Cheap roof rack?

[BJJCruiser]

So don't get me wrong, I would love a $1k roof rack like I keep seeing for sale. All of these options look fantastic. However, my friend has a Jeep Grand Cherokee that he put a $100 basket on his stock roof rack rails. It sits pretty low and looks great. My question is, are there any $100 baskets that can mount to, lets say Gavimiti mounts or similar and look decent? Anyone done this? I am not trying to take away from these guys that make these awesome racks, but a budget is a budget. I would like to be able to run a RTT eventually, but right now I just need a good storage option for when we go hiking with 7 people in the LX. Thanks!

 

[Spike555]

Thule and Yakima.

 

[REZARF]

Just get a set of load capable cross bars and mounts... Rhino Racks comes to mind. That is all that is needed to properly mount a RTT.

However, if you're gonna spend $1,000-2,000 DOLLARS on a tent for the roof... a decent roof rack is a worth while investment. I built my own, I have the tools and skill set to pull it off and I still spent about $450... There are much cheaper hobbies than this one and there are even cheaper ways to camp. I for one had a RTT/trailer and now prefer to use a nice ground tent and cot, YMMV.

Gotta' pay to play sometimes.

Here's what $400ish bucks and a few weekends of work could get you... if you have the welder, saw, bender, grinders, time and skill. job at most. When you tally it all up, design, fab, materials, coating, shipping... guys like @GAMIVITI are really selling a great product at an amazing value.

 

[bucfl]

You may be able to find a pop up camper for the price of a RTT and rack. I have seen some for $1500 on Craig list.

 

[Trunk Monkey]

Search around the 80 section for "jmoose" rack. Basically uses an ATV ramp and your own choice of mounting feet. Most ATV racks are aluminum, so you get the lightweight benefit there. I did mine on my 80 for under $150.

 

[ERMB]

I know this isn't exactly meant for he LC but it could easily be adapted to one. This is a Link on TW for a rack system I came up with using only materials found at HD and Lowes. Final product including paint cost me about $150+- in materials. I've had mine on my Taco for almost 2yrs and have used it for almost anything you can think of and its as solid as the day I installed it.

ERMB's D-I-Y Rack System Build

I'm a lurker here on Mud because I'm trying to convince myself to make the switch to a 100. Hope this might be of some help for you.

 

[fisherman978]

Look into the Role roof rack from walmart yes walmart....... you can buy the rack and extension for under 200$ and honestly for the price its a nice sturdy good looking rack. i purchased one and the extension assembled it silicones all the bolts and it comes with rubber gaskets to cover the bolts for waterproofness. honestly for the money i think its the best option if you don't want the extension then just get the rack.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/ROLA-Vor...r-Full-Size-Cars-SUVs-and-Vans-Black/22018475

i purchased this with the extension new put it up for a test fit and decided to order a front runner. for my RTT purposes. if you have no future plans for a tent this is a great rack. if you think you may then just take the leap , buy once cry once.

if your close to Boston i have my role roof rack for sale , assembled never installed.

 

[socalmtbiker]

Nice, how’s the wind noise with this?

 

[ERMB]

Nice, how’s the wind noise with this?

If your referring to mine, its minimal at best. In the beginning (build stage) I thought I would need a fairing to help with any noise associated with it, but I never made one because once I finally got it up there it didn't seem necessary.

 

[REZARF]

Look into the Role roof rack from walmart yes walmart....... you can buy the rack and extension for under 200$ and honestly for the price its a nice sturdy good looking rack. i purchased one and the extension assembled it silicones all the bolts and it comes with rubber gaskets to cover the bolts for waterproofness. honestly for the money i think its the best option if you don't want the extension then just get the rack.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/ROLA-Vor...r-Full-Size-Cars-SUVs-and-Vans-Black/22018475

i purchased this with the extension new put it up for a test fit and decided to order a front runner. for my RTT purposes. if you have no future plans for a tent this is a great rack. if you think you may then just take the leap , buy once cry once.

if your close to Boston i have my role roof rack for sale , assembled never installed.

