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DIY camper shell low profile rack

Discussion in '2.5 Gen Tundras (2014-2021)' started by tinman10101, Jul 2, 2019.

  1. Jul 2, 2019 at 11:09 PM
    #1
    tinman10101

    tinman10101 [OP] Ah cha cha cha

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    So I want a low profile aluminum rack for my camper shell but as you know, the low profile ones are a pretty penny. I saw this post while surfing online for ideas and thought it was pretty bad ass. What do you guys think? .. Maybe someone here knows who this guys is. Regardless I might try this.

    https://imgur.com/gallery/NKKKy

    FYI THIS IS NOT MY POST NOR DO I CLAIM IT TO BE. ;)

    The modular TNutz is new to me so I gotta figure out the hardware and exact measurements and how to order it to make it work. :confused:
     
    Last edited: Jul 2, 2019
    Jmad1997 likes this.
  2. Jul 2, 2019 at 11:15 PM
    #2
    Jmad1997

    Jmad1997 New Member

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    There is also a thread on TW on a homemade aluminum rack. The guy purchased custom length crossbars from Tnutz and had the ends threaded. Then went to a local metal yard and got some 1/4” aluminum I believe and made a cardboard template of how he wanted them to took and cut them with an angle Grinder and drilled holes where he wanted crossbars. He had a track system on his shell and used some scrap square tubing and cut out both ends at an angle and it bolted right up to the camper shell tracks. Or you can also use the smitty bolt universal roof rack mounting feet with slight modification and some guys were getting good results. I will be tackling this soon after I get some camper shell roof rack tracks installed.
     
    tinman10101[OP] likes this.
  3. Jul 2, 2019 at 11:19 PM
    #3
    tinman10101

    tinman10101 [OP] Ah cha cha cha

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    Thanks so much for the info. I'll check it out on TW. This might be something I can see myself doing. :thumbsup:
     
  4. Jul 2, 2019 at 11:19 PM
    #4
    xtyfighterx

    xtyfighterx New Member

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    Get 80/20 aluminum cross bars the length. You need then 3in aluminum flat bar for the sides and some 1.5” square stock for the legs with angle cuts. About to order my stuff next week and build it. Be about $300 maybe a little less when it’s all said an done
     
    tinman10101[OP] likes this.
  5. Jul 2, 2019 at 11:21 PM
    #5
    tinman10101

    tinman10101 [OP] Ah cha cha cha

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    Thanks Ty. Could you post some pics once you are done? Would love to see how yours come out.
     
    xtyfighterx[QUOTED] likes this.
  6. Jul 2, 2019 at 11:21 PM
    #6
    xtyfighterx

    xtyfighterx New Member

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    You can also save money and go the uni strut route.
    32AB7F46-0FD9-4649-A6F6-03A950780C39.jpg
     
  7. Jul 2, 2019 at 11:21 PM
    #7
    xtyfighterx

    xtyfighterx New Member

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    Yes sir will do. Follow my build to I’ll have it posted there first I’m sure.
     
  8. Jul 2, 2019 at 11:32 PM
    #8
    Jmad1997

    Jmad1997 New Member

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    The plus side to Tnutz cross bars is most roof rack accessories such as prinsu and rhino rack will work with it. No more custom fab other than the rack. This would make for a good weekend project.
     
  9. Jul 3, 2019 at 12:06 AM
    #9
    tinman10101

    tinman10101 [OP] Ah cha cha cha

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    Thanks @Jmad1997 ... I just realized that looking at the Prinsu Rack it uses cross bars very similar to the Tnutz extrusions like you said. All that is different are the laser cut side rails and additional channels on the cross members. and of course ... Prinsu bragging branding. ;)

    upload_2019-7-3_0-5-48.jpg
     
    Jmad1997[QUOTED] likes this.
  10. Jul 13, 2019 at 1:01 PM
    #10
    flinky14

    flinky14 If I'm the wife, who says no to new mods?

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    -TRD Dual Exhaust - 3m - UV front window tint/rear limo tint -TRD Oil Cap -Toyota Bed Mat - TRD Pro Grille - ARE canopy (sliding Windoors, pop down sliding front window, headliner, rack rails) -OEM Toyota Remote Starter -Baja Designs Sport Fog Lights -TRD door sill protectors -Ronin Factory short antenna
  11. Jul 15, 2019 at 9:21 AM
    #11
    bradleykd

    bradleykd New Member

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    I made my rack that mounts to my bed rails from 80/20 stuff. It will still run you a pretty penny.
     

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