Camper shell roof rack: homemade vs custom welded vs commercial

Hi all, this forum has been very helpful since I got my Tacoma this summer after selling my Subaru with 195k miles. I haven't needed to post until now.

I just got a new camper shell, and now I need a roof rack to transport my 15' kayak on top. I can't really stomach the prices (~$400 or so) of the commercial varieties, so I've been looking into homemade versions or having one welded by a friend.

I came across this homemade one: http://batonrouge.craigslist.org/cto/3662701625.html
(sorry I didn't know how to post the image)

It seems decent enough for my purpose, I don't need it to slide front to back. I would try a little 'neater' of a build, but use the same general idea.

A welded one would be essentially the same, but maybe have bars running front to back for added stability, and welded uprights to further stabilize. I'm not looking for a basket or anything too heavy.

I would appreciate any advice or design ideas.

Thanks

 

I went to a junk yard and got one off a pathfinder and put on my cap for $20. I replaced the screws that held the rails down with some bolts and big washers to make sure the rails didn't pull thru. keep up with type vehicle and you can order different crossbars from thule or other mfgs.

 

sweet, good idea... I hadn't thought of that.

 

I picked up a set of yakima towers and cross bars on craigslist for $100. Works great.

A buddy of mine has a similar setup but cut forms out of a 4x4 post using a band saw and lined the top with felt to hold his kayak more securely and so it wouldn't deform over time from being strapped up there so long. He leaves it up there all season.