My buddy has one of these on a Mitsu Montero, it is a solid little rack and the fairing cuts the wind noise down to acceptable levels. The 100's are such a quiet ride, wind noise does become an issue.

 

[REZARF]

I know this isn't exactly meant for he LC but it could easily be adapted to one. This is a Link on TW for a rack system I came up with using only materials found at HD and Lowes. Final product including paint cost me about $150+- in materials. I've had mine on my Taco for almost 2yrs and have used it for almost anything you can think of and its as solid as the day I installed it.

ERMB's D-I-Y Rack System Build

I'm a lurker here on Mud because I'm trying to convince myself to make the switch to a 100. Hope this might be of some help for you.

@ERMB that is friggin' sweet!

 

[Tanner H]

No need for an aftermarket rack for your RTT. Many people on here including myself have used a roof tent on the factory rails.

As far as storage, I would find a used thule or Yakima roof box on craigslist. Works great with the factory roof rails and you can lock up your gear.

 

[custyota]

I have the Rhino Rack load bars and they work just fine for my RTT

 

[BJJCruiser]

I know this isn't exactly meant for he LC but it could easily be adapted to one. This is a Link on TW for a rack system I came up with using only materials found at HD and Lowes. Final product including paint cost me about $150+- in materials. I've had mine on my Taco for almost 2yrs and have used it for almost anything you can think of and its as solid as the day I installed it.

ERMB's D-I-Y Rack System Build

I'm a lurker here on Mud because I'm trying to convince myself to make the switch to a 100. Hope this might be of some help for you.

My goodness, this looks like a future project. Great work man! Where did you find the decorative side pieces? I may have missed that on the post. I'll probably think of 15-20 more questions for you about this.

*Edit, I just made it far enough in the thread to see you got it at tractor supply. Did you have to round the corners? Looks really nice.

And stop lurking, by a 100 already .

 

[ERMB]

My goodness, this looks like a future project. Great work man! Where did you find the decorative side pieces? I may have missed that on the post. I'll probably think of 15-20 more questions for you about this.

*Edit, I just made it far enough in the thread to see you got it at tractor supply. Did you have to round the corners? Looks really nice.

And stop lurking, by a 100 already .

I ended up trying a few things; grinding wheel, dremmel, jig saw, and a hand held metal cutting coping saw. Because it was a small radius none were really the perfect tool for the job, but each were able to get them close enough.

I'm working on the purchasing part. Currently looking in the central Florida area since I have family down there so I can at least start with a rust free truck. Then ill just drive it back up North.

 

[BJJCruiser]

No need for an aftermarket rack for your RTT. Many people on here including myself have used a roof tent on the factory rails.

As far as storage, I would find a used thule or Yakima roof box on craigslist. Works great with the factory roof rails and you can lock up your gear.

View attachment 1642255

I just bought a Mombasa RTT that should be here next week. My fear is that the stock LX rack will be too small. I think your rack is a little bigger than mine. Mine only uses 4 mounts where yours probably uses all 6.

 

[whitenoise]

If you're still looking for budget rack or load bars, take a look at my setup: 100 series DIY solutions

 

[BJJCruiser]

Search around the 80 section for "jmoose" rack. Basically uses an ATV ramp and your own choice of mounting feet. Most ATV racks are aluminum, so you get the lightweight benefit there. I did mine on my 80 for under $150.

I am leaning this route, if I can find a ramp that is wide enough. I'll still have to buy some mounts. I'll probably end up going with Gamiviti as they seem simple and surely very strong.

 

[BJJCruiser]

If you're still looking for budget rack or load bars, take a look at my setup: 100 series DIY solutions

This looks good, but I'd have to buy the channels to work with those bars, right?

 

[whitenoise]

With some small mods to the mounting plate holes I am pretty sure you can mount them directly to the roof.