Unistrut Roof Rack Hack VW Sprinter Campervan conversion
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 25 มี.ค. 2021
- How to use Unistrut to make a Roof Rack VW Sprinter Camper Van conversion
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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Unistrut I used
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Thks mate
Mel. I think you are the "rain God" because every time you start a job it starts raining!
You know rite ☔️👍
"Mentally Lost" aren't we all! Great video full of information as usual.
Thank you 👍😂👍
Hi Mel, you can also get rubber Rivnuts, which will
seal as well. (saw on E-bay)
Thank you buddy I’ve got some but don’t trust them for roof rack 👍
Love how Beck, was watching you and filming in the window 😂😂 Great video Mel as always 👍👍👍
Thank you 👍🤓👍
Done exactly the same on a previous Crafter for the same reasons, worked an absolute treat, great vid Mel 👍
Thank you for the positive feedback really appreciated
Excellent video , and great idea especially if your like me and on a budget ! thanks for your other videos have really helped so far hopefully I’ll be fitting my side windows this weekend 😊
Thank for taking the time to comment good luck with your build 👍
Once I canget to working on my van again I'll be doing exactly the same as this. A good detailed demonstration Mel,
Thank you and good luck with your build
Thanks for sharing Mel I will definitely be using that system for my horsebox I will save the link 👍
You’re absolutely welcome thank you for using my links it really does make a big difference 👍😊👍
More great tips and advice, thanks Mel 👍🏻🙂
Thank you buddy 👍🤓👍
Great job Mel you are the man
Thank you buddy
That's a great idea Mel from the uni strut am going to do the same.
Thank you buddy 👍
Excellent stuff Mel, and very timely. I added 2 x 3m unistrut lengths to my LWB crafter, as you did, before starting the inside of my build. I now realise I may need to extend the roofrack forwards to support a crossmember to mount a bracket for a wind out awning. I had thought about using Rivnuts, so to see them "in action" is great!
You’re absolutely welcome thanks for the positive feedback really appreciated 👍
Mel great job on the Unistrut. Good way top seal the opening on the rivnut. I used a lot of the Unistrut at Yale University to build jigs and fixtures for lifting and assembling panels.. Very flexible system and very strong. I know a lot of electrical contractors who use it for pipe runs, mounting boxes, etc.
thank you
BC
Thank you buddy for the positive encouragement really appreciated 👍
I did the same on a Renault Master, great video!
Thank you buddy 👍😊👍
Insightful and entertaining as usual. Cheers Mel
Glad you enjoyed it
That was interesting Mel. I have never used riv bolts or unistrut, so I have learnt something today! Well done.
Thank you for the positive message really appreciated 👍
Mel was just ".... trying to get it out before it goes hard again.." pmsl
😂👍
Great video as always
Thank you 👍
Thanks for that Mel 👍 we have our ceilings up and really wanted to know how to get round that problem 😉👍 ... ❤️👵🏼🐾🐾🤠x
No worries I’m pleased it’s helpful 👍🤓👍
Awesome to see you recommending rivnuts for this DIY roof rack as i want to do the same on my sprinter camper and cant use bolts due to the inner roof already being in place! Thanks for the info! :)
You’re absolutely welcome 👍
Unistrut is the best thank you to yours on your roof I made the same for mine do need to get the cover trim you did to make it finish tho :) looking good Mel
Hope your keeping well and safe 🤗😊
Thank you buddy I wouldn’t worry about the covers it’s a waste of time 👍😊👍
@@BigVanSmallWorld oh really? How come? :(
Love the video
Thank you buddy
Great video an info Mel, cheers 👍🚐
Thank you 😊
Good detailed advice Mel, unistrut sales must be going through the roof.... or should that be 'on the roof' Ha! Keep up the good work and stay safe! 👍👍👍
Hahaha that’s brilliant thank you buddy 👍😂👍
Great work Mel and good info to fitting the roof rack love the VIDS . Robbie U K
Thank you Robbie 👍
I used unistrut on my roof with rivnuts over a year ago and no sign of leaks. i got 550w of solar on them. Its a perfect frame for mounting panels, cameras, light bars etc ALSO use 2 lengths of unistrut for your bed frame! This allows for a strong very low profile frame which bolts to the beams on the side of the van with galvanised L brackets from B & Q. it needs no down legs supports that you need with wood and opens up the garage area. It also means i can remove my bed after taking out the slats and undo 4 bolts which allows to do small furniture removals. A washing machine and fridge freezer etc will go straight in the back.
Sounds brilliant 👍😊👍
Good system
Thank you 😊
Unistrut all the way!
This is awesome Mel, I'm gonna use it in on the next van. If I ever hear from the insurance 😂
Good luck with that I do hope you get it sorted soon 🤞🤞🤞
Mel, I find that if you squeeze the first time onto the nut, then tighten the screw at the top again while holding tension, then go again to make sure it is squished tight.
