PhoTow: A Transformer PhotoRig

[lazybummm]

Awesome thank you! hard to find the rail photos, and some I saw appeared to be offset, must be the ones that decided to do new holes. My biggest fear is leaking, gotta figure out how to sort that one out

[Otter]

Ya, CCV put a bunch of butyl tape under the entire Unistrut piece. So far, so good, no leaks!

[nyyankees588]

Originally Posted by lazybummm

Awesome thank you! hard to find the rail photos, and some I saw appeared to be offset, must be the ones that decided to do new holes. My biggest fear is leaking, gotta figure out how to sort that one out

Butyl tape and dycor should keep your roof in good shape. Roll out a small ball of butyl tape and then smash it flat around each hole that you drill. Once the bolt is installed, cover it with dycor. I've done a lot of installs of solar & roof vents and this is the way to go... if done correctly, you should never have leaks.

[snowgroomer]

Otter

Really like your build I have similar van and we use it to haul a camper but I have been thinking about maybe making it into a camper for short trips or when we leave the trailer for a basecamp. Currently have two Siennas mounted permanent and a platform bed. Would like to be able to put another pair of siennas ( I already have) in back for when I haul the kids and there friends around town Now that you have had your top for awhile are there any negatives? Noise,leaks etc. Also do you know where you can get the Unwin stuff and rails now

Thanks

Doug

[Otter]

Originally Posted by snowgroomer

Otter

Really like your build I have similar van and we use it to haul a camper but I have been thinking about maybe making it into a camper for short trips or when we leave the trailer for a basecamp. Currently have two Siennas mounted permanent and a platform bed. Would like to be able to put another pair of siennas ( I already have) in back for when I haul the kids and there friends around town Now that you have had your top for awhile are there any negatives? Noise,leaks etc. Also do you know where you can get the Unwin stuff and rails now

Thanks

Doug

Nice Camper duo! I pulled a 16 footer for a while and loved it. But I sold it to finance the poptop when I decided to just go full-tilt with the van. I miss the room of the trailer but don’t miss messing with it. The poptop is terrific, no leaks, no problems. I love the height and all that space when you open it up (8 feet standing room). It’s nice and airy.

As far as the Unwin system, you probably know that ExpoVans stopped selling it. But you can buy all the L-track and Unwin pieces on your own. The Sienna base that fits the Unwins is one that MG at ExpoVans fabbed up. I don’t know if he’s still selling them but here’s a photo. You have to have a base that has holes lined up to the L-track. (The lighter x-thing is just a template for lining up the L-track).



.

[lazybummm]

Thanks everyone!

Otter, do you know if CCV used a solid or slotted strut channel?

I am leaning toward solid and drilling a few holes, seems like it would expose less water to roof top, but not really sure if my rationale is correct.

Thanks,
Calvin

[Otter]

The unistrut is solid. Easier to clean that way, too. And maybe stronger? It's aluminum.

[lazybummm]

Originally Posted by Otter

The unistrut is solid. Easier to clean that way, too. And maybe stronger? It's aluminum.

Awesome, thanks again. I am putting an order in on Grainger now. 12ga 10ft solid alum strut channels

[snowgroomer]

When you did your floor were you able to reinstall factory side panels?

[Otter]

Originally Posted by snowgroomer

When you did your floor were you able to reinstall factory side panels?

I’ve only reinstalled the forward driver’s side panel so far. Still working on insulation but hope to finish that up soon. No problems reinstalling so far. At least on that side, it doesn’t look like the floor changed the profile too much.