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

You really only see two DIY roof racks on KZbin. After building this Unistrut rack I can see why it's the most popular and may even be the best. It was easy to make, cheap compared to Yakima or Thule, and in my opinion more versatile. In this video I mostly focus on cross bars for my 2014 Honda CRV but this would easily extend into whatever kind of SUV roof rack you’d like to make.
This video was not sponsored (not that I’m opposed to that. Ahemm…) I purchased most of this at Menards or Home Depot. But if you’d like to support me you can buy some of it through the amazon affiliate links below. The ones that aren’t amazon links are just there so you know what I used.
Shout out to @T-Sparky and the tons of other KZbin roof rack makers for the ideas in this video.
Materials
Unistrut Fittings amzn.to/3BgB68d
13/16” Unistrut bit.ly/3wYh4wS
¼” Spring Nuts bit.ly/3KPTGXY
¼ - 20 Bolts amzn.to/3CWFgDl
M6 Couplings amzn.to/3cMXQ6e
M6 Bolts amzn.to/3cVY7Uq
(The length you need will depend on how tall you rails and pvc are)
Flat Washers amzn.to/3wVG6N6
Split Washers amzn.to/3TMPc8s
PVC Spacers amzn.to/3Qd11Sw
Truck Bed Liner amzn.to/3qbGuDe
Tools
Metal Cutting Circular Saw Blade amzn.to/3wUHFL2
Circular Saw amzn.to/3RFlzEa
Miter Saw amzn.to/3TMO8Bu
Hand Hack Saw amzn.to/3xm3T9d
Ratchet and Wrench Set amzn.to/3ASwMuh
Ratchet Screwdriver amzn.to/3TOy1mX
Old Unistrut Ad
• Unistrut: The Sky's th...

[@melcarter6422]

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

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@bdoan66]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@mikesheets4332]

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

[@nj4x4fever2]

You always make cool stuff.

[@MattTheDesigner]

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

[@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!

[@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. ☺️

[@mrs.c5471]

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

[@011CJ]

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

[@MattTheDesigner]

It’s great stuff!

[@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.

[@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.

[@That86Bronco]

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

[@MattTheDesigner]

Thanks Sean!

[@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.

[@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!

[@s-c..]

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

[@MattTheDesigner]

😂😂😂

[@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.

[@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.

[@PureBloodWNC]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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 !

[@PeaceDeliverer]

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

[@mikefranks4528]

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

[@jakedenny9258]

I’m a little late to the party, but does anyone have any ideas or recommendations on how to do this on a naked roof?

[@MattTheDesigner]

I know there are racks that work by gripping the door frame. But idk if you can find just that part without buying the whole rack.

[@philsowers]

The fastest way to mount anything to a roof is to drill holes, preferably in the tracks, and tighten down with grip nuts (aka: rivet nuts, plus nuts, bulbed shank) that are sealed with silicone or RTV, then tightened down. You can then attach all the equipment to the top.

[@gta-6837]

That was one bad ass! Cut

[@MattTheDesigner]

🤘🏼🎸🤘🏼

[@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.

[@FOZ23]

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

[@MattTheDesigner]

💩

[@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 $.

[@JohnPhilyaw-r5w]

Have material list?

[@MattTheDesigner]

check the description.

[@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.

[@lightskingamingGTA]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@danneukirch4486]

Another well made useful video, and love the humour!

[@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.

[@SuburbanBeard]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@jasonflt]

called superstrut at home depot Canada

[@Fingerprintguy]

And like double the price!

[@crazycrab8578]

going to make this, have a Doblo, it has 6 holes in roof, for roof rack, a roof rack for my vehicle is £200, :(, its nice and simple, how I like it,

[@bigredhammer2]

Not the prettiest, vut certainly serviceable. Thanks for the ideas!

[@MattTheDesigner]

Me?

[@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!

[@climbjt]

“Capper things” . I’ve always known them as sex nuts, or binding posts(publishing)

[@donnsoul]

That monotone delivery is pure gold

[@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.

[@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.

[@dk206]

I feel uneasy not using anything other than bars designed by the manufacturer. Am I too paranoid? After market is wayyyy cheaper

[@MattTheDesigner]

They both can fail but with a DIY version you can only blame your self. That’s the scary part.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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. 🤔

[@robertwilson1827]

Extra heavy, looks could be deceiving though??😊😊😊

[@MattTheDesigner]

It's a couple pounds heavier than an aluminum one. An SUV shouldn't really notice that. A bike on the other hand...

[@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.

[@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.

[@wildarkanaworkshop2099]

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

[@ChrisHansonDev]

Would the insurance assholes have anything to say about this though if you got into an accident with this attached? I don’t know I’m genuinely wondering if it would or not.

[@MattTheDesigner]

I won’t tell them if you don’t.

[@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!

[@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.

[@Magny80]

well...I was interested...til I learned that this wont work for my 96 Pathfinder lol

[@roryoconnell7759]

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

[@mr_DIY]

Nice 😂. I need one asap!

[@DocumentTheDownfall]

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

[@DioPorco-yi7fm]

I don't know where are you from but here the Police Is allowed to shoot you for drive a car with that on the roof...

[@MattTheDesigner]

Sounds scary.

[@sdnlawrence5640]

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

[@kungfumachinist]

Was super excited about this until I realized my 2014 Honda CRV doesn't have roof rails. 😞

[@MattTheDesigner]

Sounds like you’ll have to go the clamp on rack route.

[@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.

[@cjam3660]

lol. all that steal and you lout it all on pvc...Lord, yea! good one buddy. dyi at its best...lol

[@MattTheDesigner]

💪🏽

[@michaelfranklin8850]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@ryanhernandez8388]

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

[@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 😂

[@jaxpatriot904]

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

[@chefprepjustindieh]

Great video!

[@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.

[@TheSpiikeisme]

Curious if I can just find some used legs for my Chevy express instead of spending 900

[@MattTheDesigner]

Legs? On the black market?

[@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.

[@robertd6925]

Better replace the pvc with steel or aluminum.

[@chownzi2461]

I have like the same suv can you tell me the dimensions

[@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.

[@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.

[@joshpemble2837]

Did he mean 3/16 unistrut? Or did he mean 13/16 unistrut? I think it’s obvious but the caption says 3/16 unistrut

[@MattTheDesigner]

13! Good catch.

[@Dekn33s]

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

[@ImChrisDeDecker]

This was impressive, good job!

[@MattTheDesigner]

Thanks @BuildsUnited!

[@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.

[@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.

[@AmbuBadger]

They're so versatile, Germany used them to make MG42 barrel shrouds! _(just joking)_

[@MattTheDesigner]

Haha. I never made that connection. Looks just like that.

[@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]

🙏🏼

[@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.

[@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.