"Homemade Roof Platform"?

[Rex9802]

I am price sensitive and need a roof platform. I do not need something that can hold several hundred pounds, this is just to be used for luggage on family trips or materials from the hardware store. I can't understand spending $700 or $1,000 + for a steel platform. I understand that most come with new bases and can hold more weight- but I don't need that ability.

* (I have a trailer hitch mount but I want something I can keep on the truck full time (throw lumber, ladders, etc.). With the trailer hitch mount I bought a cheap but useful rack. It works great but I notice the "rust water"- I don't want something like that on my roof. )

Can anyone see a downside to purchasing a steel shelf from an industrial supply? I was thinking I could even coat it with a rubberized paint ("bed liner" type thing).

I would buy this, attach it to the factory rack. Rubber coat both or add a rubber membrane between contact points and attach using a U bolt.

Not sure what product to purchase just yet- but attached are some examples of what I was thinking about.

The Steel Shelves are as low as $40, Steel Mesh Dividers are under $100 and come with a steel frame. Regardless, I think I could do a solid steel platform for under $200 with no risk of rusting, etc.

 

[highrisk]

It could work, I don't know how you plan to attach it to the existing roof rails. If you plan to haul materials on it I would be nervous about tying things down to it and not the roof rails.

 

[Rex9802]

I was going to use U-Bolts- it is pretty much what many off the shelf platforms use. I've used them in my warehouse before with lock washers and never had any issues in industrial applications.

 

[Mogwai]

Should def work. I've used those U-bolts to make a couple different makeshift mounts for the stock roof rack to mount GoPro and whip flag.

The other thing I've done is used my recovery boards side by side to create a platform on the stock rack, pile wood and whatnot on top and strap down. Its not a full time solution like you're looking for but could be handy for packing wood or trash or whatever else you don't want/have room for in cabin.

Good luck.

 

[Citius]

You can try Craigslist and look for the yakima load warrior for around $150 to $200. They also make extensions for it.

The bigger version is the Mega Warrior, but that one is a bit more money.

These would fit right on the current rack without modifications and carry a decent load.

 

[Rex9802]

Thanks.

I kind of like the idea of getting MaxTrax. Love having an excuse to get a long desired tool but don't think I can pull this one off with the wifey!!! haha!

I found a loadwarrior for sale (with all extensions) on Craigslist but am worried that is a little small. Does anyone have that?

 

[Citius]

I have the load warrior without extensions from my old truck and it worked great back then. With the extensions, it will be more than large enough to carry all your stuff, if organized properly. Just make sure you strap down all your stuff.

Also look into the roof storage boxes (Yakima Skybox or Thule version). It stores a lot more stuff in it and it can be locked and covered in the rain. This too will also attach to your rack easily. If you look around you can get these relatively cheap as well.

 

[provo]

I am price sensitive and need a roof platform. I do not need something that can hold several hundred pounds, this is just to be used for luggage on family trips or materials from the hardware store. I can't understand spending $700 or $1,000 + for a steel platform. I understand that most come with new bases and can hold more weight- but I don't need that ability.

* (I have a trailer hitch mount but I want something I can keep on the truck full time (throw lumber, ladders, etc.). With the trailer hitch mount I bought a cheap but useful rack. It works great but I notice the "rust water"- I don't want something like that on my roof. )

Can anyone see a downside to purchasing a steel shelf from an industrial supply? I was thinking I could even coat it with a rubberized paint ("bed liner" type thing).

I would buy this, attach it to the factory rack. Rubber coat both or add a rubber membrane between contact points and attach using a U bolt.

Not sure what product to purchase just yet- but attached are some examples of what I was thinking about.

The Steel Shelves are as low as $40, Steel Mesh Dividers are under $100 and come with a steel frame. Regardless, I think I could do a solid steel platform for under $200 with no risk of rusting, etc.

View attachment 1463719

View attachment 1463720

 

[provo]

i went to muffler shop. they have tube bender and assorted size pipe. roof rack bent and welded 15 minutes. just bring your own rain gutter clamps.

 

[RS6tofj80]

Rola makes a decent price point rack if it meets your needs..... I ran one on my 80 for a bit

 

[Mogwai]

Thanks.

I kind of like the idea of getting MaxTrax. Love having an excuse to get a long desired tool but don't think I can pull this one off with the wifey!!! haha!

I found a loadwarrior for sale (with all extensions) on Craigslist but am worried that is a little small. Does anyone have that?

Someone posted some knockoff recovery boards on Amazon for under a $100 if that helps! I use the MAXSA and they have worked fine the few times I've had to use. Just get stuck once, wife will approve!

 

[4gotalot]

Good idea. I am brain storming the same type of needs for a better rack than OEM but not to carry a RTT and 20 gal of fuel. Please keep us advised of your progress. I am not getting very for with my ideas any more, what was this post about?

My minimum stuff on top would be a chain saw for trail clearing with its support equipment and recovery gear, a few sticks/sheets of lumber and the sort.

Thank you for the pics, great to work with.

 

[NLScooby]

Thanks.

I kind of like the idea of getting MaxTrax. Love having an excuse to get a long desired tool but don't think I can pull this one off with the wifey!!! haha!

I found a loadwarrior for sale (with all extensions) on Craigslist but am worried that is a little small. Does anyone have that?

I have the Mega Load Warrior that I found on Craigslist here one day. I think I paid $140 for it which was a good deal!

 

[Rex9802]

Feeling a little lazy and worried that my "shelf" idea would not work out and I would be stuck with a metal shelf- I ended up buying a mega warrior.

Long story short, I bought a used on off Amazon and they sent the wrong rack (someone swapped it with a load warrior but kept it in the mega warrior box). So they ended up giving me the MegaWarrior for the Loadwarrior price (used price, new rack).

I also added the extension but not sure if I even needed that- it's big!

Slight hang over the sunroof but with the sunroof cover closed you can' t hear it.