Rooftop Rod Carrier

This blog was originally published in 2017, authored by our friend Lance Kittel - Owner of Pesca Vida fly fishing. This article has now been refreshed with updated insights, clearer instructions, and minor improvements. Our goal is to ensure the best DIY experience for anglers looking to transport their gear safely and affordably. Rod vaults that adorn some vehicles are undeniably cool. However, they come with a hefty price tag. If you're not looking to spend top dollar on a rod vault, there are alternative solutions. While DIY plans can be difficult to find online, we’ve come across one that is both simple and effective. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to create a custom DIY rod vault, as well as a rod holster for those who prefer an interior storage option. Rod Vault A DIY rod vault is inexpensive to produce and can be as custom as you need it to be. My parts list for 2 rod vaults are as follows: (2) Sticks 2” PVC (I used thin wall, although schedule 40 may be the better option) (2) 2” PVC threaded couplers (2) 2” O Rings (2) 30 Cal/7.62 ammo cans (Either plastic or metal would work) PVC cement (4) 6’ sticks of 2” OD PVC insulation A cheap camping pad (2) 2” PVC caps 2” hole saw Drill Sand paper These are the essentials for the rod vault, I customized mine with some Plasti Dip to cover up the standard white PVC color. Step 1: Insert Foam, Attach Caps, and Couplers Start by cutting the foam insulation to fit inside the PVC pipes. Next, glue a PVC cap to one end of each pipe to create a watertight seal. Then, attach the female-threaded coupler to the opposite end using PVC cement. Step 2: Cut a Hole in the Ammo Can To ensure accuracy, secure the ammo can with a vice or clamps before cutting. Using a 2” hole saw, cut a hole in the side of the can. Once done, smooth out any sharp edges with sandpaper to prevent damage to your rods. Step 3: Test the Fit Insert the male-threaded end of the coupler through the hole from the inside of the can. Then, screw it into the female-threaded coupler to confirm a snug fit. If needed, adjust the O-ring to create a watertight seal. Step 4: Bond the Coupler After ensuring the fit is correct, apply PVC cement to the coupler threads and secure everything in place. Allow the cement to dry completely before proceeding. Step 5: Line the Ammo Can with Foam Cut pieces of the camping pad to fit the interior walls of the ammo can. For flexibility, insert the foam snugly without using glue, allowing for easy removal or adjustments later. Step 6: Mount to Your Vehicle Secure the completed rod vault to your car’s roof rack using appropriate mounting hardware. Finally, make any necessary adjustments and seal any exposed pipe fittings with silicone for added protection. Clip Carrier (Interior Rod Storage) For anglers who prefer to store their rods inside the vehicle, a simple clip carrier system works well. This setup is ideal for SUVs and trucks with sufficient interior space. Materials List: Command light clips (sold in packs of 16) ¾” Adjustable Kwik Klips Gorilla Glue or Velcro strips Step 1: Attach Light Clips to Interior Pillars Position the command light clips along the pillars between the front and back doors. Make sure to place them high enough to prevent interference when entering the vehicle. Step 2: Secure Kwik Klips to the Rear Next, attach the Kwik Klips to the rear interior panel where the rod reels will rest. If additional support is needed, reinforce them with Gorilla Glue for a permanent hold or use Velcro for easy removal. Your rod carrier should look something like this at the end: Final Thoughts No matter which storage method you choose, both the DIY rod vault and the clip carrier provide reliable, budget-friendly ways to keep your rods protected while traveling. Feel free to customize your setup to match your vehicle and fishing needs. Most importantly, enjoy the peace of mind knowing your gear is safe and secure. Tight lines, and happy fishing!