Mercedes Sprinter Unistrut Roof Rack Hack
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 1 ต.ค. 2024
- How I made and instaled roof bars to the roof of my Mercedes sprinter Camper Van
using unistrut 41mm x 41mm
bolts used are M8xL25mm
My aim is to give you campervan conversion ideas on how to convert a van into a camper and to help inspire you to build your own tiny home on wheels
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thanks for watching and here is a list of everything I used in this video
41x41mm unistrut
rover.ebay.com/...
Mastic Sealing Strip
rover.ebay.com/...
Nuts & bolts
rover.ebay.com/...
#melsvanlife #melsvanworld #vanbuild #diycampervan #vanconversion #vanlife #vandwelling
i think it would be better to bolt coming up from inside the van then lock on washers and nuts sealed and loctite solid BEFORE adding the unistrut. Then you can pack the height off the roof slightly before dropping the strut onto the bolt studs. Also if they work loose as you have done it when the mastic goes soft in the summer you will have to tear down your ceiling inside just to tighten the bolts. Finally if you ever need to take it off to repair or clean underneath just undo the top nuts.
Arrrrrr😬😬I’m going to have to take it all off now and change it that’s a brilliant idea 😂👍🤓👍
@@BigVanSmallWorld Well i didn't want you to tear down your ceiling due to leaks on your bed and wobbly roof bars halfway through your European cruise:)
That's a good idea 👍
I'm probably being dumb here but how do you stop the bolt rotating inside the van, is that where the loctite comes in? i.e. glue it to the ceiling to stop it spinning when you do the nut up on the roof? I did think about filing the hole so it's square and then using coach bolts (that have a square just under the head), but that seems like a lot of work.
In my metal working days we used Unistrut often. One of the mnay fixings you can buy are "zebedees" ( sure thats not their real name). They're a rectangular nut, so they dont rotate in the strut, with a spring to hold them against the botton of the channel. You slide them along, line them up with the hole, then simply bolt up, with out having the nuts rotate. Did you find the paint chipping off the galvanised surface? Most paints just sit on the surface. We used to give galv a coat of Mordant primer, to etch and adhere to the surface. You can get black etch primer as well, youhave to check spec, to see if it's designed for galv. Great work and great vids.
Mel the buttons on the roof?? Shame Merc&VW didn’t think too use this type of glue under the plastic side mouldings..
would have saved us all a fortune repairing the dam rust and help get rid of the water ingress
Your not wrong 😂👍🍻
I'm probably being dumb here but how do you stop the bolt rotating inside the van, is that where the loctite comes in? i.e. glue it to the ceiling to stop it spinning when you do the nut up on the roof? I did think about filing the hole so it's square and then using coach bolts (that have a square just under the head), but that seems like a lot of work.
If you have a little look at my newer video I used rivnuts
Hi Mel where did you get the black trim from for the top of your unistrut thanks Bob
On line unistrut direct 👍
The only van build videos with "Sign language" !!
Haha that’s brilliant 👍🤓
Hi Mel, another great vid, thanks. Those plastic/rubber caps, instead of removing them, could these be left in situ, as they are, and just drill an 8mm hole (M8 bolt size) in the centre of them? then they would be a grommet, to seal (still use a smear of sealant tho), Alan, in Norfolk.
You could do mate 👍🤓👍
Hi Mel Hi Cats
Will you watch your fingers im having kittens watch you cut that mastic. Now I was wondering can't you simply drill a 6 or 7mm hole in the top of the Button then put the bolts through. and seal around the Bolt??
Hi the plastic on them buttons is really thin 👍🤓👍
That’s what I would have done. But the end justifies the means. All good in the end. Still a proper job🚐☕️☕️👍🏼🏴
Hi Mel, ill have to use rivnuts to install my unistrut roof rack on my sprinter. What size are the holes in the roof for my rivnuts please . Thanks in advance...
Iv just got some 8mm rib nuts for Becky’s van hopefully they will fit
Can you please let me know how you get on...
Hi Mel . You can get aluminium Unistrut . Not as strong as steel obviously , but just use more fixings and it will be more than strong enough for that job in my humble opinion .... watch all your videos , great stuff
Hows the paint holding on that galvanised finish?
It’s all ok so far it’s staying on 🤓👍
Brilliant as usual Any leaks since doing it?
