Custom roof basket

Gopher · **Posted:** Mon Mar 03, 2008 3:03 am

My little brother has to create a product for his welding class and he wants to do a custom roof basket for my KJ. He's supposed to do some market research to gauge the interest in his product. He needs to find out what people would be willing to pay (and how much they'd prefer to pay), what they look for in a basket (strength, size, light mounting points, cb antenna mounting points and such), and what the biggest competitors would be. So if you guys could help him out it'd be very appreciated. Just throw in your two cents and any of you welders any advice you might have for him. And don't be shy about crazy ideas.

Thanks
Phil

ps. If he decides to make this, it gets sold at the end of the semester and the proceeds go to his school so it goes to a good cause.

Fulltimer · **Posted:** Mon Mar 03, 2008 3:41 am

Make the basket, roof rails and cross bars all one piece. Set it low to the roof. Wind fairing. Rear light tab. One or both sides of the basket hinged to facilitate loading heavy objects (tire).

Terry

bbo · **Joined:** Fri Sep 30, 2005 5:17 pm **Posts:** 382

yes .. if there is any chance he can test different designs for wind noise, that would be a great selling point ... things like getting the light tabs behind the fairing might help.

and the one piece idea I like ...

WoodysKJ · **Posted:** Mon Mar 03, 2008 9:26 am

What ever his materials and time costs are I think EVERYBODY here will respect those and the additional price accordingly. I know we all respect Marty's work and therefore respect his prices. It is an art form after all.

Your brother's biggest stumbling block, as Marty and others have discovered, is shipping the monsters.

The product will be liked by others and others will be very interested in what ideas he will come up with. Then try to explain why 30-50% of the additional cost will be in just getting it to your customers.

I am dealing with the same issues on my woodworking products. as they get bigger so does the shipping cost. As seen in another post, just don't ship greyhound.

Good luck.

If he does something similar to Marty's Gecko, two tips.

1. Take a good look at the location of the Satelite antenna location on the rear roof. Marty's doesn't hit it but it does block it a little.
2. Allow for some variation in the mounting location in the factory nutzerts. When he makes his Jig, allow for some fluctuation.

Again Good Luck.

dgeist · **Posted:** Mon Mar 03, 2008 10:38 am

Why don't you have your brother put together a questionnaire and post it here? That way folks can respond to specific questions in a more orderly fashion instead of off-the-cuff conversation. I think tabulated results like that might be more useful if this is for a class (market research needs to be backed up by organized data IMHO).

Dan

Gopher · **Posted:** Mon Mar 03, 2008 1:53 pm

That questionnaire idea is quite wise Dan. So here's one I wrote up. I guess you guys can either post replies on here or email me at spaceghosthockey@yahoo.com

****I want to make sure everyone knows that this is for a school project and I'm not trying to steal any business from the guys on here that do this for a living. I'm simply trying to help my little brother present a well thought out and thorough project so that he can get an A in his class. I hold those of you that do custom fab work (rock lizards and al for instance) in the highest esteem and any nuggets of wisdom on the business side or fabrication of this project that might help my little brother is greatly appreciated. I'm trying to get him to ruin the curve for everyone. :twisted:

Thanks again
Phil

Do you currently own a roof basket?
If so…
What brand?
What do you like about this basket (strength, weight, size, look, etc)?
What do you dislike?
How would you change your basket to make it more suitable?
Have you made any modifications to your basket?
What is the primary function/use of your basket (what if anything do you put it in regularly)?
What made you decide to choose the basket you purchased?
How much did you pay for your basket (include shipping)?

If you don’t own a basket…
Are you considering purchasing a basket anytime in the near future?
What baskets have you looked at?
What expectations do you have in a basket (ie likes)?
What would keep you from buying a basket (ie dislikes)?
What would be the primary function/use for you basket?

More Questions…..
How much would you be willing to pay for a custom roof basket?
What innovations/features would you like to see in a custom-made roof basket?
How fast a turnaround would you expect when ordering a custom basket?
Additional Comments:

tjkj2002 · **Posted:** Mon Mar 03, 2008 2:15 pm

Quote:

What brand?

Rock Lizard's Gecko basket rack

Quote:

What do you like about this basket (strength, weight, size, look, etc)?

All of the above,strength,size,and look.Very low profile.

Quote:

What do you dislike?

Nothing

Quote:

How would you change your basket to make it more suitable?

No changes needed for me,I like it the way it is

Quote:

Have you made any modifications to your basket?

I added a CB mount,needed to be higher then the botton of the rack anyway so I didn't get one welded on the rack

Quote:

What is the primary function/use of your basket (what if anything do you put it in regularly)?

Right now nothing but holds my CB,future plans include 2 ATV toolboxs for spare parts and jumper cables.I did have my 265.75 MT/R spare up there(90lbs) and didn't budge,even with my 180lbs standing on the rack at the same time.

Quote:

What made you decide to choose the basket you purchased?

