What roof rack to get?

[Corbet]

Gamiviti is probably the most affordable commercially available expo style rack out there. I used his gutter mounts to build my rack. https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/speski-offroad-expo-roof-rack-build.804560/

 

[98 SNAKE EATER]

I too wanted the look of a full rack like an Inti, but also wanted an escape hatch

Ended up building my own out of aluminum and EMT



The materials and hardware were all well under your budget (not including lights)

 

[solidfrontaxle]

Man, to have that same rack built by a shop with the same quality and attention to detail would cost $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$. It's so ridiculously overboard in every way. Totally the MUD way.

That would have been my dream rack back in the day, when I lusted after the INTI but didn't spring for one because of no hatch. Your design is not what I would want nowadays, but it's still a wonder to behold. How much does it weigh and how much weight do you plan on loading it with?

 

[solidfrontaxle]

Gamiviti is probably the most affordable commercially available expo style rack out there. I used his gutter mounts to build my rack. https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/speski-offroad-expo-roof-rack-build.804560/

Just curious, what is considered an "expo style" roof rack?



To the OP, I run a short rack from the sunroof back that the previous owner built from aluminum ATV ramps. I love everything about it:
-low profile
-low weight
-super strong
-looks really good (although not as sexy as the PrInSu)
-doesn't get in the way of anything
-ensures I don't try to carry too much up top (I rarely put anything up there anyway, usually just a christmas tree once a year)
-is more flexible because it doesn't have a lip or a rail around the edge, so it doesn't limit sizes and shapes (even if you have a lip on a roof rack, you still have to strap down your cargo - I don't understand the point of a raised edge besides looks maybe)
-doesn't tempt me to mount any forward facing lights above the windshield (I much prefer bumper mounted lights)
-I can climb in and out of the sunroof
-not very noisy
-super cheap and simple to make yourself

 

[pedrok]

Here are a few pics of my rig wearing the Gobi Stealth. Notice how the rack has a slight curve in the overall structure to fit the FJ80 roof perfectly. I'm telling you the engineering on this hardware is impressive. I had a professional welding shop look at the rack and the owner told me to fabricate a rack like that from scratch with that kind of engineering and material would cost $3500 custom.

LED Light Bar

• pedrok
• Jun 24, 2015

LED Light Bar

• pedrok
• Jun 24, 2015

 

[solidfrontaxle]

Here are a few pics of my rig wearing the Gobi Stealth. Notice how the rack has a slight curve in the overall structure to fit the FJ80 roof perfectly. I'm telling you the engineering on this hardware is impressive. I had a professional welding shop look at the rack and the owner told me to fabricate a rack like that from scratch with that kind of engineering and material would cost $3500 custom.View attachment 1104489

LED Light Bar

• pedrok
• Jun 24, 2015

LED Light Bar

• pedrok
• Jun 24, 2015

View attachment 1104490

I love the look of newer 80s with lift and big tires and factory bumpers. Looks so good!

 

[98 SNAKE EATER]

How much does it weigh and how much weight do you plan on loading it with?

I didn't get a chance to put it on a scale, but it's actually much lighter (and stronger) than my previous rack made of EMT and expanded steel

Each x-bar has it's own pair of mounts and so far, I've had 4 adults and 6 kids up there without a hint of flex, so it will pretty much handle anything

Just wish I had thought of an umbrella mount while I was building it cause I could've used that last week at the beach

 

[Corbet]

Just curious, what is considered an "expo style" roof rack?

I'd say anything designed to support and carry a RTT or other Expo gear as apposed to bikes/skis/other light items

 

[foeix]

The PrinsuDesign rack has been great so far - super low profile, feather light, stout, quiet and modular. I have mine set up so it doesn't obscure the sun roof.

My review and install: http://dirtroadtrip.com/blog/trucks/prinsu-design-studio-lc80-roofrac-install/

 

[pedrok]

I didn't get a chance to put it on a scale, but it's actually much lighter (and stronger) than my previous rack made of EMT and expanded steel

Each x-bar has it's own pair of mounts and so far, I've had 4 adults and 6 kids up there without a hint of flex, so it will pretty much handle anything

Just wish I had thought of an umbrella mount while I was building it cause I could've used that last week at the beach

 

[pedrok]

@98 SNAKE EATER your rack is pure awesomeness. May I ask how you wired the lights? Did you drill any holes?