Thank you and no it’s all good 👍
Hi Mel, would you recommend nuts and bolts or rivnuts if you did the job again, ty
I used nuts n bolts on mine because I fitted the uni strut before fitting out my van I’m going to use riv nuts on Beckys van as she has already built out her van 👍
Was going to say "no one can see mine" but you covered that issue :) The end caps fell off mine anyway. Mole grips all the way for holding your loose nuts.
Ha ha , 😁
Hope the black cat is in the next video , luv that cat 😆 cheers for entertaining me 😄😁😁
Thank you and you’re absolutely welcome 👍🤓👍
Hi sorry to be a pain how many coats of pain you sprayed on the unistrut? :)
Well you know what they say no pain no gain so u put two on 😂👍
Thanks 🙏
"A bit like treacle" :) uniquely British
Brilliant 👍🤓👍
Hi could you tell me where to purchase the black plastic inserts for the uni rack please
Good tip, we're looking to do our own DIY roof rack, still figuring out the construction - needs to hold solar panels, and our deck and more ;)
You need unistrut take a look at all the different things you can get for it you’re be spoiled for Choice it’s brilliant 👍😂👍
You could probably fit an inflatable kiddie's pool on those struts for the summer - a couple of water pumps and Presto!
Penthouse Jacuzzi.
👍
(don't mind me: l'm on my 6th beer)
Brilliant have a great weekend 👍🤓👍
How good is that tubing man . How many cross members are you going for . And are you planning on fitting solar . I defo recommend it
Hi I’ll definitely be putting solar on them and I’ll add two cross runs for now 👍🤓👍
I see the use of this rail, borrow awning, take picture, give back awning. All set for the van conversion regs.
You’re absolutely right only I’m going to make my own awning 👍🤓👍
You don’t need awning according to new rules. Just the fixing rail🚐☕️☕️👍🏼🏴
Another great video fella, you’re smashing it 😀
Thank you 👍🤓👍
Hey Mel! Yeah roof racks are exceedingly over priced. Great Idea with unistrut...i might have to look into it for Dobby! Over here they call your mastic tape, butyl tape and it is great when it has pressure on it. I lived aboard a 1969 Charlie Morgan 34' sailboat and i removed an original deck cleat and the Butyl tape under it looked brand new and it never leaked a drop in the 40 some years old at that point!
Hi ya Derek I lived and worked on boats since I could walk my dad was a shipwright that’s where I got the ideas from for most of my projects my dream boat would be a fisher 34 but I think I’ll need to win the lottery to get one lol good luck with Dobby I must think of a name for my sprinter 👍🤓👍
Another great video Mel - your enthusiasm is fantastic! 👍 I’ve used Unistrut (well a much cheaper version) on my Sprinter to mount a ARB awning & solar panel. I agree with Mike6978 with using rivnuts. I drilled new holes and used rivnuts as it allows me to remove or modify the rails at a later stage. Once your internal headliner and wall cupboards are up you cannot access the nuts inside the van if needed. You may also have to use spacer plates on top of the Unistrut when using cross braces to mount your solar panel. This is due to the curvature of the roof. I mounted my solar panel on L shaped aluminium sections to keep the weight down! Hope this helps & keep up the good work dude 👍👍😀😀
Ooh well done 👍 I used 41x41mm so it’s high and clear of the roof 👍🤓👍
Hi, I'm struggling to visualize this, would the Unistrut be sat on top of the rivnuts or have you packed out the gap underneath?
Great video! How weight bearing do you think the cross beams would be? Strong enough to hold decking and 2 people on top?
No don’t do it 👍
Hi Mel If you wanted to fit Uni Strut after internal fitout could you use riv nuts using those holes.
Yes that’s a great idea I don’t see why not 👍🤓👍
@@BigVanSmallWorld Right that's the plan for me, cheers.
If you don't already have grommet holes its a good solution else you probably won't find a rivnut to fit the hole.The Ambulance/Police fitters use rivnuts everywhere for bolting on lights etc on the roof but you must seal and protect every hole you make as when they do it after 5 years service life the unprotected holes have totally rusted out when the vehicles are stripped and sold on.
I would use a toffee wheel to clean that old glue up. Works brilliantly when removing old glue from my T5
Lovely jubbly Mel - another inspiring video - plus the Paul Whitehouse impression is even better. Just a tip on the Unistrut fix - did you put large washers and butyl tape internally ? It's worth doing just to make sure of the seal before it's all boxed in. I've had failure on this area after 2 years of no problems. Must be the effect of heat and vibration, but it's worth the extra effort just to make sure.
