Roof Rack Custom Build Ideas

Hey all, I find myself constantly climbing on top of my Tacoma(Access cab 2014) to have a seat and enjoy the sunset. I am currently just sitting on the roof. I want to get a half roof rack purely just for sitting, but really just need something basic to sit on. These Roof racks like the Rhino are pretty expensive and I was curious if anyone had setup like a half rack on their taco.

I have some limited tools and could be interested in doing a DIY setup using the Unistrut. Also, I was thinking a basic crossbar might also do the trick. I could build like a board that just wedges on top of one of the bars. I am reaching out to this community to see if anyone has any advice on custom builds or come across any request like this before.

 

Welcome To TW...You sitting on the Roof?...it not denting it?

 

Well this is the problem lol.

 

Maybe somebody on here has done it,and will answer soon ....i cant find any information other than roof racks..

 

You could look at something like this for design inspiration.

https://martinor.com/shop/foundation-camper-rack

 

Large thread here regarding camper shell racks. Probably some things about a cab rack in there, or you can adapt the ideas for your build.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/diy-prinsu-style-shell-rack.521186/

 

THanks guys

 

I am leaning towards this option. Unistrut seems like such a practical option.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TEYz1qGFajQ

 

If you’re fine with crossbars, my vote is go to SherpaEquipmentCo website and order some universal foot mounts. For access cab just need 2 sets. Can add some 10x20 extrusion from Tnutz.com or buy precut bars from Sherpa but they’ll be a bit more expensive.

I’ve built an entire rack like this albeit with vehicle speciifc mounting feet on a GX. Relatively inexpensive compared to what’s out there.

edit: last photo I have of my gx470 rack with just the bars:

 

I made one from 1 1/4" 14gage square tubing (steel) I had a half sheet of plywood strapped to it for quite a while. used it as a hunting stand a few times. ill take a pic when i get home. $40 of steel and a few hours made the strongest roof rack I've ever seen in person.

 

check this thread out https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/oops-i-think-i-made-a-roof-rack.696837/

I'm working on one from this thread now. I have cut a proto out of 20G just to check the measurements and everything seems right.

 

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I forgot to add the pics lol

 

All good info. I will post some pics once I get some traction.

 

I believe Sherpa is thicker and stronger than Prinsu

Keep in mind their design will likely be slightly more aerodynamic than anything else,
though you still may end up wanting to sound deaden the roof

competitors or DIY, depending on the shape, may be less aerodynamic in terms of MPG or more significantly, wind noise

that and, with there many bars, would give a surface to sit on, and spread the load

I'm not sure the effects of weight, dynamic vs static rating on what the roof itself can handle
For example, a stronger rack to handle more weight without bending
but at the end of the day, if the rack itself is heavy, plus the weight on it added together, that is putting more weight on the roof
though a person when stationary (static) is probably not that big a deal.
I used to have a loud Hooke Road that would shake the front fairing at speed, and stood on it plenty of times

that is another option, they're probably $200-300+ new, a bit less used
but also very ugly
if you ever change your mind, or upgrade from there, you can sell it someone else looking to ball on a budget