I work for RL,best one being made at the time,plus it was the prototype

Quote:

How much did you pay for your basket (include shipping)?

N/A

bbo · **Joined:** Fri Sep 30, 2005 5:17 pm **Posts:** 382

Do you currently own a roof basket? No
If so…
What brand?
What do you like about this basket (strength, weight, size, look, etc)?
What do you dislike?
How would you change your basket to make it more suitable?
Have you made any modifications to your basket?
What is the primary function/use of your basket (what if anything do you put it in regularly)?
What made you decide to choose the basket you purchased?
How much did you pay for your basket (include shipping)?

If you don’t own a basket…
Are you considering purchasing a basket anytime in the near future? Yes .. 1 year)
What baskets have you looked at? Rock Lizard ... Surco
What expectations do you have in a basket (ie likes)? sturdy, weight handling, "OEM" look ... ease of install
What would keep you from buying a basket (ie dislikes)? non functionality
What would be the primary function/use for you basket? storage now .. up to an including off road needs ( tire ... jack .. extra diesel .. etc)

More Questions…..
How much would you be willing to pay for a custom roof basket? ~400 plus shipping
What innovations/features would you like to see in a custom-made roof basket? low riding ... additional weight cap from stock
How fast a turnaround would you expect when ordering a custom basket?
Additional Comments: - 1-2 months

clackclack · **Posted:** Mon Mar 03, 2008 6:26 pm

Gopher wrote:

That questionnaire idea is quite wise Dan. So here's one I wrote up. I guess you guys can either post replies on here or email me at spaceghosthockey@yahoo.com

****I want to make sure everyone knows that this is for a school project and I'm not trying to steal any business from the guys on here that do this for a living. I'm simply trying to help my little brother present a well thought out and thorough project so that he can get an A in his class. I hold those of you that do custom fab work (rock lizards and al for instance) in the highest esteem and any nuggets of wisdom on the business side or fabrication of this project that might help my little brother is greatly appreciated. I'm trying to get him to ruin the curve for everyone. :twisted:

Thanks again
Phil

Do you currently own a roof basket? No
If so…
What brand?
What do you like about this basket (strength, weight, size, look, etc)?
What do you dislike?
How would you change your basket to make it more suitable?
Have you made any modifications to your basket?
What is the primary function/use of your basket (what if anything do you put it in regularly)?
What made you decide to choose the basket you purchased?
How much did you pay for your basket (include shipping)?

If you don’t own a basket…
Are you considering purchasing a basket anytime in the near future? Yes
What baskets have you looked at? Jeep, Rock Lizard, others...
What expectations do you have in a basket (ie likes)? Work with standard racks, e.g.; Thule, Yakima.. I'd like it to provide a platform for mounting lights that isn't too far back (closer to the front of the roof)
What would keep you from buying a basket (ie dislikes)? poorly crafted from low quality materials, fit and finish.
What would be the primary function/use for you basket? Kayaks, bikes, christmas tree, wheel, light mount, hi-jack mount

More Questions…..
How much would you be willing to pay for a custom roof basket? $400
What innovations/features would you like to see in a custom-made roof basket? more forward perch for mounting lights
How fast a turnaround would you expect when ordering a custom basket? 15 days
Additional Comments:

marty · **Posted:** Mon Mar 03, 2008 10:43 pm

bbo wrote:

Do you currently own a roof basket? YES
If so…
What brand? RENEGADE BASKET
What do you like about this basket (strength, weight, size, look, etc)? NOT MUCH
What do you dislike? PLASTIC, AND IT HAS NO BOTTOM(MY STUFF SITS RIGHT ON THE ROOF)
How would you change your basket to make it more suitable? I REMOVED IT (I ONLY USE IT IF I AM GOING ON A TRIP)
Have you made any modifications to your basket? STICKERS
What is the primary function/use of your basket (what if anything do you put it in regularly)? ANYTHING THAT DOES NOT FIT INSIDE ON A LONG TRIP. (KIDS STROLLERS, BEACH CHAIRS, COOLERS, ETC.)
What made you decide to choose the basket you purchased? I WAS GOING ON A TRIP AND NEEDED SOMETHING. I MADE THE WRONG CHOICE.
How much did you pay for your basket (include shipping)? $250+ I THINK.

If you don’t own a basket…
Are you considering purchasing a basket anytime in the near future? YES
What baskets have you looked at? ROCK LIZARD, ARB
What expectations do you have in a basket (ie likes)? PLENTY OF STORAGE ROOM, LOW TO THE ROOF
What would keep you from buying a basket (ie dislikes)? IT NEEDS TO LOOK LIKE IT WAS MADE TO BE THERE
What would be the primary function/use for you basket? TRANSPORTING SUPPLIES FOR BEACH TRIPS, CAMPING TRIPS, KIDS ACCESSORIES.

