Topic: Branch proofing my roof rack (Read 311 times)

Texaninmass · « **on:** October 17, 2008, 06:31:27 AM »

So I have really started to just do mods after reading and researching them and then posting the results after I have done them because of some of the negative feedback I get from time to time,that I find distracting. However, this one I think might be useful to others so I will go ahead of planning and research and post it.

As I read on a regular basis in threads, many people don't like roof racks. The two reasons always seems to be the additional weight of one might put on top of them and probably more commonly complained about is them getting caught on branches.

I believe both are accurate but, they are also avoidable. The weight is easy to avoid; don't put heavy things on your rack.

The branches issue I have experienced myself first hand and my plan is to close in my rack so branches cannot get caught it. I know a lot of this would depend on what type of rack you have but, mine is aftermarket (Of Course from craigslist) and is pretty square.

My idea is to close in the sides and build in cut outs for the exits lights. Basically there will be four pieces attached on all four sides. I have not decided on the material yet. It needs to be light weight so as not to effect the weight on the top. I am thinking of using very thin sheet metal, aluminum thread plate or perhaps some type of plastic/fiber board.

I will let you know how it goes and post pics as soon as get it research and decide on the detailed design. Part of it depends on how I end up using the aluminum tread plate on the hood and lower side panels.

Before I start getting responses on how much weight that puts on the truck about the tread plate, aluminum 1/8 tread plate only weighs 1.91 pounds per square ft.

Tex

Gt3454 · « **Reply #1 on:** October 17, 2008, 07:48:59 AM »

Could you use a thick Lexan and get the same effect with a different look?

PS. I like all creative modding. That guy on LRO that has wooden bumper on his '04 is great. Keep up the ideas. Besides one of them may be a hit, you could become a bazillionaire and buy the club matching D90's!! :p

Texaninmass · « **Reply #2 on:** October 17, 2008, 08:07:54 AM »

Thanks for the support and the suggestion on material Grant.

You know that's my everyday dream, that my D1 will eventually as I do everything to make it look like the 110's on Mutual of Omaha Wild kingdom I grew up watching on Sunday...... just transform into one

If I become wealthy from one of the mods my first expenditure will be to fix The Colonel’s Disco:)

Then free beer for everyone!

Okay back to the real world of work:(

Tex

the colonel · « **Reply #3 on:** October 17, 2008, 08:21:45 AM »

i thought a texas roof guard would be better Anthony.....12 Conservatives strapped into place on top so that they take the whipping, not the truck!

Texaninmass · « **Reply #4 on:** October 17, 2008, 08:25:25 AM »

Naw... that would never work, us Republicans make so much money that diet is always a problem. They would wiegh down the truck to much.

Maybe some nice poor stick like Democrats that are unemployed and haven't figured out how to mooch off the system yet.

grobinson · « **Reply #5 on:** October 17, 2008, 08:26:35 AM »

I'd think about snow on this one... If you box in your roof rack, it's going to pile up the snow, which then leads to the truck being even more top heavy. It's not going to let the snow melt as easily.

My problem with the racks I've had was they added to the height of the truck. A lot of the trails that I have been running do get narrow, and do have downed trees that make it a squeeze to get under.

Texaninmass · « **Reply #6 on:** October 17, 2008, 10:04:11 AM »

And Gavin brings up yet another issue! You’re completely right about snow piling up on the roof. Unfortunately it does it either way on mine at least. I have to get up there all the time and knock off the snow and even with the opening on the sides; it is a pain in the ass at best. (Before I ever mounted anything to it)

I have two thoughts for this that are kind of funny:

•   Put a floor in on the rack. Please don't ask it’s another bizarre project that is in development right now. (MUST KEEP WIEGHT DOWN)

•   Install a heater on the top to melt the snow connected to both the dip stick heater in the winter to 110 power when parked and convertible to 12 volt when on the road.

o   The other thing that you helped with here is that I will probably only add three sides and leave the back as a way to move the snow off of the roof.

We did have the problem that you’re speaking of about the top hitting trees when leaning over to the side and though I loved Alan’s (landrovergeek) thoughts on it …just cut the tree down …. Another guy from the Midwest/south.
I think if you’re going to have the rack you have to expect your either going to have damage to it from that occurrence or you have such a strong mounted rack that it does not affect it.
Since mine is a cheap light type, method is the latter….repair …repair…repair..

Tex

Daniel · « **Reply #7 on:** October 17, 2008, 06:28:53 PM »

Buy a couple of homelite electric 12" chainsaws and mount them to the front corners of the rack. Splice the wiring into the holes where your lights enter the truck. Wire them off of individual side toggle switches, and to an inverter. When you come upon branches in your way, flip the toggle switch, and slowly drive into the branch. Self clearing...

Well, that's how'd they do it in Texas. Why do you think they have so few tres...

grobinson · « **Reply #8 on:** October 17, 2008, 06:34:15 PM »

Careful. He'll actually do it

Need4speed008 · « **Reply #9 on:** October 17, 2008, 06:48:07 PM »

mabe... until it dropped a tree onto his roof rack and smashed it and the truck :rolleyes:

TightButWillFit · « **Reply #10 on:** October 17, 2008, 07:41:11 PM »

dont say that ethan!!! anthony doooo it!!! makes it easy for me, i only have to leave the bed behind on the trail, i can keep my fenders atleast if you do the chainsaw method

Texaninmass · « **Reply #11 on:** October 17, 2008, 07:46:53 PM »

You idiots have seen the tree whacker in the new Indiana Jones movie right....hmmmmmmm...Daniel damn you,you Dems really have the best imaginations don't you?!

That would be funny as hell...until I got up on the top to remove a branch and my arm got cut off...then all the hard cores would say...HAHAHAHAHAHAHAH...told ya so!!

Follow up post:

Ben stop being to selfish, if I go away you and your dodge might as well paint a giant bulls eye on your respective asses:)

TightButWillFit · « **Reply #12 on:** October 17, 2008, 08:30:32 PM »

hahaha, thats why your staying right?

Texaninmass · « **Reply #13 on:** October 17, 2008, 09:27:20 PM »

Funny that a guy that drives (And loves) a Dodge would be asking me why I stay on this site.
You are an inspiration my friend.You don't even have a LR and get the hell beat out of you everyday on this site but, your good nature still seems to win over the obvious constant beating you get!

TightButWillFit · « **Reply #14 on:** October 18, 2008, 12:16:29 PM »

haha, thats because i win through mud

, or atleast go the farthest

Author Topic: Branch proofing my roof rack (Read 311 times)