 

[98 SNAKE EATER]

@98 SNAKE EATER your rack is pure awesomeness. May I ask how you wired the lights? Did you drill any holes?

Thanks

On my old rack, I ran all of the wiring on the inside of the EMT for a clean look, however, on the new rack, I used larger gauge wiring and kept the tubing sealed completely in order to prevent deterioration from the inside out.

3 Large cables (main power, ground and a conduit with relay triggers) are run into a relay box (see ~7:20 in video) and each output wire is routed under the aluminum frame and ran within each of the square tubes.

 

[pedrok]

@98 SNAKE EATER I watched the vid. Incredible build out. You have some skills brother. Thanks for sharing your wiring info. Did you enter the vehicle with your wiring via drilled hole or sneak it through a door?

 

[98 SNAKE EATER]

@98 SNAKE EATER I watched the vid. Incredible build out. You have some skills brother. Thanks for sharing your wiring info. Did you enter the vehicle with your wiring via drilled hole or sneak it through a door?

Drilled 3 holes on the roof and ran the cables up through the rear panel and under the headliner

A pic of my old relay/OBA box showing the trigger wires

 

[Box Rocket]

Another plug for the Prinsu rack. Mine was the original one for the 80 and has been everything I'd hoped from a low-profile rack. Awesome design, super lightweight, strong and versatile.

 

[pedrok]

@98 SNAKE EATER very helpful info and pictures. Thanks very much for sharing. I'm going to block off some evening time in the coming month and get after it. I need to hook up my flood bar and work lights. Any recommendation on toggle switches? I have one mounted now (left of the steering column) for an auxiliary fan and I'm not crazy about it. The blue light is so bright that it is distracting at night. I'm going to switch it out to match the ones I install for the bar and work lights.

 

[98 SNAKE EATER]

@98 SNAKE EATER very helpful info and pictures. Thanks very much for sharing. I'm going to block off some evening time in the coming month and get after it. I need to hook up my flood bar and work lights. Any recommendation on toggle switches? I have one mounted now (left of the steering column) for an auxiliary fan and I'm not crazy about it. The blue light is so bright that it is distracting at night. I'm going to switch it out to match the ones I install for the bar and work lights.

I use these for my front bumper, front rack and left/right rack lights

For my rear rack lights, I chose an OEM style switch mounted on the dash with a blinding light.

Reason I chose this position is so that I don't forget it on

Back in the day, my rear rack light switch was on the center console and my dog turned it on with her paw

400 watts of spotlights pissed off A LOT of people that day

Another option is seat heater or rear heater switches

OEM switches are top notch and if you use a DPDT switch such as these, you'll have an extra output for other accessories (I use mine for front and rear winch controls and toggling back and forth between the dinky stock horns and the train horns)

 

[Dissent]

I was all over the board but had it down to DIY and Frontrunner but decided in Prinsu Designs.

 

[solidfrontaxle]

I'm liking the Prinsu more and more. It just brings so much sex. I think it's a game changer in looks vs price vs quality. It tempts me to get rid of mine, even though I'm more than satisfied with what I got.

Edit: The fact that it's on Boxrocket's 80 doesn't help. It's like when a gorgeous model wears something so I buy it for my wife whether it actually looks good on her or not...

 

[Box Rocket]

I'm liking the Prinsu more and more. It just brings so much sex. I think it's a game changer in looks vs price vs quality. It tempts me to get rid of mine, even though I'm more than satisfied with what I got.

Edit: The fact that it's on Boxrocket's 80 doesn't help. It's like when a gorgeous model wears something so I buy it for my wife whether it actually looks good on her or not...

LOL. I don't think I or my truck has ever been compared to a gorgeous model in any way (or ever will again) but that made me chuckle. FWIW, I agree its a sweet looking rack and super strong and versatile. Totally agree it's a game changer.