Aluminess roof rack

[Zeta]

Been looking at Aluminess roof racks for my RB50 w/manual penthouse. Anyone hate these? They look cool and I want to add a couple solar panels soon, but wondering how heavy the roof gets with another 60+lbs up there.

Z

[daveb]

I have the E-PH and the rack, two 130 panels and had it set up for my Yakama pod. I can use the pod or throw gear on top.

[billwilson]

My rack makes my rig IMHO
Remember I have a cruiser top and lifted 4x4
Also interior rebuilt independently with height in mind

No problems with crosswinds
Two 2.5 gal water jugs
Two 180 watt solarpanels
4 bundle of wood
1 inflatable kayak 75 pounds

In Aluminess shop I tested weigh
Though I was tipping it
Was actually picking it up...

Thank you Dave!

[Ford_6L_E350]

For a manual penthouse, that would be too much weight.

When I put a 35# solar panel on my PH I found it was very difficult to lift the top. I had to adjust the PH springs to get the top to go up normally.

You could add the rack and solar panels, adjust the PH springs and make it work. But, if you put stuff in the rack (why else would you have it?) then you may not be able to lift the top.

Here is a link to a thread about adjusting the springs:

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=1223

I suppose you could load it up, drive to your campsite, empty the rack, then lift the top. That should work, since you won't be able to get stuff off the top once the top is up anyway.

Another option is a portable electric penthouse lift. SMB used to sell these, but not anymore. And they are hard to find used - anyone who has one wants to keep it. Sounds like a business oportunity for some enterprising member.

Mike