Good health to everyone! I continue the series of articles about the expedition vehicle for the 3-door Niva. Part 1: www.drive2.ru/l/9474825/
Justification of dimensions: 1. General dimensions - according to the size of the roof. Bokov left room for a jack and shovel. 2. The distance between the axes of the front supporting pillars is equal to the distance between the mounting holes of the license plate. Same thing with the back. Now the numbers can be transferred upstairs, at least off-road.
Disadvantages discovered during manufacturing: The bolts for attaching the rack jack to the trunk must be calculated on the size of the wheel lock. This is an M12 thread. Then you won’t have to mess up the M8 secrets somewhere. But I got out of the situation: I ordered 4 M8 secret phones with a key on Avito in Moscow. Price: 790 rub. + 180 RUR postage = 970 RUR.
Now check weighing:
Expedition vehicle (basket without fastenings with lights and wiring) -23100 g. Fastenings (set of 4 pieces) - 2900 g. SandTrucks - 8300 and 8500 g. Shovel 1.68 kg HiJack 13700 g. LiftMate 1200 g.
Now let's calculate the costs:
Metal 1000 rub. Pipe 20*20*1.5 - 12 meters (Hoops and auxiliary crossbars) Pipe 40*20*1.5 - 6 meters (bearing crossbars, racks) Pipe 50*50*2 - 1.5 meters (fastenings) Pipe 60 *40*2 - 1 meter (fastenings) Sheet steel 3 mm - freebie. Electrodes 2 packs for 125 rub. Cleaning disc 125mm 80 rub. Cutting disc 125*1mm 3 pcs for 80 rub. Petal disc 125 mm 85 RUR 4 pieces 3in1 paint for rust 320 RUR Solvent P4 -120 rub. Brushes 2 pcs for 50 rub. Hardware 800 rub. Headlights with lamps - 4500 rub. Sealed electrical connector - 85 rub. Relay 30 A four-pin - 2 pcs - 100 rubles Relay block - 70 rubles. Fuses 25A per wires 2 pcs. — 100 rub.
Drawings: First we make the lower hoop of the trunk basket (base)
When traveling by car, many people probably face the problem of the small capacity of the trunk and interior of their car. We can solve the problem by installing a luggage compartment on the roof of the car, or by attaching a trailer. At this stage of development of automobile technology, various modifications of both trailers and roof racks are possible, which are sold in automobile markets and stores. In this article I want to tell you how you can make roof racks with your own hands, which will provide a higher load capacity and evenly distribute the load on the roof of my car.
The process of making a luggage box yourself
At the initial stage, we select the material of manufacture, in our case it will be a metal profile.
1. We measure the length and width of the roof of our car. To do this, we can draw a drawing that will show what we will do, and we can determine the weight of our structure.
2. We weld the frame of the luggage box, which at this stage looks like a rectangle, and weld two main beams that will later be connected to our roof rails.
3. Since the distance between the transverse profiles is too large, we weld in the intermediate beams.
4. For greater reliability of the box, we weld the strips together from a metal profile.
5. In order to improve aesthetics and aerodynamic properties, we make the front and rear arches with more rounded corners.
We try on the resulting arc, cut it to size and weld it to our structure. We are strengthening this design.
6. The next step will be the sides of the trunk. Here we need to drill holes on the sides of our structure, into which we insert and weld special bushings so that the metal does not bend when we tighten the bolts.
Next we make the sides themselves. We cut a profile approximately 6.5 cm long for our sides. We weld the studs to the sides, measure the required length and screw them into the holes on the frame.
Now we weld a bushing to fasten the cross member, and weld a piece of a pin onto the side and also do the same on the back.
Required tools and materials
Lada Priora Universal Logbook Towbar and roof rack
After preliminary calculations, it is necessary to turn to the selection of materials and this process should be treated with all possible responsibility.
When selecting a material, you should pay attention to aluminum or thin-walled profile pipe, which have a low dead weight and do not require significant processing effort. In addition to the material for work, you should take care of the following equipment:
In addition to the material for work, you should take care of the following equipment:
- Welding machine
- Grinder with metal cutting blade
- Sander
If further painting of the finished product is planned, then this list can be supplemented with car paint.
Preparatory work
Depending on the model of the car, measure the size of the roof and determine the location of future supports. After determining the parameters, you need to decide on the future design. You should immediately consider the attachment points to the car roof and calculate the weight of the frame and components. At the end of the preparation, the platform drawing is compared with the data given in the technical specifications for the vehicle.
As an example, the calculation of a do-it-yourself expedition rack for a Niva is given. Overall size of the platform: 1500 x 1230 mm.
Manufacturing of supporting frame
Stands are cut from the pond according to the width and length dimensions. A rectangle is welded from them. At the front and rear (opposite the opposite points of attachment of the structure to the rails), ponds are attached to the middle of the frame.
To prevent the platform from deflecting under load, another 2-3 stiffening ribs made of profile metal are added to the free internal plane - at equal distances. At this stage of work, a lattice frame with a number of parallel jumpers is obtained.
