Converting a Ladder Rack into a Basket

[Mr. Flibble]

How well do you think the following Cargo rack would work as a basis for building a rooftop basket for a Delica?

http://www.kargomaster.com/products/com ... -rack.html



I noticed a number of variants of these on Craigslist, and they seem quite large. If you added a little bit of sides and then flooring you would have a great rooftop basket for something like a LWB.

[FalcoColumbarius]

It's a nice start.... what's it made out of? I'm thinking adding four more towers (totalling 8) more support joists covered with expanded metal mesh..... Why not?

Falco.

[mararmeisto]

I would think price would be a determining factor as to whether or not further modifications/additions would make for a good project converting it into a basket.

[Mr. Flibble]

Specs
Yellow Zinc plated hardware
Cosmetic button head bolts.
Nyloc self locking nut.
1000 LB. cargo capacity
2” dia x .083 thick high tensile strength steel
Zinc Epoxy undercoat
High gloss black marine grade powder coat finish.
Swaged tube joints
1000 hours ASTM salt spray resistance

Variants run on Craigslist for $200-500

So, the right one probably would make a great base to start from.

[dfnder]

Some teak runners lengthwise would look sweet on that.

[BCDelica]

Kargo Master have good load bearing gutter mounts, and the addition of a large hose clamp adds security to the clamps if the locking nuts loosen off due to vibration. Plus the steel wall thickness lends it's self well to welding and cutting additions.

Have owned several Kargo Masters, ladder racks though, and tweaked each in some way(s) (changing sizes, additional equipment carrying, ladder pivots cut down to BC Ferries 7 ft, plus secure mounting changes to hold a canoe. Does not hurt that they are common and cheap, compared to new, on the used market.

[Mr. Flibble]

Other options....

http://www.gobitoyota.com/FJ.htm




Probably would not be hard to modify the Kargo master into something similar to the GOBI pictured above...

[jessef]

2" round steel tubing is large diam for a roof rack, especially on an L400. 1 to 1.5" inch is more common.

I build bumpers out of 2" steel tubing and even then it looks 'large'.

That's a lot of steel to carry on an L400 roof line.

The Heavy Duty Pro II is meant for full sized vans. It would over shadow an L400.

$660 USD for that rack + two additional feet + four extensions (get the rack above the highroof L400 by 1-2 inches) + mods may cost close to what a custom aluminium rack may go for from a local fabricator.

I would opt for a lighter weight aluminium base given the choice and build up from there. There's always plenty to choose from on craigslist. Roof racks are posted often as they are one of the things that do not get used and sit in someone's garage.

[Diver]

At those prices, is it worth finding out the shipping cost for any of these?

http://www.direct4x4.co.uk/s-221-delica ... px#Filter=[EntityIDs=@(12)@*ava=0]

I bought the 'Mitsubishi Delica Aluminium Expedition Roof Rack' which works out at around 280 CAD. Scope for some shipping and taxes?