I just bought my first welder. I noticed the cost of a roof rack is stupid and figured I could make one myself.

What I need to figure out is how to mount it afterwards.

I want to instal some sort of rails that are low profile so I don't have posts sticking out of my roof. I'd like to still park my 4Runner in the garage and I only have an inch or so of clearance.

I'll only have the rack on for trips so if anyone has ideas I'd love to see and hear what you've done.


I saw those Yakima rails but the mounting pods are expensive, are there other options out there that are strong but help me keep cost down?

Edit///


I should mention that I am trying to make a rack for an ARB roof tent I plan on buying. Plus anything else I can feel I can get up there safely.