Small Roof Rack in front of pop top?

[buggymancan]

I would like to find a small rack like that also, in my case to mount to a 2016 Mercedes low roof sprinter (no rain gutter). I like the concept of accessing from the front zippered window of the SMB pop top once deployed!
Please share if anyone has a lead on such a rack.

Originally Posted by Twoxentrix

Mark, use this link & then scroll through the pictures on the right side ... have a couple showcasing that small cab rack.
https://fieldvan.com/camper-vans/ford-classic-4x4/

[Twoxentrix]

I considered this combination a while back - and Since you have no drip-rails, whatever you do would require mounting through the roof so something along these lines may be right up your alley:
https://overlandaddict.com/collectio...-quick-release

https://overlandaddict.com/products/...ugged-case-95l

[bobthecow]

The only things I've seen that work in front of the pop top are Yakima or Thule gutter mount bars with a cargo bin on top, or that Field Van / Aluminess stubby rack. I didn't really love either of those options so I ended up making myself a bootleg Prinsu-style low profile rack:

https://www.sportsmobileforum.com/fo...ack-31256.html

[rjs73]

I was curious about those, too and recently contacted FieldVans.

They said it's called the "Cab Rack" and it's $2k installed or $1,850 plus shipping if you want it delivered to you.

That's quite a bit more than I'm looking to pay for that functionality, so I'll be considering other options.

[doublevan2]

OUCH ! I agree I'll be looking for other options -

[DosMars]

Originally Posted by rjs73

I was curious about those, too and recently contacted FieldVans.

They said it's called the "Cab Rack" and it's $2k installed or $1,850 plus shipping if you want it delivered to you.

That's quite a bit more than I'm looking to pay for that functionality, so I'll be considering other options.

Thanks for that info, it's good to have a number. I'm a week in, still waiting for an email response from Field and Aluminess. Must be nice to be too busy to get back to prospective buyers!

Anyone know what a fully opening zippered window goes for?

[Orv]

I made one for my E-250 out of the basket from a hitch rack and some drip rail mounts. It's maybe not the prettiest but it's definitely functional.

[DosMars]

Heard back from Aluminess and Field Vans:

Hi Mark,
Unfortunately, that is not one of Aluminess' products. We are currently only manufacturing a line of products such as bumpers, roof racks, rear door storage, racks, and ladders. Although we are not making these at this time, I can ask our engineering team if this is something currently in the works.
Thank you for reaching out to Aluminess!
Best Regards,
Alissa Webster | Customer Service
Aluminess


Hello Mark, thank you for reaching out to us.

Yes we carry the cab mini basket. you are looking at $2,000.
It only works with the extended body Ford van with a pop top.

Your pop top should already have a zipper front window and screen built into it. If it does not, we would need to replace the complete canvas. You are looking at $2,600 for the upgrade.

Regards,

Peter
Field Van

Love that rack, but at $2,000 for the rack and another $2,600 for new canvas, I'm going to have to look at other options.
If I can get a good look at that rack, I think I can mock it up and have our welder weld it together.
I'm going to check with the marine canvas guys and see if they can come up with a fully zippering window they can swap out. New canvas would be nice, but swapping out that window or installing a zipper around it to provide access should be doable.

[dbhosttexas]

So I am looking at universal roof rack / cross bars and baskets.

The Arksen 30x50x6 basket is as best as I can find the most likely to fit the bill, but it needs crossbars to mount to and will extend over the front of the cab when installed, maybe not a horrible idea but maybe it is... https://amzn.to/3DGSUNt

You are going to need like I said some rails to attach to. No idea if this would work but here are some universal roof rack rails / cross bars. https://amzn.to/3DEV0NM

[doublevan2]

Not sure what your present cab roof looks like but am sure you are aware of possible wind resistance / noise whistling, etc., can ruin a quiet ride - I'd try to keep it low to the roof with "rails" if possible -- I had thought of doing similar but new CCV top pretty much cancelled that idea !

Somehow - maybe fabricate something close to what you envision - and test drive a bit to see what happens ? Be sure it's tied down tight !