Aluminum Roof Racks

[RIQUE]

Hello All, my FJ has high roof and is not using a roof rack. I am planing a long trip and guess I will need a rack . I have the original rack made of steel and wood that I could use but it weighs in a whopping 90lbs . I am considering building a similar one in Aluminum. Anybody know percentage wise how much lighter an aluminum rack will be to a same size steel rack? Maybe I will not save all that weight.

Rique

 

[Mike S]

Depndes on how you build it. Since aluminum is not as strong as steel, you may have to beef it up a bit, which will reduce the weight difference. Aluminum weighs about 40% less than steel, IIRC.

M

 

[hks3sgte]

Remember not to overload on the roof...