Hi thank you and yes I did use washers the tape pushed through to the other side soo all good 👍🤓👍
Hi Mel, can you please provide the link for the plastic capping that you used to cover the top of the Uni-strut ?
I’m sorry I don’t have a link I got tit from uni strut direct .com 👍
Another great episode Mel!
I am just in the middle of doing my unistrut (univolt) roofrack, but using rivnuts.
That said I have been looking at painting them black and come across a whole world of advice about painting galvanised steel and the need to prime it with special primer and make sure its 'etched' etc, so what paint did you use and is it still black and does it look ok?
Also how has the mastic worked out, still no leaks, did you also add any sikaflex or anything?
Cheep paint from pound land it scratches off put don’t matter it’s galvanised so won’t rust no leaks thank
Definitely raised the 'bar' with those Mel.. 🤣
Noticed build-up of green algae on the roof.. Worth getting that cleaned off thoroughly as this is the enemy of paint/lacquer....eats into it and starts the peeling process..
Don’t worry as soon as I stoped recorded good I set to work cleaning 👍🤓👍
Yo! Mel! I have 2 questions for you...
1 - Did you practice by painting the black cat at 2:18?
2 - Are you a Mandelorian? "If I take of the hat I can never put it back on"
No and no lol 👍🤓👍
what size bolts did you use mel?
M8 x L25 mm 👍
@@BigVanSmallWorld
thanks mel you have saved me a lot of time and effort.
stay safe buddy
02:08 The black cat made an entrance. Usually he/she comes sooner or later. I'm currently writing my PhD thesis on "Feline cameos and behaviors in Mel's Van World build series videos".
That’s brilliant good luck with that 😂👍🤓👍
Just curious, are u building these vans for yourself or for others? Or are u building a new one to replace your current transit? Sorry with all fhe questions 😀
This one is to replace my transit I’ll be keeping it for a couple of years 👍🤓👍
Funny how your cat's the same colour as your roof rail paint, Mel; what colour were they before?
Lol they was ginger 😂😂😬👍
I like all your vids Mel very Handy tips and tricks which i do use when working on our camper
Gd day mate nice to know good to hear from you 🍻🍻👍
Mildly entertaining and I`m not even converting a van.
I came across your channel while searching for fixing a dodgy ignition switch on a transit and been watching ever since....
Cheers that’s nice to know really appreciate your sticking around 👍🤓👍
I think I've said it before already, you're a genius mate! This is by far the easiest and cheapest alternative for super expensive products. I will definitely put that on the roof of my van! Thank you for this video!
Cheers that’s really kind of you good luck with your build 👍🤓👍
You are awesome. I like your channel for free. Strong hughes from Brasil.
Thank you that’s really appreciated 👍🤓👍
Good stuff you can fix loads of stuff to the roof now, not sure about the postie in the background reversing in to the road though that gave me a cold sweat 😁
Cheers 🍻 👍🤓👍
Please tell me you dont sell double glazing....... but seriously its gonna leak
No I don’t sell double glazing why would you think that 😂🤷♂️
Nice work as usual Mel! What a great job.. Might borrow that idea for my roof rack! ✌👽👍
Thank you and you’re absolutely welcome go for it 👍🤓👍
nice one Mel, great alternative to a full roof rack and you made the removal of the plastic bungs look easy. can't wait for the next video :-)
Thank you for your positive feedback really appreciated 👍🤓👍
Just in time. I have bought the strut and fittings and was great to see how you have fitted. Give me confidence to have a go. If fitting after insulation do you think Riv Nuts would secure?
That’s good and yes I think Riv nuts would work 👍🤓👍
Very informative Mel. You & the cat have a nice weekend 😃🍺🥛🐱
Thank you and you 🍻👍🤓🤓
Nice Mel. It's a pain working on your own. Look forward to the next installment. :-)
Cheers 🍻
Hi Mel,
Any ideas about what to do if you’ve already insulated and boarded the roof out? Is there a nut that self taps? Don’t feel like ripping the ceiling down just to install the roof rack rails like yrs. Any help greatly appreciated, Brett
Hi Bret you could try and use rivnuts there great 👍
Just a bit worried about them leaking so I may tack weld nuts to roof. Cheers
nice strong roof rails , and will double up as a roll cage should the worst happen lol
Lol let’s hope I never have to put it to the test 😂🤓👍
Hi Mel, I just wondered are you using your GoPro Hero 7 to record Audio or an external Audio Recorder? Fantastic Videos.. Keep at it! Cheers!