Thank you Bruce 👍😊👍
Another excellent Job Mel...you are such a cheerful fellow. Have a nice weekend 😃🍸🍺😀
Thank you and you 👍🤓👍
@@BigVanSmallWorld Thank you😊
Fantastic video as always. I found by experience that rivet nut gun breaks after some use, for £25-£30 you have those 1 foot handle, much solid ones.
Oh ok thank you 😊
Cool
Thank you 😊
Good video
Thank you 😊
Well your up there Mel you couldn't give the old van roof a wash, polish and wax for the good lady, there's a good chap 😆
Haha 😂
Great vid Mel , Once you use RIVNUTS you find many many uses for them ,I think my RV weighs about 50Kg`s more because of them ,,I have used 100`s of the bloody things
Rob
NSW
Australia
Haha thank you buddy hope you’re not getting to much rain 🌧 I hear it’s quite bad at the moment 👍😊👍
I used rivnuts on the roof of my transit custom to mount the solar panel but put some sealant in the hole then the rivnut and also into the threads before I put the bolt in because 1 of the bolts leaked via the thread last time I used them, just a tip that might help others
Thank you 😊
the way you use the rivenut tool is wrong when you clamp the fistime the tool you must use the knob om the tool to wind up then use it again I believe the rivenuts are not completely pulled up ! please check those from the under side if possible
for the rest weldone job
You can also get end caps for the unit strut to finish it off
Yes you can 👍
Mel I noticed that you squeezed the rivet nut gun once then removed the bolt. After the first squeeze you're supposed to screw the gun down tight then squeeze again to spread the nut out properly. I noticed you trying to push the gun down as you would using a rivet gun but because of the threads you need to screw it as unlike a rivet it won't slide.
I prefer Plusnut type rivnuts for anything structural to be honest but the Plus Nut gun is more expensive, the Plusnut type spread more to give greater catch, the gun used is bigger because they a strong and need more force to spread. I just thought you may want to know mate 👍
Thank you buddy I’ll go back over them to check 👍
@@BigVanSmallWorld I just thought it better to mention Mel, I almost wasn't going to but hey, I'd rather something was pointed out to me too mate, it's all good 👍 Look into those PlusNuts Mel, I've an idea that should make it easy fitting them with a cordless drill, same goes for those rivnuts 👍
@@BigVanSmallWorld Mel I was just thinking, they have probably compressed up tight anyway if they didn't spin when you were tightening up the bolts 👍
I'm so glad I found your channel. I have a passenger sprinter that didn't come with a roof rack, but I haven't wanted to take down the headliner. I was wondering if it could be done with rivnuts. Do you know how it has done over a year of use? Thanks!
Hay buddy thank you for the positive feedback the rivnuts are fantastic 👍
Don't forget to like subscribe and share and check out Mel's Amazon storefront Link in the description and thank you for watching
Thank you buddy that’s really appreciated 👍🤓👍
great video mate, would a set up like this work for us to get a deck on the roof too?
I find the M8 rivnuts are friendlier.
I bought some Unistrut for my van but I thought it was surprisingly heavy. It's only shortly after that I found out it comes in Light gauge and heavy gauge and I assume we're all putting the lighter stuff on the tops of our vans.
That’s absolutely right 👍
That unistrut roof rack is just so durable but also you can put as many cross members across it is you want for the things like spare wheels etc mega value for money👍 cool vid as usual mel!
Thank you and that’s absolutely rite 👍😊👍
Hi Mel, could you please let me know where you got the mastic tape from ? Thanks mark, good video by the way 👍
www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0036APFJM/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_GA0JA2BMDAYVBC8K8YYH?linkCode=ml2&tag=melsvanworld-21
I have one too got idea off Urban guy
Hi Mel you can get spring zebs for unistrut short and long will make things even easier and fully adjustable too.
If you remember I sent some end caps if you struggle getting hold of some let me know I can send you some deep and short in black too.
Drop me a message if needed
Oh thank you buddy I remember you really appreciate your encouragement and support 👍
You can get them sprung on the back which makes them a bit easier and stops them wiggling about
That’s rite 👍
It's none of my business but have you considered plus nuts? These are supposedly stronger than rivnuts. I remember a van build vid where the rivnuts came loose due to shearing. Tensile strength is close to 1100 kg per rivnut so you're good there. I am using 10mm bolts and nuts just like your own van. Wish I had thought off the struts though. Much easier to fasten stuff to. Too late for me. Thanks for posting!
Gotta tellya mate ..im likin these strutskis ..nutskis ..yes sirree bob ..😁😎pip pips and carryon pilgrim
Haha 😂
Don't suppose you know if Mk7 transit hightop has these hole's? that's a brilliant idea
I’m sorry I didn’t think they do
💙
Hi Mel. So does the m6 bolt fit into a riv nut that have a diameter of 8mm . meaning the whole in the crater is 8 mm wide? thanks
Is it possible to get plastic end caps for both sizes of the unistrut? That would really make them look neat.
Yes it is
Hope those riv nuts are waterproof sealed..
Update; just seen your demo...
I thought Katsu only did curries, I didn’t realise they also did tools!