Continue strengthening the frame structure using small sections of profile pipe. They are cut in advance so that cells close to a square shape are formed inside.
3. Improving the aerodynamic qualities of the structure
In order to create conditions for better glide of air flows, an additional structure in the form of a trapezoid is welded to the front part of the expedition trunk, made by hand.
What can an expeditionary trunk be made from?
The main parameter of an expedition rack is its weight.
The most modern trunks today are made of aluminum; they are light in weight, do not bend and have excellent strength, so this material is likely to be the best option when making a trunk for any car. The strength of the material is also an equally important parameter that determines the service life of the expedition rack.
If you make a trunk for a Niva with your own hands or a trunk for an UAZ with your own hands, then you can use a profile thin-walled pipe. If this is a DIY loaf rack, then try using ferrous metal or stainless steel. In a word, there are plenty of options for choosing material for an expeditionary trunk; it all depends only on your preferences and the function that the trunk will need to perform in the future.
Aesthetics are just as important
Having completed all the work, you will notice that the finished structure does not have a very attractive appearance. To solve this problem her . First, it is important to clean and degrease the entire platform. After this, you need to prime the metal so that the trunk does not become rusty in future use. It is better to choose a primer that can withstand exposure to salt solutions.
The coating should dry for at least 24 hours. After that you can start painting. The best option would be to use enamel. After hardening and checking the satisfactory appearance, the trunk can be attached to the car on the roof rails.
Making an expedition trunk allows you to get additional space for transporting things. In addition, it is perfectly equipped with fog lights or a radio antenna. Any motorist with basic welding skills can do this.
If you want to design an expedition rack, focus on the purpose of its use. If you need it to transport large items, then you should not skimp on ribs and crossbars, because they will protect the car from risk.
It is a pity that when purchasing a car, a roof rack is not provided. This is a very convenient design for transporting all kinds of things: from small and light to heavy and bulky, as well as strong-smelling. And it is not always possible to buy a ready-made homemade or factory-made trunk.
There is a good way out of this situation. Namely, create a roof rack with your own hands. This version involves savings in the family budget. Another name for a homemade trunk is expeditionary. It cannot transport heavy or bulky cargo. It is intended for personal belongings, tents, skis and snowboards, mattresses and large umbrellas, as well as small furniture. You can also make the most popular autobox. It is convenient because it is protected from the environment even in bad weather and from theft. And if you make it streamlined, then there will be no excessive fuel consumption.
How to choose the right roof rack for your car?
The choice of car racks is wide and varied. A picky buyer will find the best option. Before purchasing, you need to decide on your budget. Makes it possible to narrow down your search and reduce time spent.
When choosing a roof rack for a car, pay attention to:
Mounting equipment racks.
For cars with roof rails, choose beams and slats of the appropriate length. If the machine is equipped with factory fastening elements, you need to use special kits for installation work. Reliably fix the roof rack.
Car trunk material.
Cheap models are made of plastic. Impractical material that loses consumer qualities. Fades in the sun and becomes brittle at low temperatures.
You need to choose steel or aluminum car racks. Practical, durable and reliable. After long-term use, they retain their original appearance.
Dimensions.
The volume of the trunk depends on the number of items that can fit in it. Large trunks are convenient and practical, but you will have to pay higher prices.
Load.
When choosing a roof rack, you should not forget that each model has maximum load parameters for the transported mass. Failure to comply with this indicator will lead to wear of the trunk and replacement.
Bottom line
Assembling the trunk is easy and you can complete the job in two days. A homemade trunk with rails is suitable for transporting things on tourist trips. It is indispensable when delivering goods to the country. You can use the trunk to transport your bicycle to the dacha; in winter, you can transport skis on it. In the summer, summer residents will bring building materials to the site. All things will be safe.
If you have not yet decided whether to make a trunk, weigh the pros and cons, then make a decision. This is a useful design, and quite simple to make.
Cars are used by drivers to transport goods and items. Due to their compactness, cars cannot transport long or bulky items. The trunk and interior do not meet the required dimensions. The only way out is to install a roof rack on the car.
Manufacturers, in pursuit of compactness, sacrifice the size of the car. Installing a roof rack eliminates issues related to the transportation of large cargo. A convenient and practical device that allows you to use the machine with maximum efficiency. Many people wonder how to install a roof rack on a car.
?
Roof racks are used to move a variety of cargo. Construction materials, lumber, fishing gear, rubber boats, bicycles, skis and various household items. There are many models of car roof racks on sale, differing in the method of fastening, quality of material and cost.
At the end of the article you can see an interesting and useful video on how to install a roof rack on a car with your own hands. It complements the text material and helps you complete the installation yourself without outside help.
Types of car roof racks
Manufacturers of car accessories have realized that roof racks are in demand and popular among drivers. When traveling by car, a trunk is an indispensable thing. There are many models on sale that differ in design and installation method.
