might be able to get some or the little 1 light Diodes and mount them to one of the slots up front. I really really wish Diode would come out with a rock light!

[@OXFOOT]

Light maybe mount them on the same track as the crossbars on the front?

[@OverlandEngineer]

@@OXFOOT Thats a good idea, I hadn't thought of that! Although I have some ideas brewing to use the scene pod cut outs. Stay tuned!

[@OverlandEngineer]

@@OXFOOT So many options though, it's the great thing about UpTop and aluminum extrusion roof racks in general.

[@strelokblackburn4651]

got rid of my old roof rack, made too much noise, but up tops omnly 150 amore than what i was looking ast getting, but my bed rack will werk for now

[@LanceZ99]

Just installed 2 Apache 9800 in Tan color on LFD crossbar / stock rail few days ago.

[@OverlandEngineer]

Heck yeah. They are so nice to have.

[@LanceZ99]

@@OverlandEngineer Hard to find tan colors but I was lucky. Bought 2 at $119 each. I did use 6 x 3/8" carriage bolts for each case, just to be safe.

[@OverlandEngineer]

@@LanceZ99 Dang, strapped down for sure! Glad you got them at $119. They run great sales.

[@Duhg26]

How did you do it?

[@OverlandEngineer]

@@Duhg26 I have a dedicated video on this.

[@USUKDIK3y3SUCC33D]

How wide are either the t-nuts or the slots they go into?

[@OverlandEngineer]

The T nuts I believe are standard 1"x2" extrusion nuts. I just buy the UpTop ones because they are about the same size as from 8020 or Tnutz and they cost roughly the same. Plus I get to support UpTop that way.

[@TOTjaybin]

Great video! Still happy with it? The Roams offer more space but I'm leaning to Apache

[@OverlandEngineer]

It was fine for certain applications but I’ve been running a Sherpa rack for over a year now.

[@bearboles2868]

Have you had any issues with the Apache case leaking.

[@OverlandEngineer]

No I haven’t

[@carmandr24]

After having them on in about a year, what do you still recommend buying is it? Appreciate any feedback. Thanks a lot.

[@OverlandEngineer]

The harbor freight cases?

[@carmandr24]

@@OverlandEngineer yes, just curious if they have held up over the last year.

[@sebastiansalas2722]

Do you have a tutorial on how you install it just the roof rack

[@OverlandEngineer]

Just assemble the whole rack, fill the plastic thread holes to the top with clear silicon, then put in the bolts!

[@sebastiansalas2722]

@@OverlandEngineer i assembled it already just need help installing it to the car I don’t want to fuck it up

[@sebastiansalas2722]

@@OverlandEngineer do I apply silicon

[@erickdiaz6152]

I just watched another one of your videos where you had carriage bolts upside down. Why did you decide to not do that anymore and go with the technique in this video?

[@OverlandEngineer]

Different cross bar type. Those carriage bolts don’t work on the UpTop rack.

[@erickdiaz6152]

@@OverlandEngineer makes sense. Did you ever consider Plano all weather boxes as alternative to Apache 9800?

[@kirkhamster0024]

Great content. Any way to make a quick release mount set up for these boxes without having to drill holes?

[@oldgrunt5569]

rhino rack has a quick release system but it's tailored to their boxes. the whole set up is gonna cost about $700 for one box and the mounts. Unless you're out with your rig every single weekend that's just an absurd amount of money. overlanding is an expensive activity. so many better things to spend money on. Apache's and Plano's new ish all weather are solid boxes and 1/3 of the price. You can make a faster release using a star knob but you still have to drill. and the knob takes up a bit more interior space. I have 3 plano's mounted on my pioneer rack two are fixed (recovery gear and tools) on is star knobs. it works out fine.

[@InGratitudeIam]

How is this a review of the rack? Are the feet steel or aluminum? Are they straight or bent? Are they integral or bolt-on?

[@OverlandEngineer]

Lol, I am not sure what else you need? The feet are steel or maybe thick aluminum and the rails are aluminum. The rails are straight, the feet are 90 deg angles, it is bolt on like any other CNC rack, I am not sure what you mean by integral. All these things are the same across basically every single CNC rack so it does not make much sense to me to cover that because its not an interesting comparison when they are all the same. Happy to answer questions though!

[@InGratitudeIam]

@@OverlandEngineer Some racks use mounting feet that are extensions of the sides (non-bolt on) and are simply bent aluminum, which is not strong at all. Others use bolt on feet that are either made of steel or aluminum. The steel feet seem to make more sense. So, while you might think "they are all the same," they aren't. There are actually some significant differences which, in my mind, makes total sense to cover. YMMV.

[@kaomatic]

i also went with the harbor freight because i don’t see the logic in buying a nice Pelican case and drilling holes in it

[@swimcali]

M6 channel nuts/bolts are pennies at any hardware store

[@practical.user2]

“Times”?? Most people say “by” in measurements when you see an “x”.

[@hewhoiswillbe879]

I got a but crack

[@16minimonster16]

Thumbs down because there was nothing showing you putting it up and mounting it or drilling it or measuring or anything. And more of the video was of you talking about the rack. Maybe be weary next time of content compared to titling. Appreciate video though.

[@OverlandEngineer]

Yeah, I was trying to combine some stuff since I have already done a video on the cases with LFD crossbars. You can't do a dedicated video on that stuff it won't do well in the algorithm and no one will ever see it in their feed.

[@4lowm00d]

Noooooo! Stop to drilling the cases 😔😔😔