yakima carrier mounting on top of van...

[Lizard1]

So, looked around and wasn't able to see any builds that attached a yakima or similar carrier on top.

I need to get as much gear out of the van and on top but weather protected. There is a local guy selling a Yakima Skybox 18 at a super cheap cost. I then looked at the mounts and cross bars needed and would have too much into it to justify.

Has anyone used something inexpensive but would work to mount this box on top of the van? I don't like the work style cross bars (Super cheap to get around here) as they are way too high up off the van and I want the carrier as low as I can get.

Just looking for ideas. I could try and mount something hand made, but want to see what is out there or if someone did a custom built cross bar setup, how they did it and what it looks like.

[mikracer]

Look on your local craigslist for used Yakima or Thule gutter mounts and cross bars. You can get them pretty cheap because gutter mounts aren't really used anymore. The only cheaper method would be to drill holes through your roof.

[JoeH]

Are you looking to mount to a penthouse or rain gutters?

If it's a penthouse you want the Yak tracks or rail and will need to drill through the roof to mount them. https://www.yakima.com/42-tracks-w-plusnuts

That's what Sportsmobile does. The tracks are secured with stainless steel bolts on the outside of the canvas. I've got some used tracks and the landing pads/towers/bars that go with if your interested.

[bemerritt]

If you do have a penthouse, I have some yakima tracks i would sell you for cheap.

[Lizard1]

I'd be gutter mounts. They're going fairly high but I will take a look nearby cities. If anyone has a set they wanna sell cheap, PM me!

[mikracer]

See if this member is willing to give you a deal...

http://www.sportsmobileforum.com/for...ers-16976.html

[Lizard1]

He got them sold. Still looking!

[boywonder]

You can also use the tracks with a regular van roof...just need to drill holes and seal. The setup IMO ends up a bit cleaner looking than gutter mount towers. There are at least two or three styles of towers that mount in the tracks, both locking and non-locking.

As mentioned, Yakima and Thule stuff are usually all over Craigslist, at least here in So Cal. The gutter mount style has different clips for different vehicles so you may want to pay attention to that when buying used.