by Marcin Gerc

I've been thinking of building my own roof rack for quite a long time. The first try was based on Safety Device Expedition rack (Camel Trophy style). Unfortunately the final result was quite far from the expectations. Probably, that's happened because of my little knowledge but I must say that even the original SD Expedition rack has some shortcomings.

Anyway this year I decided to fight with this problem once again. However, before I started welding and cutting I made some preliminary description of what was expected:

THE WEIGHT. The total weight of it is ca. 110 lbs. Taking into consideration flooring, 6x lights and previsions for all accessories it's not so much. Especially when we compare it with 55 lbs of LRNA Adventure rack without all those goodies.

GOOD LOOKS. Well... That's depends. IMHO the objective is fulfilled. My rack has two levels, the rails follow the roof line, classical design of 4x lights at the front are maintain, so... I'm pleased with it. Maybe it'is less sophisticated then Adventure roof rack but it's far nicer then ARB or Hanibbal.

THE TENT. That was one of the most important objective, that was the objective which reflects all further decisions. Despite the pros and cons towards which end of the vehicle the tent should be open, I decided to open it towards the back. That gives me an extra benefit in keeping four rounded lights at the front :-)) In my design the upper floor is absolutely flat, the rear barier is removable and both rear working lights are below the level of the floor.

ADDITIONAL GEAR. Caring the second spare wheel is always a problem. How to mount it, where to mount it, etc. When we add jerry cans the problem is even bigger. After long (and hard) thinking I decided to make prevision for them. Now all of them have specific location. One important remark. I'm fully aware of the gravity issues, however we have to remind that the jerry cans, spare wheel and the tent are getting only for the long expeditions, that means that the inside of the truck is full of other things as well, so... the proportions are maintained.

WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION. That's been mentioned briefly in the previous point. What else... All heavy items were moved towards the middle of the vehicle; I'm sure that is the best place for them. When we add about 110 lbs of the Tent which will be placed on the rear floor plus all the things in the trunk (the back) the overall balance will be maintained.

SUNROOFS. I'm able to completely open the front sunroof and a little bit the rear one, so I'm pleased.

What else can I tell about the rack.

All the gutter mounts are in the same line with the roof pillars, the base of them are expanded to increase contact surface with the gutter as much as possible. The rare working lights are secured by the U-bars (which may work as a handgrip as well).

Well, that's all. The time will show how all my ideas are working.

At the end I would like to thank Michal Plonski form www.wyprawa4x4.com.pl (translated Expedition 4x4) for great craftsmanship and valid comments during construction.