Home made roof rack 1 Conn-Fer mounts 0

[photogod]

Made it to Moab no problem, the home made roof rack held the 4 full J cans, 2 20mm ammo cans with tools and medical supplies, a small grill, propain lamp, propain tank and hoses and two waterproof bags with tents sleeping bags and air matts. Had about an 1/8" sag and a 1/4" flex on the tough bounces on the trail. The pink panty gutter mounts from Conn-Fer, on the other hand were trashed in the first five miles of off road. So, once again, I get to fix a problem. Ended up taking the mounts off the rack in the middle of nowhere and pounding them back into shape and remounting them a bit higher from the top of the roof. I think the best solution is going to be to weld a couple of triangle pieces in the right angle position to strengthen the bracket. I thought for sure 8 of these things would hold the weight of the rack and additions. Guess not.

 

[SWCruiser]

clamps

Photogod,
I actually had to order 10 clamps, a set of 6 and a set of 4 to get to 8. Decided it was better to use 5 a side once I got them. Anway, when they sent one of the sets it came with the taller clamps which were much thicker than the other short ones I had and you have posted. I wanted a low profile but I almost stuck with the taller ones because they were super stout. Made me think I should find some one to redo those clamps in a thicker plate. The taller ones definately had little/no flex as compared to the ones you are showing. Sorry this happened but now I am glad to be able to rationalize taking care of this issue right away.

chris

 

[elmariachi]

Everybody dogs the ARB rack for being so heavy, but this is why. There are a lot of forces and stresses at work up there once you leave the pavement with a loaded rack. Good for you that you caught it when you did.

 

[Trunk Monkey]

Your Confer clamps look different than mine. Mine have the upright from the gutter, then go 45 degrees in for about 3", and then flat for 3". Yours look like they're just a right angle?

 

[SWCruiser]

Cory,
I think you have the taller clamps which are a few inches taller and beefier than those pictured.

 

[photogod]

Your Confer clamps look different than mine. Mine have the upright from the gutter, then go 45 degrees in for about 3", and then flat for 3". Yours look like they're just a right angle?

Right. I have the three inch high. A more stout metal or bracing is really needed.

 

[photogod]

Everybody dogs the ARB rack for being so heavy, but this is why. There are a lot of forces and stresses at work up there once you leave the pavement with a loaded rack. Good for you that you caught it when you did.

I would never dog the ARB. I realize that it is a superior product as most of their stuff is. I just like building and testing my own stuff. If I had the cash I wouldn't hesitate putting the ARB up there instead.

 

[Little Boss]

Made it to Moab no problem, the home made roof rack held the 4 full J cans, 2 20mm ammo cans with tools and medical supplies, a small grill, propain lamp, propain tank and hoses and two waterproof bags with tents sleeping bags and air matts. Had about an 1/8" sag and a 1/4" flex on the tough bounces on the trail. The pink panty gutter mounts from Conn-Fer, on the other hand were trashed in the first five miles of off road. So, once again, I get to fix a problem. Ended up taking the mounts off the rack in the middle of nowhere and pounding them back into shape and remounting them a bit higher from the top of the roof. I think the best solution is going to be to weld a couple of triangle pieces in the right angle position to strengthen the bracket. I thought for sure 8 of these things would hold the weight of the rack and additions. Guess not.

We had 3 full cans, 2 water and 1 fuel. Also had a full tote of manzanita wood on the rack. Also the 10X12 tent, sleeping mats for 4 , chairs, dry food goods, peoples bio products, and a gas BBQ.

We were way over loaded but we made it. Jerry cans and wood up front and the rest to the rear. All put on an INTI rack. We made 4 days of expedition before moab, and the time at moab.


Tree

 

[Hayes]

Cory,
I think you have the taller clamps which are a few inches taller and beefier than those pictured.

That's what I've got too. They look significantly beefier than the ones in photogod's picture. It also seems reasonable to assume that the ~45 degree angle (on mine and Cory's) would also transfer the load more directly than the 90 degree bend.

Hayes

 

[Trunk Monkey]

I just didn't even know Confer made clamps that looked like that. But I agree, couple of triangle gussets and you should be fine.

 

[Trunk Monkey]

Everybody dogs the ARB rack for being so heavy, but this is why. There are a lot of forces and stresses at work up there once you leave the pavement with a loaded rack. Good for you that you caught it when you did.

Can't do this with your ARB Jim.