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Old 03-05-2015, 04:16 PM   #1
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Roof Rack Advise

I just received an 11ft SUP/SDK. I am thinking of options for roof racks for my RB Penthouse. I like the Aluminess, but do not see the need for all that bulk for just my Kayak and will not be running with it all the time. I do admit that there is some cool factor with one. I have been looking up Rhino racks and they seem to be a good option. I think I would do rails and the lowest profile crossbars I could find. I have read a few post, but nothing comparing the two. Pictures of your set ups would be nice.

TexGX

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Old 03-05-2015, 07:49 PM   #2
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Re: Roof Rack Advise

Foam wedge and eyebolts replacing the bolts that are already there.

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Old 03-05-2015, 10:15 PM   #3
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Re: Roof Rack Advise

I'd say save the weight and the money and skip the full "expo" aluminess rack.
The eyebolt idea is good, but if you want a more permanent rack.
Simple towers and crossbars would do the trick.
If you get new yakima side loader brackets, you can get all the yakima 1A (raingutter) towers and bars you will ever need off of craigslist for cheap.
I have had much better luck over the past 25 years with yakima than thule, but thule makes them as well.
Side loaders mean you only drill in side of PH and not top. Less holes to drill, and accessible (at least on our sprinter PH) to replace brackets when the rust in 5 years of salt water exposure from boards and boats. Plus you can mount them lower to keep the overall height down on the rack.
We have full-length tracks in roof of our penthouse, and I'd save the holes if I could do it again (plus I think SMB west just used wood screws of something equally ghetto to attach tracks)
Added bonus of yakima, is every accessory they make is available on craigslist for a fraction of the cost.
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Old 03-05-2015, 11:42 PM   #4
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Re: Roof Rack Advise

I'm going to replace my Yakima Mega-warrior with a Baja Rack. http://www.bajarack.com/racks

It's beefier and can use the Yakima bars and has more options for carrying stuff like maxtrax or water cans.
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Old 03-06-2015, 06:05 AM   #5
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Re: Roof Rack Advise

Great information so far. I like the idea of keeping the height down. I will have to check clearance with my awning. Anyone have pictures of the set up like Onefin is talking about?

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Old 03-06-2015, 05:15 PM   #6
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Re: Roof Rack Advise

viewtopic.php?f=10&t=13220&p=149459#p149459

Check link for my solution. Time to hit the water!!

TexGX
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Old 03-06-2015, 05:26 PM   #7
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Re: Roof Rack Advise

That was quick!
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Old 03-06-2015, 06:22 PM   #8
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Re: Roof Rack Advise

I was waiting for that one. I have been researching this for awhile, but after a call to Aluminess and talking to a few people, this seems like the best option. Less than $400 total in the rack.

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Old 03-06-2015, 10:57 PM   #9
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Re: Roof Rack Advise

http://www.backcountryracks.com/custom- ... hotos.html

Some decent photos and ideas in link above.
We have a sprinter SMB top, so the ford may be different?
I do wish we had used side loaders vs. the top tracks.
I have no ladder, so really no need to worry about anything up there at this point.
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Old 03-12-2015, 08:46 PM   #10
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Re: Roof Rack Advise

I have Thule tracks the full length of the PH. The tracks are outside the canvas area of the PH so there is not an issue with water leaking in. You can use Thule or Yakima risers and bars with the tracks. The tracks give you a lot of flexability on where (lengthwise) to attach things. The "raingutter type" towers require brackets bolted to the PH so you must be sure where you want them before drilling. With the tracks I can remove the towers and crossbars when not carrying canoes. I'm planning to use the tracks to mount solar panels in the near future. My plan is to run 2 pieces of 1-inch square alum tubing crosswise to the van, bolted to the tracks. The solar panels would then be bolted to the tubing. That way I have no holes needed in the PH roof. Anyone have thoughts on this? We have an electric lift so weight is not an issue.
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