Roof rack for above cab with SMB penthouse

[wandrly]

SMB Texas did an immaculate job on my poptop and I couldn’t be happier with the results.

I’m not planning on having a roof rack on the penthouse itself though. Which leaves about 15” of roof that’s still metal, with the rain gutters, up front above the cab. Has anyone ever found a good roof basket that would fit in this area without hindering the top’s movement?

[SteelheadJones]

I'm thinking you meant "above cab" in your title? You might get more views and input if you edit...

[marret]

I have one. Thule gutter mount rack, Rola basket there when I got the van. One could cut one to fit.
https://www.sportsmobileforum.com/fo...smb-21811.html

Been discussed as well, check out this thread:
https://www.sportsmobileforum.com/fo...top-21086.html

[Twoxentrix]

I have seen Chis's (marret) front carrier - looks great & very functional.

Also crossed paths with another couple about a year ago while passing through Vermont that dd something similar. He used a "rear hitch cargo carrier" (said he just cut the hitch mount off) and attached it to two roof rails mounted to the drip rails (very similar to what marret did).

If this isnt it, it is very similar to the one they used:
https://www.etrailer.com/Hitch-Cargo...rt/C18151.html

[wandrly]

Originally Posted by SteelheadJones

I'm thinking you meant "above cab" in your title? You might get more views and input if you edit...

Yes...seems I can’t edit that particular part now?

[wandrly]

Originally Posted by marret

I have one. Thule gutter mount rack, Rola basket there when I got the van. One could cut one to fit.
https://www.sportsmobileforum.com/fo...smb-21811.html

Been discussed as well, check out this thread:
https://www.sportsmobileforum.com/fo...top-21086.html

Thanks for the link to the other thread. I looked up the Rola, was yours cut down when you bought it? Seems doable enough if there isn’t a mini basket on the market. Something about cutting a brand new $178 purchase makes me wonder if there’s a way to not do that though...

[wandrly]

The rack at the top of that other thread is definitely primo.

Seems like cutting down any existing rack one might like the front and “basket” of us basically the available option. I’ll post back with whatever I manage to put together.

[marret]

Right, mine is just like this one except cut in half:
https://www.amazon.com/59504-V-Tex-R...s%2C154&sr=8-1

I do think the hitch cargo carrier basket would work, problem is mounting as it isn't designed for a roof rack. U-bolts would work I think though.

[wandrly]

Just saw this product on Amazon. No reviews, but the size is pretty great.

https://amzn.to/3gX4QtL


It's about 2x as long as the available space, so if you didn't cut it down, it would stick over the windshield. Not sure if this is an issue yet or not, but I bought it and will check back.

But the width is the good stuff, it's significantly wider at 50" than any other rack I saw out there.

[marret]

Looks good. Look forward to seeing what you do with it. Mine stops right about equal with the top of the windshield.