Types of car roof racks:
Open type.
It is represented by rectangular open platforms with cargo securing elements. Budget option with low cost.
Convenient for storing large-sized cargo. Reliably fix all items. Among the disadvantages of an open-type trunk, experts note the low level of aerodynamic properties.
Creates additional resistance to the car when moving. Significantly increases. The cargo is not protected from precipitation.
Car luggage box.
They vary in size and type of fastening. Designed for transportation of small-sized cargo and items. Durable plastic is used for manufacturing. You can find special reinforced carbon fiber luggage racks.
The cargo is protected from precipitation. Reliable locks secure things and objects in unguarded parking lots. The shape of the luggage box reduces air friction. at high speed it increases slightly.
Specialized products.
Designed for transportation on small boats and ski equipment. They differ from other types of luggage racks in their design features. Reliable locking system to prevent falling objects.
You can install a car rack on the roof of a car yourself without outside help, or you can trust the professionals. The installation process does not take long. If you have the tools you can do it quickly.
You can attach a car trunk in different ways. It all depends on the design features of the vehicle.
There are 3 installation methods:
Standard installation.
Some car models are equipped with elements for attaching the trunk. Convenient and practical option. Bolts are used to secure the racks of the product.
Installing the trunk takes no more than five minutes. Experts recommend purchasing car racks that are suitable in design for car models.
Universal installation.
Most cars are not equipped with mounts for installing a roof rack. The roof rack is fixed to the drainage elements. The method is labor-intensive and requires more time than installation using standard fasteners.
Fastening on rails.
Almost all cars are equipped with roof rails. Long plastic strips running along the surface of the car's roof from the rear to the front window.
The use of roof rails significantly reduces the complexity of installing a car rack. Some car manufacturers equip them with special protrusions to simplify installation.
How to make a roof rack with your own hands
In general, roof racks are divided into two types:
- boxing;
- arc-crossbar.
Advantages of expedition luggage racks
:
If you make a popular car box yourself, it will be convenient because it will protect you from rain in bad weather and from theft.
- more functional;
- holds a lot of different things of any configuration;
- holds large items;
- protects the roof from damage from above;
- does not obscure the driver’s view.
Disadvantages of an expedition rack
:
- luggage weight limit;
- fuel consumption increases;
- difficulty in packing heavy loads;
- if secured incorrectly, there is a fear of losing part of the load;
- reduced aerodynamics;
- poor vehicle stability in cross winds.
Transportation of large cargo
For luggage items, a basket shape with sides is suitable. For transportation of long items there is a flat open platform.
To make a homemade one, you should carefully measure the linear dimensions of the roof. The trunk must not extend beyond the roof in the area of the front glass or interfere with the doors. Ideally, it is better to follow the dimensions of the factory racks designed for these models. Dimensions can be found on manufacturers' websites, or on the roofs of cars of acquaintances and friends. Next you need to determine the type of trunk. For luggage items, a basket shape with sides is suitable. For transportation of long items there is a flat open platform. Determining the number of mounts for a car roof rack with your own hands:
- four support points suitable for hatchbacks and sedans;
- if the roof length is over 2.5 meters, then it is better to make six fastenings.
Homemade trunk with sides
Now it is necessary to make drawings of the expeditionary trunk indicating the dimensions. You can also work from a sketch of a factory model. Of all the materials for the manufacture of luggage structures, an aluminum alloy profile is best suited. It is easy to cut, bends, does not corrode and is lightweight. A structure made of steel will be heavy, which in turn will reduce the weight of the cargo being transported. You will need a frame made of a profile pipe with a cross-section of 20x30 mm and a wall thickness of 2 mm. It is not advisable to use round pipes, since the load will slide off them during transportation. You will also need tools and components:
Of all the materials for the manufacture of luggage structures, an aluminum alloy profile is best suited.
- welding machine;
- electrodes;
- ruler;
- construction tape;
- angle grinder;
- metal discs;
- drill;
- drill;
- nozzle for cleaning welds;
- set of mounting components;
- clamps for muffler fastenings;
- polyurethane foam;
- metal paint (preferably matching the color of the car).
Drawing of a homemade trunk
Once the drawing is ready and the tools and components have been purchased in full, you can begin manufacturing the cross member for the roof rack:
- Determine the transverse length. They must be the same in size.
- Cut the profiled pipe into several parts to create longitudinal and transverse guides.
- Weld the trunk parts, clean the weld seams.
- Seal them with polyurethane foam inside and out. Usually one bottle is enough.
- After the foam has completely dried and hardened, grind it down with a sanding machine. Initially, you need to make cross members in the shape of a parallelepiped. Then, if desired, they can be given a rounded appearance. The main thing is that they look like “family” in relation to the car.
- Then, for strength, cover the foam with fiberglass in 2-3 layers. It is advisable to take fabric with a strength of at least 300 g/m2.
- For attractiveness, the crossbars can be painted in any color (usually black, or the color of the car).
