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Old 01-29-2015, 11:12 AM   #1
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Cheap roof rack options

I recently bought an extended E350 that will be a minimalist setup. I need some storage on the roof. I'd like to haul kayaks/paddleboards/cargo carriers. I'm tempted to buy a rack like this http://www.toppermfg.com/products/van-racks/ since they can be had for $100 used on craigslist. It would be great to buy a proper rack, but right now we'd rather save some money so we can take the van south to get out of Wisconsin winter for a while. The racks have 6 mounting points, are galvanized, weigh 750 pounds, and are 5x12 with crossbars every 2 feet. I don't care for the galvanized look, but I could live with it. Is there a reason why I haven't seen anyone with a budget built van with one of these racks? Thanks

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Old 01-29-2015, 05:27 PM   #2
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Re: Cheap roof rack options

I have friends with similar racks on their Ford work vans. Nothing wrong with them IMO. I'd rather go with some used Yakima 1A rain gutter towers and bars myself, to accommodate different sport mounts. You can find them on CL used often.
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Old 01-29-2015, 09:53 PM   #3
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Re: Cheap roof rack options

Two options to take care of the galvanized look are paint and powder coat. We use powder coat over galvanizing on handrails at work. Very long lasting.
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Old 01-30-2015, 08:23 AM   #4
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Re: Cheap roof rack options

That's not a bad looking rack at all. I would go for it at that price. I thought you were meaning the old school contractor type, which they sell too it looks like (last picture on a Ford van). If you can get the more modern type to mount on your van I would snag it and maybe paint it later.

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Old 01-30-2015, 01:05 PM   #5
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Re: Cheap roof rack options

Here's a link. They have been listed for a month or more. Not sure about the $500 one??
http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/pts/4855559993.html
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Old 01-30-2015, 04:26 PM   #6
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Re: Cheap roof rack options

Derek at CCV made a rack out of electrical conduit that he had on his van when I was there. He kept a kayak or something up there.

I think he built another one for Adventurerider on this forum also. Cheap! Good idea? Not sure, I don't know enough about the properties of electrical conduit. You can buy it at Home Depot or any hardware store.

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Old 01-30-2015, 06:48 PM   #7
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Re: Cheap roof rack options

Quote:
Originally Posted by Elltom
Here's a link. They have been listed for a month or more. Not sure about the $500 one??
http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/pts/4855559993.html
Ooooo! I really dig the use of e-track for the sides... I'm going to have to steal that idea!
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Old 01-31-2015, 01:14 PM   #8
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Re: Cheap roof rack options

I'd like to paint it to make it look a bit less like it belongs on a work van. For $100 I'm going to pick it up tomorrow and see how it goes. I manage to haul a lot of random things, so 6 crossbars and unlimited strapping points will be a plus.
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Old 02-25-2015, 06:55 AM   #9
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Re: Cheap roof rack options

Did you pick up that Topper rack? How is it? I'm also in the market of an inexpensive rack for en EB and looking for options.
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Old 02-25-2015, 11:06 AM   #10
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Re: Cheap roof rack options

I have a Gobi Rack like this one (more or less) that was removed from a E350:

http://www.gobiracks.com/racks_detail.cfm?ID=340



For sale in San Diego area cheap - $300. We can help install it as well.
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