Enthusiast III
- 676
- First Name
- Scott
- Last Name
- Farrell
- Member #
16858
- Ham/GMRS Callsign
- KE4WMF
Hello!
I'm an infrequent visitor, but still manage to gain inspiration from the overlanding community. I introduced myself years ago as a "microlander" since I travel with a focus on utility in my small car (but no off-roading). I started carrying my roof rack full-time in 2021 due to my ham radio pursuits. I have a "naked" roof, so my rack uses clips at the doors instead of it being a real bolt-thru rack. It's been great, but sometimes I wish it was longer and had a third crossbar. I've even considered building a Prinsu-like solution, but I won't try to fool myself into believing that there are reinforced points under the roof's sheet metal.
I have a Rhino Rack Vortex series and use a combination of Superstrut channels to accomplish my loading goals. Total load usually does not exceed 100 lbs, but I've carried 165 up there a few times. Here's a photo of my Superstrut setup to present what I'm considering:
The channels are ~32" long. I've had them as long as 40", but cut them shorter since I wasn't using the extra length. Now I'd like to extend again. I can go as long as 54" without interfering with the hatchback.
I don't want 26" of unsupported channel behind the rear crossbar. So, I'm considering a dicey plan: First, I'd add a third crossbar that consists of a transverse length of Superstrut. I thought about supporting it with a pair of magnetic foot pads and thread rod, but I suspect that magnets would slide around on the paint. Then I recalled that I have some Seasucker mounts with D-rings. The mounts also have 1/4" threaded holes. Best of all, they won't slide around so long as I check their suction from time to time.
I would use a length of 1/4" threaded rod, perhaps with aluminum sleeves, that's sufficient to reach the third crossbar and keep the level of the fore-aft channels even. I'd use jam nuts to keep everything tight. I'm not planning to put a lot of weight along that span, maybe a 30-35 lb Pelican-like case at most. I think that span would be unloaded most of the time since I usually have a cargo box mounted:
What do you think? Am I out of my mind?
I'm an infrequent visitor, but still manage to gain inspiration from the overlanding community. I introduced myself years ago as a "microlander" since I travel with a focus on utility in my small car (but no off-roading). I started carrying my roof rack full-time in 2021 due to my ham radio pursuits. I have a "naked" roof, so my rack uses clips at the doors instead of it being a real bolt-thru rack. It's been great, but sometimes I wish it was longer and had a third crossbar. I've even considered building a Prinsu-like solution, but I won't try to fool myself into believing that there are reinforced points under the roof's sheet metal.
I have a Rhino Rack Vortex series and use a combination of Superstrut channels to accomplish my loading goals. Total load usually does not exceed 100 lbs, but I've carried 165 up there a few times. Here's a photo of my Superstrut setup to present what I'm considering:
The channels are ~32" long. I've had them as long as 40", but cut them shorter since I wasn't using the extra length. Now I'd like to extend again. I can go as long as 54" without interfering with the hatchback.
I don't want 26" of unsupported channel behind the rear crossbar. So, I'm considering a dicey plan: First, I'd add a third crossbar that consists of a transverse length of Superstrut. I thought about supporting it with a pair of magnetic foot pads and thread rod, but I suspect that magnets would slide around on the paint. Then I recalled that I have some Seasucker mounts with D-rings. The mounts also have 1/4" threaded holes. Best of all, they won't slide around so long as I check their suction from time to time.
I would use a length of 1/4" threaded rod, perhaps with aluminum sleeves, that's sufficient to reach the third crossbar and keep the level of the fore-aft channels even. I'd use jam nuts to keep everything tight. I'm not planning to put a lot of weight along that span, maybe a 30-35 lb Pelican-like case at most. I think that span would be unloaded most of the time since I usually have a cargo box mounted:
What do you think? Am I out of my mind?