Hi thank you I’m using the GoPro with shotgun mic 👍🤓👍
@@BigVanSmallWorld Thanks for that. Cheers!
You're certainly racking up the videos Mel 👍
Haha brilliant 😂👍🤓👍
Great ideas Mel, so much money saving ideas in this one.. Dyou reckon the rubber well nuts would also work on this uni strut?
Thank you I don’t think I’d use the well nuts you maybe better off with rivnuts 👍😊👍
Ok dude, thanks... will look into them
Wow this is amazing :) where abouts in uk are you? I’m currently building my Crafter since April and roof rack been put off because of the expensive, but this is a great idea ;)
Thank you 😊 I’m glad you think so I’m in Kent good luck with your build 👍🤓👍
Mel’s Van World I’m in Bournemouth like to get your opinion on mine :)
it`ll be a well solid roof rack mel,just a thought did you use nylock nuts?
Cheers 🍻 and yes 👍🤓👍
Just a quick one Mel. Protect your lens with a UV filter,about £5 on Amazon for a 58 mm diameter one. That way if you mess up the filter its only £5 and not a new lens. Hope this helps.
Like it Mel, never used the mastic and hope it turns out ok for you. Good vid
Thank you 👍🤓👍
NOT HOW I BUT HOW TO
Nice one Mel. I am thinking about putting a small rack on the back end of my van. Question for you, for someone on a tight budget what type of ladder would you fit to the rear door.
I wouldn’t recommend it you’re better off with one of them smaller ladders and keep it inside 👍🤓👍
@@BigVanSmallWorld thanks Mel
Now that’s a roof rack well done mate.👍🇬🇧🍺🤘
Thank you 👍🤓👍
Mel, would the unistrut rail be suffice for the dvla awning rail spec?
I’ve got plans for that watch this space 👍🤓👍
Superb Mel, and thanks for replying 👌
No need of nexflix of whatever is written. This is my series.
Thank you really appreciate your support 👍🤓👍
Ahhh quality friday evening viewing. :)
Cheers 🍻 have a good weekend buddy 👍🤓👍
Unistrut! That's the stuff I was thinking of the other day but couldn't remember it's name! Going to be using some in my camper build
It’s brilliant stuff good luck with your build 👍🤓👍
Used it on my roof for solar and under the van for the waste tank
Nice to see the beard coming back 😂 great idea that unistrut stuff is brilliant
Thank you 👍🤓👍
Great Idea and informative video just wondering ive cladded my roof already is there a way to self tap through the roof? cheers
Thank you and yes you can take out the plugs and use rivnuts but you will need to use a special tool to fit them good luck 👍🤓👍
@@BigVanSmallWorld thanks Mel never thought of that I do have a rivnut tool so that will work perfect.. Thanks
Just used this paint for my unistrut, good recommendation 👍
You’re absolutely welcome
loved your video. Where did you learn to semaphore?
I can’t help it 😂😂🤓👍
Nice one mate, I went the same but self tapping bolts through roof. Wish I'd seen your method before.
Ooh sorry mate I’m sure there be fine 👍🤓👍
@@BigVanSmallWorld they dont move an inch despite some serious wind tests on the motorway,followed Greggs set up but avoided the factory holes and went straight through the roof with wood batons on the inside.
Wish I'd sprayed black now though 🙄
Wish my 2013 transit had those for the rails,
Had to,build actual racks
It was really handy having them holes 👍🤓👍
Mark it out drill roof not really a problem I wouldn’t think🚐☕️☕️👍🏼🏴
From 4:40 to 5:40 got me in tears of laughter keep up the good work mel 👍
Thank you 😂😂🤓👍
Another perfect tip Mel, so much fun watchin ! Greats from the Netherlands 👍
Thank you that’s nice to know how’s the weather 👍🤓👍
@@BigVanSmallWorld weather is bad the last week, cold fogy and rain 💩
The weekend is here Mel has posted a video 👍
Cheers 🍻 have a good weekend 👍🤓👍
Great handy video Mel as always, well done. =)
Thank you 👍🤓👍
“I love it when a plan comes together “ A Team👌🏾..
