Cross bars for roof? E350

[winmag4582001]

What are you using for cross bars to mount a roof rack onto?
I was thinking of using ladder rack crossbars since they are $60 a set and can handle the weight. Wasn't sure if anyone knew of a "foot" style like Thule without the stupid high cost.
Thanks!

[1der]

Does not address your question directly, but, ...

Any of the three heights of Thule gutter mounts will work on a stock roof van. Really depends on what you want to do. I have used both the shortest and the medium (357 I think is the medium number). The 953 tallest is too tall, imho.

I have been able to find these Thule towers relatively cheap on craigslist with little problem. I search all locations as they are easily shipped. What you will not readily find used is the 66" or 72" cross bars you will need. Those will likely have to be purchased new. Just my two cents.

To address wind noise - consider wrapping the leading bar(s) with paracord. Secure at one end of the bar and wrap with about 2" spacing to the other end of the bar. This breaks up the vortices created bar the bar moving through air.

Good luck!

[MrHenrietta]

I use Rhino Rack cross bars and love them. Heavy Duty Roof Rack | Rhino-Rack

[MSD]

Rhino rack makes some great stuff, Love that the HQ is in Denver.

[winmag4582001]

Found these:
Proline GMR-165 Car Rain Gutter Roof Luggage Racks
Aluminum square stock is fairly cheap. Im focused on function more than cost. I've seen a lot of "cool" stuff out there but the price is too high. I don't mind paying for quality and/or technology, but plastic feet and straight bars with a price tag of $250+? That falls in the category of paying $50 for a pencil. LOL

[E-rex]

Just bought an e-150 (standard roof), and am in the middle of this same decision. Considered Thule 300 gutter mount towers. Easy to find on CL or eBay but yes, the longer bars would be harder (read: pricier) to find. Current plan is to look for a used 3 bar ladder rack set. Still researching what brands are better, with the thought that cheaper ones might be more prone to rusting.

I am mostly hovering in the background until I learn the culture and board layout. Even though I have a standard roof for the time being and this is generally a pop-top forum, it looks like there will be a great depth of info on camper vanning in general.

Uploaded a pic of one of my Frankensteinian rack projects from a past vehicle.. http://www.sportsmobileforum.com/for...cture33604.jpg

[winmag4582001]

Think I may go with this:
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...9178_200649178
I plan on splitting 1/2" fuel line to cover the feet so I don't get metal-metal pressure. Has a 500lb capacity so it can handle any basket I bolt to it.
Beauty is a distant second to function. IMHO

[E-rex]

Originally Posted by winmag4582001

Beauty is a distant second to function. IMHO

My priorities:
1- Function
2- Price (DIY / Craigslist cheapskate)
3- Aesthetics (very distant third)

[Otter]

If you want to go with Yakima accessories, you can get a set of 1A towers used from Rerack.com. Sometimes they have the 66 inch bars used, too.

[joefromsf]

I've used these gutter mount brackets and made my own cross bars out of 1"x3" wood. There are optional 1" tube holder pieces available if you want a stronger cross member.

Quick-N-Easy Car Top Racks - Set at nrs.com