Another J-Moose inspired rack...

[Trinny]

Finally finished the roof rack (99% complete). I stole the J-Moose design from JohnnyLange, and fabbed it up using a bi-fold ramp from Cabela's (J-Cab).

I designed the front similar to what Johnny had done, leaving a "window" for the moonroof. However, on the rear, I used a piece of 2x2 aluminum angle, rounding the edges, so I can use it later as a light tray.

It is only 99% complete because I still plan to add anchors for riser cables on the front, a shovel/axe mount on the DS, and lights front and rear. I will also be fabbing a mount for the Hi-Lift base, and possibly my spare until I can afford a rear bumper.

Total cost: ~$375.00

Here are some pics...

 

[IBCRUSN]

Nice.

I too working on an idea for a rack. Seems the most expensive part(s) are the gutter mounts, everything else is reasonable.

My plans are for a shorter unit that stops before the sunroof and adding an air deflector like Thule and Yakima offer (in the hopes of retaining some mpg).

 

[e9999]

just saw that HF has a trifold on sale for $80, claiming 1500lbs cap...

 

[Trinny]

just saw that HF has a trifold on sale for $80, claiming 1500lbs cap...

I actually looked at the HF tri-fold. The problem I saw was that it has some funky ribs along the inside edge of the main frame that would make it difficult to bolt together. The advantage of the Cabela's or Moose racks is that they have flat frame rails, and have an offset on one side to create a natural wall around the outer edge of the rack.

Seems the most expensive part(s) are the gutter mounts, everything else is reasonable.

Absolutely right. A set of 8 clamps were twice as much as the Cabela's ramp. The rest is just some flat stock, angle, and nuts/bolts.

The most time consuming step was paint. In the cold weather, I spent alot of time waiting for paint to dry.

 

[IBCRUSN]

Do you have the OEM roof rack system? If not what height gutter mounts did you use.

wildyoats' rig looked as though it still retained the OEM rack mounts. If its possible to mount it closer to the roof that would be great.

 

[davegonz]

Very nice...I like the angle light bar idea.

I used the HF ramp and it came out ok..I would rather get one with the square stock as opposed to the HF with the funky extrusions. I haven't finished with it...haven't found time. Also, make sure to use crossbars underneath it to maintain the strength.

 

[Trinny]

Do you have the OEM roof rack system? If not what height gutter mounts did you use.

wildyoats' rig looked as though it still retained the OEM rack mounts. If its possible to mount it closer to the roof that would be great.

I do have the OEM rack. I used the HD-8 gutter mounts from Conferr. I believe they are the standard height clamps. With these, I clear the OEM rack by about 1"-1.5", but I do hit the OEM rack bows. I left them in place to add strength (I know, they prolly only add 10# load capacity), but am going to remove them because they sqeak a bit when on rough roads. I'm not sure if the short clamps would clear w/out the OEM rack.