👍🤓👍
Hi Mel I’m struggling to open the link for the bolts? :) hope your well and your two beautiful cats :)
Hi sorry I’ll try looking at it to see what is wrong thanks for letting me know 👍
4:30 Wilko spray painted cat? #1
Noooo lol 😂 👍🤓👍
Just hose down the roof to test for leaks before you put in the ceiling 😊
It rained all night and was all good 👍🤓👍
@@BigVanSmallWorld Rain in the UK isn't a good test of your roof's impermeability if you are planning on international travel. Here in Spain, for instance, rain is torrential and forceful. So much so that it can be life threatening to stand out in it and no drainage system can cope with the sheer quantity of water that falls in a short space of time. Special roadside storm ditches have to be dug to cope with the enormous quantity of water as a result. Better use the hose and better still use a power washer to ensure your roof is watertight.
Love the energy mate well done!
Thank you 🙏
Woohoo it’s a stealthy van again 😂.
Are you fitting a diesel heater to this van?
Yes as soon as we get a dry day next on my list of things to do 👍🤓👍
Looking forward to seeing that one. It’s on the agenda for mine too but I’m wanting to plumb into vehicle fuel tank but doubt I’ll be doing that part as I’m not recovered enough yet.
Would you mind posting your supplier too. Thanks
Pukka job mate - looks good!
Thank you 👍🤓👍
Bet those roof racks leak.
Bet it don’t 😂🍻👋
Is this legal for cars?
i dont see why not
"finners", is that like "Thinners"? lol Why not use half height unistrut rather than the tall one you have there to reduce weight? You should have put some zebedees inside the strut they are designed to wedge up to the top lip and not spin!.
If the roof is flat, half height would be better. If the roof has a crown, full height might give just enough clearance for any cross beams.
Good job mate 👍👍👍
Thank you 👍🤓👍
Brilliant.
Cheers 🍻
great vid Mel .
Thank you 👍🤓👍
I also am using unistrut for my roof rack. "Cheers"
Answer Stewart well done 👍 🤓
Great handy video Mel as always, well done. =)
Cheers 🍻 👍🤓👍
@@BigVanSmallWorld you're very welcome mel, slainte 🍻 👍=) 👍
@@BigVanSmallWorld you're very welcome mel, slainte 🍻 👍=) 👍
Here is another way without having to drill any holes in your roof to fix solar panels or light bars etc. Get 40mm square aluminum tubing about 1 metre and cut into 4 bits then Thoroughly clean the tubing and roof and degrease with thinners. Bond the alu tubing on the roof in the desire place with JB Weld. Allow to cure then drill into the alu tube section and use Rivnuts to bolt the solar panel into the aluminum tube section only. It's easy to remove the bolts later to replace solar panels or upgrade in the future. If the parts are really clean you never get JB weld off it will be stronger than the roof and you can obviously repair cracked engine blocks with the stuff.
By doing this you get a solid fixture that can never rust or leak and no holes in the roof plus its very cost effective. To bring cables into the van use a good quality cable gland for each cable and seal. Try to fit these on top of a roof rib and not in the gullies as the gullies hold more water for longer. Treat any holes you have to make with zinc paint. Done right should be fine for 10+ years and the cable gland might need changing as the rubber starts to crack.
Don't use those cheap stick on white cable entry plastic covers they are crap and never seal properly.
Wow that’s brilliant idea thanks for that 😂🤓👍
I work for unitrunk and I've never seen strut used as a roof rack before only cable management lol top class work there mel.
Thank you could you send me some end caps lol 👍🤓👍
@@BigVanSmallWorld I can send you some PM me details I'm back in work Tuesday dude.
2:14 He paint the cat black also.
#3😊
Hi ya 👍🤓👍
@@BigVanSmallWorld 😊
yay
Cheers 🍻 👍🤓👍
@@BigVanSmallWorld im still watching your wiping off your mark on the roof at the moment :)
Nice idea thanks Mel! I'm trying to figure this out for mine. Would this work for a transit Mk7? They don't have the anchor points but if it bolted through into the roof ribs would that work?
Thank you Michael I real can’t remember what the roof of my transit looked like so I wouldn’t like to say sorry mate 😬👍