AVC Ford Transit Roof Rack Install

In this video, we install a roof rack on our 2019 Ford Transit Medium roof 148 WB Long body van. This is our how-to video for our AVC Ford Transit roof rack. For more info go to avcrig.com/store Please watch this video before you decide if installing at home is right for you (spoilers, it will be just fine). This Rack fits either a High Roof or Medium Roof Ford Transit 148" wheelbase van.
Store: avcrig.com
Tools / Materials you’ll need:
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Makita Cordless Nibbler: amzn.to/36KuClr
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Caulking Gun: amzn.to/3iNYbVT

[@Mobilexdbx]

Two suggestions: Theadlocker like Loctite 242 you're using is anaerobically cured. That means it will only really set in the void of air, as occurs once the inner thread cavity is tight and effectively "sealed". You dont need to bother applying the fairing, tighening, then loosening 1 by 1 to apply. Second, the T-nuts you're using to grab the 80/20 slots are installed backwards. The protruding threaded boss is designed to go AWAY from the fastener head, and is only there to provide additional thread engagement. The inside of the slot in proprietary 80/20 branded extruded track has a ~2* taper to it, to deflect and preload the fastener, effectively providing a thread retention. They claim it serves as its own fastener retention method. The way you're mounting those t-nuts is punching that thread extension into the back of the slot and not allowing that taper to work. Otherwise, good stuff! Enjoy the elegant simplicity here!

[@AVCRIG]

These are great suggestions. We have a new video out for our Extended rack and I took your advice on all aspects. Although I do know the 2* bevel is supposed to do exactly that (stop bolts from ratting out) I felt better by adding some locker.

[@Mobilexdbx]

Glad to hear it! Social media’s feedback loop has its merits once in great while. I support the belt and suspenders approach when it doesn’t negatively affect the average customer. In this case, it’s likely adding value in reliability. Keep makin cool stuff and enjoying the wave in new business!

[@ryankim3612]

Super good info! I did not know that either. Thank you kind sir!

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

This was great!

[@AVCRIG]

Thanks. Hope you learned something.

Buen vídeo 👌 gracias.

[@tiny11231]

Great looking rack, what are options for mounting a light bar?

[@AVCRIG]

We recently installed a rough country light bar for a customer. We used the 80/20 cross bar to support the light bar. it was a simple install and makes great use of the 80/20.

[@bwp253]

What is the load capacity of this rack? I couldn't find it on your website. Also need to know the load capacity of an individual crossbar. Thanks!

[@AVCRIG]

We stick to the Ford factory specifications for load rating. this will vary with the height and length of your van. check your owners manual. I have a 125 lb RTT on my van and I frequently have myself and my family of 4 up there when camping.

[@VIVAconLAURA]

@@AVCRIG How is everything holding up? Literally. Internal ceiling reinforcement somehow? Apparently, the weight limit for my high-roof, extended Transit 250 is 220lbs. I can't figure out how people are installing lots of things up there including tents, without structural failures - and that's not even counting human weight. I feel like I'm missing something. 🙃

[@matthewdunkerly374]

@@VIVAconLAURA those load rating are for dynamic load meaning while you’re driving. It is important not to make your van too too heavy for safe driving. The van itself will support lots of weight on the roof while you’re parked. Looking at a lot of vans out there people put way too much up on the roof.

[@VIVAconLAURA]

@@matthewdunkerly374 Thank you for the clarification! 🙏🏼 You'd think that info would be easier to find, but maybe I wasn't looking in the right places. I certainly understand not overloading it for safe driving and agree that some pack wayyyyyy too much up there.

[@kylehayes1458]

What series are the cross bars? I need to order some tnuts. Thanks!

[@AVCRIG]

1020

[@Coreyvallephoto]

What do these do with fuel mileage? Is it terrible

[@AVCRIG]

We've tested our Roof Racks on virtual wind tunnels. Additionally, when we asked our customers for feedback they told us they have seen zero difference with or with out.
So any wieght difference is probably too small to have a noticeable impact on fuel mileage.

[@Coreyvallephoto]

@@AVCRIG I have countless hours researching for the transit (connect) with no real life reviews. Rhino rack pioneer platform is what I’m looking at but no matter the platform there isn’t much info on them, so regardless I thank you for your response!

[@daversj]

I recently drove my 2020 3.5l normally aspirated 10 speed transit high roof from NY to Florida. I was probably carrying about 800 lbs of cargo. Mileage was 14@ 65 mph, not great. The computer concurred with math done at the pump. My tires are slightly oversized so actual mileage is probably slightly better than calculated by computer and the math.
I then started driving faster after the disappointing results, giving up on any economies of driving slower. My mileage surprisingly didn’t change at 75-80 mph. Still calculated 14 mpg. I was hoping for 20mpg on highway but i guess you only get those numbers with the Diesel engine. With higher cost of fuel, maintenance and service of DEF emissions equipment, i no longer am a fan of diesels. So the Van seems to get the same mileage of 14mpg regardless of driving type….fast, slow, city or highway made no difference. Curious what others have found.