More Questions…..
How much would you be willing to pay for a custom roof basket? $500-$600
What innovations/features would you like to see in a custom-made roof basket? LOW PROFILE, DROP DOWN SIDES, LIGHT TABS.
How fast a turnaround would you expect when ordering a custom basket? WHATEVER IT WOULD TAKE TO GET IT RIGHT
Additional Comments:

dloc_jeep_KJ · **Posted:** Mon Mar 03, 2008 11:32 pm

my sugestions being a welder and also having people ask me to make a basket would be this. first use all round tubbing since it is cheaper than square. second he should TIG it for looks and if it we me i would do it in stainless filler for stength and to prevent rust. i would add light tabs front and back and also a cb mount. make it about 4" deep and instead of making it bolt to the stock roof rails make them into the basket. what i do like about my rack is that is is alum. so it is really light (surco) this would be harder for him to weld though so he might want to go with steel. what i dont like about it is the look really. RL design is by far the best because it does use new roof rails. as far as a price goes $200 - $300 (or more since it is for a good cause :wink:

) would be fair for the amount of work involved in fabbing something like this from scratch. best of luck to him and if he needs any help or advice please feel free to have him PM me and i would be more than happy to give him some good welding tips.

jsc7002 · **Posted:** Tue Mar 04, 2008 12:03 am

for mounting it I would make it mount up to where that stock rails are, thats what I did on mine and its plenty strong

and I dont know about everyone else but when I made mine I made it BIG it takes up the whole roof its roughly 6' long by 4' wide and I also made mine flat so when I go camping on a nice night I can sleep on it

LibertyFever · **Posted:** Tue Mar 04, 2008 6:57 pm

Checkout this website: http://www.go.jeep-xj.info/HowtoLightRack.htm

It was made for a Cherokee but the design could be altered to fit a Liberty.

I like the low profile & the lamps.

Be sure to post pics of the completed project. If we like it your little brother could have himself a summer job.

dieselenthusiast · **Posted:** Tue Mar 04, 2008 7:49 pm

Are you considering purchasing a basket anytime in the near future?
:arrow:

(YES)

What baskets have you looked at?
:arrow:

(I've looked at several baskets, however I like the Gecko Basket Rack the best)

What expectations do you have in a basket (ie likes)?
:arrow:

(Durability, appearance, and will serve for multiple purposes)

What would keep you from buying a basket (ie dislikes)?
:arrow:

(It must be a welded rail/basket that will guarantee security and durability and I want the availability to customize my basket by adding light tabs, etc.)

What would be the primary function/use for you basket?
:arrow:

(Multipurpose - Holding camping gear, cargo, and other miscellaneous items)

More Questions…..
How much would you be willing to pay for a custom roof basket?
:arrow:

(I'd pay $610.00 dollars for a top notch rail/basket combo)

What innovations/features would you like to see in a custom-made roof basket?
:arrow:

(The ability to customize as needed, therefore the rack would need to be made from a material that could be welded on)

How fast a turnaround would you expect when ordering a custom basket?
:arrow:

(Assuming the product is coming from a specialized fabrication shop, and depending on the level of customizing, I'd expect a 4-6 week turn around)

Additional Comments:

(Here's a closer look at what I want)

DryBones · **Posted:** Sat Mar 08, 2008 11:49 pm

LibertyFever wrote:

Checkout this website: http://www.go.jeep-xj.info/HowtoLightRack.htm

It was made for a Cherokee but the design could be altered to fit a Liberty.

I like the low profile & the lamps.

Be sure to post pics of the completed project. If we like it your little brother could have himself a summer job.

Wilderness makes that rack for the Liberty. It's their Sport Series rack and it mounts directly to the factory rails without crossbars somewhat like the OEM racks. They are pricey though compared to some other racks.

Inc · **Posted:** Fri Mar 21, 2008 11:13 am

Do you currently own a roof basket?
Yes.

If so…
What brand?
Custom made by me.

What do you like about this basket (strength, weight, size, look, etc)?
I love the fact that it has a real large wind fairing, I used heavy duty steel, I mounted my shovel-axe-jack-fuel cans to it, and it is long enough to carry a good amount of gear

What do you dislike?
Nothing.

How would you change your basket to make it more suitable?
I wish I had mounted 2 rear light tabs.

Have you made any modifications to your basket?
It is one big mod.

What is the primary function/use of your basket (what if anything do you put it in regularly)?
I built and use it mostly for my axe, jack, shovel and fuel cans.

What made you decide to choose the basket you purchased?
I wanted one that I could mount all that stuff to directly and that was strong enough to hold it all. I couldn't find one online that would fit my ideal design features so I built it.

How much did you pay for your basket (include shipping)?
It cost me roughly $140 because I had to rent a welder because the one I have is out of commission.

Here is my final...I think... product.

It isn't the prettiest, but it pretty much exactly works for what I built it for. It will some of my recovery gear, a cooler, or even a deer during hunting season and that works for me! :wink:

Custom roof basket

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