Building a low profile rock rack for my H3t

[Expedition.Report]

I have been wanting a roof rack for quite some time now, just for some light duty work, not to over load my trips with more gear then I really need. But there was only one on the market that was "made" for the H3t, the Gobi. However it was way to pricey for the amount of storage space achieved.

I decided to build my own.

I started by researching other low profile racks made by some of the most common manufacture for other models,then tried to find some home built solutions and the following pictures are some of the racks that most effected my build design:

 

[Expedition.Report]

After getting a local shop to bend up some 1" tubing for me I went and picked up the remaining material required and here is the mockup:

 

[Expedition.Report]

The build continues:

 

[Expedition.Report]

As it stands now the paint is drying and I'll update once it's dry and mounted on the roof

 

[orionkhan]

Lookin' good.

 

[Expedition.Report]

Hey is a shot takin yesterday, just after sunset when the install was complete, I can upload better pictures if there is any interest

Sent from handheld smoke signal device

 

[Boost Creep]

looks good. nice work

 

[chet6.7]

Hey is a shot takin yesterday, just after sunset when the install was complete, I can upload better pictures if there is any interest

Sent from handheld smoke signal device

Looks good,post the pictures when you get a chance.

 

[Expedition.Report]

Here are some pictures taken in better lighting:

 

[ExpoMike]

Nicely done. Very clean and low profile. Only comment is on the E-track you used. You should be using the horizontal style (slots run 90* to what you have now). The clip in tie down points are not designed to be pulled from the side of the slot. They are to be pulled inline of the slot. If you are lashing fore and aft, they what you have is fine but my guess is you are going to lash from side to side. You can actually pull the clip mounts out by having them twist in the slot. Just a little FYI info.

 

[Expedition.Report]

I didn't know this! Thanks for the heads up! I will do some testing before I put it to use! Might have to change that up!


Sent from handheld smoke signal device

 

[Expedition.Report]

I hit the one year mark with this roof rack last week and so far its been a great addition! I have to admit that it's been mostly used to move mattresses, but has seen other use and I have been thankful that I added it to the truck.

That said I took it off this week though to make a few minor changes and to improve the finish and appearance (tip to all of the hobby welders out there, avoid flux-core welding. If you have to use it, buy the splatter spray and you will spent a fraction of the time cleaning up the welds).

List of changes being made:

• Removing the wind faring
• The LED bar was mounted to the wind faring so it is getting mounted differently
• New light bar brackets have been ordered to get the 40" Light bar adjusted as low as possible without hitting the roof, keeping with the low-profile theme
• New mounting front mounting brackets
• Bed liner or new paint

Before

The new light brackets for the light bar