I got the 2010 Patriot and I'm brainstorming how to build a roof rack system with the existing side rails.
I'm trying to resist buying a system since they are way over priced.
Has anyone done this?
What are the side rails made of? Aluminum or Steel? Can't find that info anywhere.
I'm thinking of drilling holes for bolts into the side rails for 1/4" bolts to fasten a piece of wood or aluminum plate, but I don't want to do this if the rails are steel. I also don't want to use any steel components for so nothing rusts.
My second attempt will be to make some sort of clamp to fasten to the side rails, either out of wood or 3/8 aluminum plate. This is difficult though because the rails are trapezoidal and the top is slightly rounded.
Let me know if there's someone out there who made their own and it worked out well. I'd rather use an idea that worked than "re-invent the wheel"
I'm trying to resist buying a system since they are way over priced.
Has anyone done this?
What are the side rails made of? Aluminum or Steel? Can't find that info anywhere.
I'm thinking of drilling holes for bolts into the side rails for 1/4" bolts to fasten a piece of wood or aluminum plate, but I don't want to do this if the rails are steel. I also don't want to use any steel components for so nothing rusts.
My second attempt will be to make some sort of clamp to fasten to the side rails, either out of wood or 3/8 aluminum plate. This is difficult though because the rails are trapezoidal and the top is slightly rounded.
Let me know if there's someone out there who made their own and it worked out well. I'd rather use an idea that worked than "re-invent the wheel"
