DIY GFC Roof Rack

1st, I love my GFC. 2nd, no way was I spending $200 on a single roof rack cross bar. I built a complete adjustable roof rack for my previous Leer Shell out of 80/20 so I figured I'd do the same for the GFC. Below is a parts list and some pictures after the build.

*Note* I've never had an issue w/ weight on my 80/20 builds. The max weight I ever carry is a 150# SmithFly Big Shoals raft. Typically I'll carry an inflatable kayak and a Yakima Skybox 12; no issues ever.

Upcoming modifications:
- Drilling 2-3 small drain holes in the bottom of the t-slot for water drainage
- Adding d-ring loops to the outer edges for NRS strap attachment

Supply List

$54.49- (4) Flat Plates

$94.47- (2) 1”x2” T-slot Extrusion, 53 1/16” wide (10 Series)

• If I’d order them again, I’d just go with 53” wide, you don’t need the extra 1/16”

• Added ¼ x20 x 1” deep tap for both ends for the Flat Plate screws
  
  
• (8) ¼ x 20 x 1” Stainless Button Head Socket Cap Screw

$28.50- (8) GZila 10-32 Track Nuts

~$15- Miscellaneous

• (8) 10-32 x ½ “ Socket Cap Screws, Stainless (Home Depot)
  • The screws that come w/ the GZila Nuts are too short
• (8) Flat Washers, Stainless (Home Depot)
  • The holes in the Flat Plates for the 10-32 Cap Screws are big enough to fit the whole screw head through which necessitates the washers
• Locktite

TOTAL= $192.46

If you have any questions, shoot away! I hope it helps somebody out.

 

Awesome little write up!

 

Quick and easy! Obviously the Gzila Nuts aren't to scale

 

I would have guessed that this was the GFC setup if you hadn't stated otherwise. Nicely done. I'll probably do the same once I pick up my GFC next month.

 

Enjoy the GFC man! It’s a game changer!

 

Sweet hack...

 

Love this. Great job and thanks for the parts breakdown

 

i've used caulk "backing rod" to fill in the unused channels, eliminates whistles and keeps the water out. haven't had issues with mildew or pooling but could be just my area.

 

Thanks for this write up! I recently picked up a GFC and wasn’t looking forward to spending $200 a pop for cross bars. The 80/20 is currently on sale FYI if you want to add another bar.

 

Ya I wasn't too keen on paying those prices either! And thanks for the heads up on the sale; TNutz is usually always 'on sale', kinda like Kohls ya know. But this is a better sale than normal; shipping is what always gets ya on these things.

 

What is the clearance between the bars and the top of your roof? I want to make sure the clamps on my box will fit around the bars. Thanks!

 

I’m living out of the GFC for the summer so I decided it’s time to build a roof rack to haul rafts and bikes around. I opted to build my own mounting plates as it was cheaper and better suited for what I was using my rack for that the off the shelf brackets others have used.
I utilized SendCutSend for my side brackets out of 6061 3/16” aluminum brackets. I designed mine to have a tie down loop in the top of the bracket for NRS straps and my 270 awning mount. This is great for my use but if you’re hauling something super wide it might be an issue.
If anyone is interested in my bracket here's the DXF.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/15AeiUXCrDui1C95emn1om-vjkEg-XmGp/view?usp=drive_link
All in this was less than $200 for three crossbars.

 

I have something similar too. But I don't have a closeup shot

 

Nice job. I have been mulling over ideas for this also. Any thoughts on how you would do it with round bars (yakima)? Or if you wanted bars that were wider than the GFC so you had some extra room for multiple kayaks and some extra bar over hang to route straps around?

 

I have two sets of GFC Yakima round bars for sale. If you’re interested send me a pm.

 

Purchased a GFC topper and was looking at DIY beef bars. Think 3 of these would be fine supporting a RTT 110lbs and 2 adults?

 

@Kavikkid thank you for making your file available. I think I'm going to use it. Do you mind sharing what/where the crossbars are/came from?

Cheers!