Overland Roof Rack Build for Roof Top Tents. Ultimate Land Rover Discovery Build Episode 2.

Today on Dirt Lifestyle, I'm building an Overland roof rack! I'm building this specifically to mount my roof top tent on my Land rover Discovery 2.
This video isn't necessary a full diy but I intended it to be helpful for those of you that are new to fabrication or looking for inspiration.
I know the overlanding world is full of do it yourselfers that want to start building projects like this. I hope this video can help some of you get going in the right direction! These are very expensive. Building a roof rack yourself is rewarding and can save you money.
Enjoy the video!
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DISCLAIMER:
Due to factors out of the control of Dirt Lifestyle, we cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. Dirt Lifestyle assumes no liability or responsibility for property damages or injury incurred as a result of any information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. Dirt Lifestyle recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and/or with tools seen in this video. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Dirt Lifestyle. Be safe!
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#overland #overlanding #overlander

[@JoeGarofaloII]

This has got to be the most underrated channel on KZbin...I hope that the success catches up to what you deserve Nate!

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thanks man! That's a big ass compliment 👊

[@JoeGarofaloII]

@@DirtLifestyle Of course! I know to some extent the hours upon hours of work behind the scenes you do for planning, editing etc. Plus the amazing videography, content, skills and personality you display. Then you invested in yourself to build a legacy for your family and it seems like it's starting to pay off. This is just the tip of the iceberg for you man. Keep doing your thing and you're gonna be unstoppable! Congratulations, you earned it and I'm just happy to watch and learn!

[@VistaViews]

While I don't agree with 100% of Nate's @dirt lifestyle ideas, this channel IS certainly underrated. I think the main places I disagree on most points are PURELY more along the artistic side of things, but that doesn't mean he wrong, it just means we have different methods or like different looks... Nothing wrong with that either. I personally love this channel!

[@jsmcdon1]

Joe, I agree 100%. Nate has sooo much talent and he’s really great at making these videos. Very fun to watch and great design ideas. I just can’t get enough of Nates videos.

[@jacobenglish2062]

Your Chanel has grown to be my favorite thing to watch. I’ve learned so much from you as a beginner fabricator

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thank you!

[@Payton_The_Cook]

Thank you for making Land Rover content that isn't a repair video. The D2 is so under appreciated. Started watching because of the Disco but now enjoy all your work👍🏻

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thank you! I'm suprised more people don't build these!

[@southernmudder2]

Please do a build/assembly video of your pipe bender explaining parts and a how-to

[@henrikm4657]

Only thing that bugs the hell out of me are the KZbin trolls that give the thumbs down to every awesome video I’ve ever watched. They must be really sorry ass individuals.

[@DirtLifestyle]

I couldn't agree more. I've never given a thumbs down on a video. If I don't like the video I just keep it to myself and move along lol.

[@clydetracy77]

I welded and fabricated for 10 years on other people's dime but when it comes to doing my own stuff I find it very difficult. Every time I watch your videosIt makes me want to run outside and start fabing on my own Jeep. You also make me feel silly for just wanting to buy something. Lol. And your work is better than 90% of the "Professionals" I have worked with. No joke, and that includes me.

[@DirtLifestyle]

Damn thanks man! This is a huge compliment and really appreciate it 👍

[@dextonbrock2754]

Not gonna lie. I've never even given a second glance at Land Rovers. But you've got me thinking about it. Love the content.

[@DirtLifestyle]

I never considered them either but my family has fallen in love with this thing 👍

[@williamdomey7584]

Your Chanel is one of my favorite ones. That rack came out great. I wish I was as talented. That rack would look good on my Cherokee.

[@StephenHarristnt]

Bro, I love your work. Your "okay" is 1000% better than what I normally get from 'experts'. And you have a great eye for design. Keep up the great work.

[@scottzarkos3466]

13 mins in im like hes not gonna dimple anything? whaaaaat? and then 15 seconds later i laughed haha thanks in these hard times. nate you da man.

