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Old May 3, 2026 | 08:04 AM
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Camper Shell Cargo Racks

Has anyone used rails off of another vehicle on the top of a camper shell. I feel like there’s plenty of other vehicles out there with roof racks that will work. I know I can buy Yakima, or Thule or other brands, just looking for a more economical way out.
 
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Old May 3, 2026 | 09:11 AM
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You could build your own racks out of angle aluminum. Then paint them to match.

I ordered my Leer shell with the rack mounts built it. A while after I bought it I asked the dealer how much weight it could hold. They didn't know so I had to ask Leer. As I recall, the rating was only 100 lbs. That seemed kind of puny to me, but I didn't want the shell to crack so I didn't exceed that. I had intended to lift the shell off the truck using the roof rack. But with the small weight rating I switched to lifting it by supporting the weight from underneath.
 
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Old May 3, 2026 | 04:01 PM
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Originally Posted by HRTKD
You could build your own racks out of angle aluminum. Then paint them to match.

I ordered my Leer shell with the rack mounts built it. A while after I bought it I asked the dealer how much weight it could hold. They didn't know so I had to ask Leer. As I recall, the rating was only 100 lbs. That seemed kind of puny to me, but I didn't want the shell to crack so I didn't exceed that. I had intended to lift the shell off the truck using the roof rack. But with the small weight rating I switched to lifting it by supporting the weight from underneath.
Not looking for the crossbars, I’m looking for the rails that mount to the roof!
 
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Old May 3, 2026 | 08:48 PM
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Originally Posted by T. Banning
Not looking for the crossbars, I’m looking for the rails that mount to the roof!
Yes, that's what I'm talking about. No reason you can't build your own
 
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Old May 3, 2026 | 09:26 PM
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I thought about doing this years ago but as HRTKD mentioned, the fiberglass caps carrying capacity is dismal. I never pursued doing it.
 
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Old May 4, 2026 | 11:20 AM
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Originally Posted by Bugzilla46310
I thought about doing this years ago but as HRTKD mentioned, the fiberglass caps carrying capacity is dismal. I never pursued doing it.
Not planning on carrying a lot, maybe a fishing rod tube and a pvc tube with water for dog training.
 
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Old May 4, 2026 | 08:05 PM
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Originally Posted by T. Banning
Not planning on carrying a lot, maybe a fishing rod tube and a pvc tube with water for dog training.
That should be fine.

The only issue with a DIY solution is if the roof is curved. Angle aluminum may not follow the curve very well.
 
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