Harbor Freight and McMaster-Carr FTW

[DirtyLuke]

I picked up the Harbor Freight cross bars for $80. I have no misconception of what they can and can't handle in terms of dynamic loading, but for my very limited use for them until I get a dedicated platform, they beat a $600 pair of Yakima's handly.

The Harbor Freight cross bars have a t-slot along the top for mounting accessories, but I couldn't find any specs on the slot dimensions. After some measuring, I believe they match Rhino Rack's t-slot, in case you already have any of their accessories.

I hopped onto McMaster-Carr and purchased some stainless t-slot nuts, stainless threaded rods, aluminum spacers, and plastic handles with steel threaded inserts. With these, I can mount my X-Bull track boards and free up much needed space inside the vehicle. I can also leave the boards clamped together and slide the assembly, t-nuts and all, out the side of the crossbars for storage and to roll around with less wind noise. I also plan to get some quick fists and use the same t-nuts to mount a shovel up top.

Here are the parts I ordered and their sizes/lengths. Note: I sized the threaded rods and spacers to use the recessed, inner mounting holes of the track boards, but ended up using the front and rear holes due to moonroof/crossbar spacing constraints. Still happy that I sized them properly so I can use them on the inner holes once I have a platform. Also note, I picked up the stainless 1" outer diameter - 3/8" inner diameter washers from the local Ace Hardware.

T-Nuts
Threaded Rods
Aluminum Spacers
Threaded Handles

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[Escape2Bronco]

McMaster-Carr, the Amazon of the business world. Looks great! I did something similar 35 years ago on a Taurus wagon. Was able to mount our 4 place bike rack directly to the side rails.