[@DirtLifestyle]

Lol thanks man

[@Gettinbentoffroad]

Just got me a bunch of scrap steel about to start making me my new full size roof rack on my 3rd gen 4Runner

[@jraddd3477]

I just got done building 2 for the wife and I's runners, came out pretty heavy at 120lbs each but expanded steel at the bottom, 1.5" pipe at the bottom with 1" pipe for the top basket, if you want photos of what they look like done for ideas lemme know

[@onetruebob_tj]

Bad ass! The lights look great on the front. You can tell you've worked a job that required you to troubleshoot problems and solve them. When you have to change your plans, I can almost see the wheels turning. Keep the videos coming!

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thank you! 15 years of being a plumber taught me alot!

[@travel-warrior]

Great video, i love all the extra attention to detail. The difference between a cowboy and a true craftsman. Good job

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thank you!

[@davidsinclair6977]

In the bagining of the video you said you liked the double layer of tubing I agree and think if you fallow the same angle and line of the bottom light holder tube and and add a second layer to the back top portion it will come out looking pretty darn nice but like the project anyways thanks for sharing it with us

[@stronghandranch5227]

Best looking DIY rack on KZbin. Seriously great work. Roof racks can get ugly real quick and this is a piece of art.

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thank you!

[@MotivxTools]

Those new lights look sweet

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thanks!

[@erichicks2840]

I love it. Cut it and snug that bar next to the lights, if you do it give yourself room to pull the lights out. Either way it looks Awesome

[@wyattoneable]

Ah man that came out great. I just finished binge watching Ian Johnson on Extreme Off Road via a streaming service on my TV and I was about burned out of watching tubing get bent and welded. Nope. I was wrong. I found this very interesting and entertaining. 30 minutes flew by.

[@DirtLifestyle]

Lol thanks man!

[@thethepete731]

I would add some type of gusset to those light tabs. The vibration with the weight of the lights on them is going to guarantee a fatigue failure. Any small amount of vertical reinforcement will make a significant difference.

[@thethepete731]

The rack is gorgeous, btw. Love the design, and BD lights are the best. I'd just hate to see all your hard work come crashing down into the windshield as you're getting your overlander on.

[@WeBleedGreen1]

Theres a gentleman in Tigard Oregon that specializes in racks for roof top tents. Look into rack attack and they should be able to set you up with a roof top tent that will go nicely on that build

[@dreamassassin2689]

great video.. put your amps high enough to cause a puddle quickly.. 2-3 seconds or so to start puddeling. Keep your torch as strait as you can, to your material that you are working on. and hold your welding rod closer .you will get better control of the rod when you are closer to the material, just dont toast your hand by getting too close. 1/8 inch or so each dab and keep your material clean clean clean, and as close together as you can get it.. tig does not like gaps,

[@mrdrprof99]

Gonna use these ideas for a bull bar on my Frontier

[@caseybronson2224]

Watching you just take an idea from your head and execute it perfectly is always amazing to watch! You have a true talent and do incredible work. So glad you committed full time to this channel.

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thank you!

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thank you!

[@tomcooper920]

I think that rack really helps the roofline. It makes the lines of the roof flow a lot better. Great job.

[@DirtLifestyle]

I agree, the lines flow way better!

[@stevenadelhoch6811]

I have to say after watching hundreds of hours of "other" channels on youtube, some informative, and some downright ridiculous, Nate goes into the details very well, and answers my questions before I think of asking, my 99 XJ build has been a long journey, as it is (almost done) I have learned things I would have done differently now! Thanks for alll the great content!

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thanks! I'm glad you found my channel! The Internet is a big place so it's hard to get noticed 👍

[@maijhiselemani458]

Thank you for the lesson... you're a huge inspiration...

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thank you very much 👊

[@shanes_bs2659]

I love your fab videos. I was a welder fabricator for 5 years (i miss it)and you have inspired me to expand my skills on my truck projects.

[@michaelhalstead64]

4 LP6 is gonna be baller!!! Nice.

[@JBM-yr3xw]

Your videos just get better and better. Keep them coming, your one of the few channels I look forward to watching when new videos come out!!!

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thanks man! I really appreciate it!

[@gdazey1]

Yes more Overlanding please.