Haha 😆
Any particular reason you use the slotted mate vs the solid? Weight saving would be minimal so assume it’s just ease? I think when I eventually make one I’ll use the solid and just measure where to drill the holes...plus there no danger of any water sitting in the slots being solid itl just run out when moving or on a slope 👍🏼 Still love the idea though it’s one of those all time great van hacks 💯👍🏼👍🏼
Sounds good 👍
That roof looks like it could do with a good scrub and a good waxing
Yep 👍
Love your vids, just wondering if I would be able to use nut rives and unistrut on a vw transporter t6 high roof its fibre glass
Definitely no buddy they just not designed for fibreglass that will pull out
@@BigVanSmallWorld thank you 😊
Please could you put up the link for those self-adhesive fixings that hold the solar panel cables to the roof of Rebekah's van? I can't find the video, but need to get some strong self-adhesive fixings. Many thanks Mel.
amzn.to/3CK2ppo
@@BigVanSmallWorld Brilliant. Thank you.
You smashed that Mel , what about another make eg transit or boxer will it work ?
Thank you buddy I don’t know about other vans 👍
Hey Mel I can’t see a link for the unistrut maybe I need to clean my glasses lol
Hi,via there any point on putting strip of neoprene between side bar and cross bars to prevent rattles? 😎
It should be ok it’s all held down so won’t rattle 👍
Hi Mel, could I please ask why you used rivnuts. What's their purpose? Couldn't you just put bolts through with washers and seal them? Many thanks.
Yes you can do that remember once you have done them up if you insulate and fit a ceiling to your van you can’t undo them that’s why it’s better to use riv nuts 👍
Nice job Mel. Tell me, do you get any wind howling or whistling like with some roof racks?
Martin.
With all the clutter rattling around in the back I wouldn’t know lol 😂
@@BigVanSmallWorld 🤦♂️😂😂
Cheers Mel! Will you be doing one for the solar mounting?
Yes I have done 👍
Mel's Van Life legend! will look forward to it!!
Should you have used a sealing washer ??? It could leak
It will be fine 👍
Thanks Mel. Can you tell me how long a piece of Uni strut you use and was the van a MWB or LWB ?
3 meters long and it’s a MWB
Morning all, I have a 2014 Sprinter MWB High top and just sorting out some strut and was hoping that someone would kindly let me know the width between struts, that way I can source pre-cut and powder coated?
Some have suggested that its 1400mm? Cheers J
Get on your roof with a tape measure it so that way you know how much it is 👍
Hi Mel, can I ask what spray paint you used for galvanized steel? Thanks
You need galvanised primer 👍
Hi Mel, did you use the light duty or the heavey duty strut.
Both!
Hey Mel, Is there any reason why you used 40mm for the length bars. I am going to be trying this with my pop top and am concerned about the maximum weight it can carry so could i get away with 20mm for the length bars
H Karen the sprinter roof has a slight curve to its edge profile so I need the 40mm for clearance in the middle good luck with yours 👍
yay .. roof roof oh .. no dog :)
well done for not saying what size bolts u used to pin it down... why are all these vids by comedians who waffle and miss out the most important info
HELP , What style of licking washers would I need., THANKS
Locking not licking...bloody predictive text drives me nuts....no pun intended lol
Anyone’s that are the right size will do
I've gone for nord locking nuts
Afternoon Mel
You been through an MOT yet with your chopped up double seat? Have any issues? I chopped mine and mot time is coming up.
Cheers!
Yes and I made a video all about it good luck with your MOT
@@BigVanSmallWorld oooo I'll hunt it down. Can't believe I missed one! Gutted. Thanks for the reply :)
Mel can I ask you something that’s nothing to do with this video.
It’s more to do with upgrade on rear leaf springs. I took single leaf off and put 3 leaf ones on now it’s picked up the back end 4inchs. Now my shocks are to short and so is the anti roll bar links there both about 4” to short iv phoned Mercedes told them Iv upgraded form 3.5 ton to 5ton they said the 5 ton has the same shocks as iv got. I no your switched on mate I’m desperate to get this sorted iv phoned everyone I can think of the 1st thing they want is my reg but no good buying from my reg because Iv upgraded and it’s giving me a 4 inch lift on the back I need 24inch back shocks it’s not easy as just saying I need 24 inch heavy duty shocks nothing is simple no more please help me
May van is off road it’s like having my legs cut off with no transportation
Where do you get your unistut from?
Amazon link in the description 👍
The chopper is watching you two...beware..
Mevi will never Iive it down lol
Im english and i need the translator on... what happened to fully formed words !!!!!!!?????????????????? innit
ah what you on about it costs £2.50 to get your van upgraded to 15 tonnes to hold the 5 tonne steel roof rack most vans have, just do you dvsa instructor a "special favour" wink wink and you get your licence sorted to drive a truck. LOL. I wish i had done this rather than attract the panels to the roof as a result my roof is f**ked.
I got a class 1 HGV so worries buddy did you get your class 2 yet
@@BigVanSmallWorld no tests allowed till end of lockdown apparently :( me theory's run out in June.
is becky ur gf mel 😳