[@MultiDodgedude]

That is a sweet looking rack, the dimple die plates and attaching tubes make it POP!!

[@jeremyweathersbee2733]

Sweet project it turned out way better that I saw in my head. Those lights are going to be like cannons.

[@mightysnafu]

The way you put things makes a lot of projects less intimidating. Well done and thank you for the great content and info.

[@charlesreynolds1619]

Turned out awesome! I agree the bar above the lights would look better a tad lower, but it still looks great

[@richwolf7293]

I love your filming and narration style. Also how humble you are about your projects. You show the trial and error whether you are building or wheeling. Keep it up, you have caught a lot of people's attention!

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thank you! That is high praise!

[@JoeGarofaloII]

Ah hell yea, I've been wanting to build one of those for my suburban!!

[@mrwilly66]

Just a thought on the mounting and clamps... Over bend the legs and tapper the inside edge with plate. Same outside look and narrow the mount to fit nicely. Great job as always. Really enjoy watching your channel and remembering the good ole days in the shop!

[@EvanMoon]

Looks like something to be following dinosaurs in Jurassic Park, Super cool

[@DirtLifestyle]

Lol yes it does

[@YankumRopes]

Nate, you read my mind, I’m gearing up to start my roof rack build 👊🏻😎 your work is just beautiful.

[@DirtLifestyle]

Nice! That will be a fun project on the yota 👍

[@MonkeyWithAWrench]

holy crap, i'm doing a cargo rack integrated into an exocage on my wifes 4 door tracker, when you flipped your rack over upside down it gave me an idea of how i want to build it! i need to buy a tube roller now!

[@Brandonscode]

I love this channel. Iv been slowly collecting tools for make better projects the part few years. I really need my tubing bender set up with and air ram. Next step for sure

[@comingtofull-ageinchrist6736]

great idea on the rack fastener too, and I agree, it will make a huge difference on the appearance of the rack. No matter how the rest of it looks, you're right, one little thing like that can take a lot away from it!

[@ROCKINRODNEY]

You could run some of that cable overlanders use to protect the windshield from branches. Starting from the front of the fender and attaching to the top rail on your rack, which would serve to both utilize that rail, and protect your windshield and lights from the sides as well as the top. Not sure how it'll look, but might be worth exploring to further the real world functionality. Great video Nate.

[@yjmsrv]

Limb risers is what they're called- great idea.

[@alanm.4298]

I was thinking the same thing, once I started seeing how the roof rack was set up. If a bumper/grill/headlight guard is planned as another DIY project, I'd incorporate a couple bottom mounting points for the cable into the corners of that.

[@ROCKINRODNEY]

@@alanm.4298 exactly!

[@HowardR911]

I appreciate your attention to detail, and the music was extra good this time.

[@phillippearce9680]

As expected, another great video!

[@boondock54x4]

Good evening, Sir I definitely was sceptical about this, as I believe you were, in the beginning. It turned out fabulous! Keep up the good work! :)

[@larrysmith2137]

Nate your skills are amazing. Can’t wait to see more TJ build.

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thanks!

[@jeshuaoffroad9791]

Love it man! Looks awesome

[@joemundy5064]

Outstanding build Nate. Your fab skills are out of sight. I could watch your videos 24/7. Every time I watch I learn something.

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thanks!

[@West4ea]

You are an incredibly skilled metal worker. So jealous of your skills the rack looks way better than the old one. On,y thing I’d say is drop the front lights and bars around them. I like the idea of a flat back rack for the tent and a basket in the front but having the height all the same level along.

[@FoamSquatch]

Thanks for this video Nate, last thing I need is a rover, but seeing you mess with this one thinks it would make a good family rig once I start going overboard with my TJ.

[@ericmillier6652]

Wasn’t sure what to expect with this topic, roof rack, being it’s not really something I’m thinking about building or have built in the past. Turns out I learned a lot. Thanks for the video and keep it up! Oh yeah and those lights are gonna be amazing!!!

[@Datsuntech]

Looks great! Only one small thing I would have done differently. I would have ovaled the tube at the end where you attached the bar stock. It would have given it more symetry and made the attachment stronger. Of course this would have necessitated reworking the clamps.....Just my opinion.

[@fourneybilly86]

This may have already been commented, but you could tack your pieces with the tig welder since its apart of the same machine and not have to worry about weld splatter... I know not everyone has a tig welder so good point about covering windows, sparks from grinders will mess a window up as well. FAB ON!!

[@jayjaybarff847]

3M welding paper is great stuff. Sticks like tape and is nearly as good as a welding blanket. It's a bit spendy but it lasts a little while.

[@mattcobb1937]

Love this build. Going to do this for my JKU!!! Thank for sharing

[@rmtomasin]

Got an idea for a project for you. Some kind of roof hoist system. Could come in handy for lifting things like your rack, and roof top tent install/ removal by yourself.

[@rideakhomie]

A small swing out chain hoist is a good idea if you are tight on space and want to keep it stored against the wall till its needed.

[@jimferguson602]

You were the beat on bleepin Jeep and your still the best now. Love your huge shop btw

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thank you!

[@Carman-2012]

Nice finished product Nate 👍

[@alexbeggy2007]

I have a Discovery 2, live in the UK and started to watch your videos. Really cool stuff and absolutely 💯 love it!!! The roof rack is exactly my type. One thing I would done was to weld the bend top bar with the brackets to look like one piece 😉

[@jrchambon4746]

Such a badass! Such a big brain! Thanks for your effort.

[@TheTreadLife_]

I absolutely love the fabrication and explanation of these videos. I’m so glad you quit your day job to make these. I love the new frequency of videos and the amazing content. You’re definitely made for this!

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thank you very much! It was a big leap for us but life is good 👍

[@ZJ_Rubicon]

That design is awesome! Can't wait to see it all painted up with a tent on it.

[@Stefoshark]

Hi from Canada, nice job, very nice job friend ,a true masterpiece

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thank you!

[@WalterCook-wh2ue]

As a fellow fabricator and tube bender, it looks great

[@ShepherdOfTheSilkies]

Baja design has a badass warranty, a guy lost his Jeep in a avalanche it was found 14 miles away in a river, you know what got replaced for free? His Baja design lights. And they’re great too

[@joshroach2352]

For spark protection on windows, look into 3M welding paper. It is pricey, but it works well from grinding and minor weld spatter.

[@jordanabbott9409]

If you get some decent magnets you can use them to hold the FR blanket In some pretty unique positions

[@ianmburke]

Continually killing it! Nice work man 👍

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thank brother!

[@PaulKaiser42]

Nice rack Nate!!! Lol!!! I’m surprised your mailman did not say the pipe bender was to heavy....🤣😂 like last time you ordered from swag!!

[@DirtLifestyle]

Lol thanks! They sent it through a different courier this time 😂

[@kirklynschultz4184]

Really workin them REDs into the video. 🤣 I dig it man. You gonna get up that boat ramp hell or high water. 🤘

[@DirtLifestyle]

Damn right I will!

[@kirklynschultz4184]

Hell yeah man 👊

[@tomohawk5567]

That's the best roof rack iv seen in a long time ,not just a mass production piece crap, perfect fit. Great video thanks for sharing new subscriber 👍🇬🇧

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thank you very much! Welcome aboard 👍

[@erichughes9098]

Nate, you continue to make great videos thank you.😎👍

[@bgnoggin]

You've inspired me for a rack for my early Bronco. Been working on it the past several days. Wish I could post a pic. Great video!

[@fatalfromabove8943]

Brother get you a battery powered leaf blower just for dust, open the garage door and blow the dust out! Not for bigger projects tho.

[@independentcontractor1633]

Looks awesome , Getting ready planning one for my 87 Burb.

[@Kevintherubiconjeep]

You videos are the best produced and info packed how to I have seen. Storing info for when I have time and materials some day.

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thank you!

[@DuckSongFan]

Awesome vid. I’m building a roof rack out of an old metal bunk bed for my Cherokee so this is really helpful

[@DirtLifestyle]

Good luck man!

[@rile5960]

Nice work!

[@thatmand4542]

Man i just love that dimple/gusset plate on the rack ive always loved the dimple die look :D

[@tropicalco2339]

Do it for Dale!

[@mikehoffman3690]

Love the look of the build.

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thanks buddy!

[@cway444]

That's a work of art. Good job. Thumbs up

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thanks!

[@andrewcgillespie]

One word only - AWESOME!

[@normlenhart9565]

Good job! I like it. The added height on the upper bar is a good thing IMO, just in case something really big whacks the top. Granted, it'd have to be tree sized, but since it's there, it's good to go.

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thanks brother 👍

[@dvonehrlich]

I like the high bar front of the rack on the Discovery, it’s like a crown for the British off-roader. Slap some fake jewelry and finials on it. I really enjoy these fabrication videos, even though I doubt I will ever get a chance to do anything like your projects.

[@DirtLifestyle]

Lol thanks man! Your right, it is like a crown 😂

[@jake-coombs]

Awesome roof rack and when you put the tent on there it will look even better. But just a little bit of advice don't forget about 12v power to the tent for lights or somewhere to store muddy shoes. Awesome video 😎👌👍

[@4570levergun]

Very clean looking. A true craftsman.

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thank you!

[@CurtisDrew1]

I use welding magnets to hold my welding blankets over my glass windows. Ihave about 12 of the small Harbor Freight angle magnets and they come in handy.

[@sfkeygrip]

thanks for the inspiration. I have been wanting to build a rack for my jeep JL and you gave me some good ideas to start working on it

[@brokenpoortradingco]

That looks great man keep up the great work

[@Jack_of_the_Trade]

Something to consider, if you haven't got a name for the discovery I think you should name it the "Disco rhino". Lil cheesy but it fits so well. Love the channel, keep on with the dream.

[@DirtLifestyle]

Lol thanks brother

[@shaunadams3170]

Just wanted to see what you thought about using magnets to hold your blanket that way you won't have to worry about the tape.

[@DirtLifestyle]

With a strong enough magnet hell yeah!

[@shaunadams3170]

@@DirtLifestyle we kept a few different sizes because if it lays over a pipe or other contour it helps to hold it. Even old speakers work as long as they're on the blanket. And the blankets we were provided we're heavy enough to block strong winds. Tigging stainless in the middle of a wide open area would eat up some gas plus it help from getting flash burn when walking by

[@shaunadams3170]

@@DirtLifestyle and yes magnet to magnet were steel structure wasn't available

[@chrisj3097]

Turned out good! I would like to see bull horns on the ends of that upper bar though! 😜

[@davidwilkinson4382]

Love the simple explanations you provide as you go through the process. The side profile looks amazing but personally I'm not sure about the front view. Think it would have looked better with out the additional lift for the top bar and maybe bringing the spots down a bit to offset the slightly lower bar. Probably personal preference and I'm sure you have a vision of the complete truck in mind. Keep up the good work.

[@benibarra4808]

Couple of points I want to draw out of your videos. 1. The music you pick is awesome. I’m sure many younger viewers like myself will enjoy this 2. Your “voice-over commentary” is done in the shop, which might be a small detail but it shows you really wanna nail these videos and not have to record a sound clip from your computer and add it in during editing You’re doing great man

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thanks for the high praise! Good catch on the voice over 👍

[@henrikm4657]

Totally awesome design, and craftsmanship! I love this channel - wheeling, car wrenching/modding, and awesome fabrication! Super inspiring.

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thanks buddy!

[@grn9209]

Love the channel 👏🏼. Love the craftsmanship

[@johnbjorgen7212]

I love it. Beautiful work. I agree with you however, that the top bar over the lights needs to be adjusted. If your gaps weren't so tight and beautiful everywhere else, it wouldn't be bad, but it's kinda sticking up there with a larger gap than anywhere else on the rack. Might as well do it before paint so that you don't end up having to paint it again when it eventually bugs you.

[@mikekerby814]

You can also use large magnets to hold your welding blanket.

[@rafaelrene1968]

This roof rack looks amazing , man you are so talented.

[@DirtLifestyle]

I really appreciate it brother 🤘