Van Roof Design Philosophy

Thoughts you may have on what it takes to come up with a good camper van roof design and how what choices you make may impact your decision. Rack or no rack? Lots of solar? How many Maxxair fans? 12V AC (Air Conditioner)? Dometic RTX 2000 was my choice.
Flatline Van Co FVCO V2 rack installation: • Flatline Van Co v2 roo...

[@addiedandelion]

We don't have our van in hand yet (maddening I tell ya!) but are trying to firm up our game plan so we can hit the ground running once we do. Unfortunately, that means "measure, measure, measure" is just a dream at this point. Was wondering if you have any idea of the length of the van roof from behind the MaxxAir fan to the back of the van?
Appreciate the tip that the crossbars on the FVC rack sit below the top of the side rails - really good information to have as we move forward trying to plan our roof/rack/solar. Looking forward to your next video!

[@VanTransitions]

Thanks, I'll keep them coming!
It has been a long wait for so many to get their van. The length to the rear will depend on so many factors. Are you regular or extended length? Are you installing the fan where I did or the "all the way forward" location? DIYVan has adapters for each location.
DIYVan and AVC RIG (60.25" crossbars and allows hangover) are other roof rack options.

[@effie2206]

I'm actually planning the roof configuration for the same size Transit. At this time I think of installing my own design roof rack (based on 80/20) because after installing a fan and an AC I think I can fit around 700w on the roof.
One note on the RTX2000, from my understanding it needs an opening that's a bit larger than the standard 14"x14", it may not effect the available roof area but can dictate where on the roof it can be installed.

[@VanTransitions]

The RTX 2000 hole should be 14x14 with a notch (the manufacturer docs and hole template in the box describe a larger hole). I am using the Hein DIYVan adapter. You can find his introductory video here: ua-cam.com/video/tE4u_qKjKaQ/v-deo.html and diyvan.com for his shop. "Bob's Transit Van" channel has a video up using the adapter. I will eventually do an install video as well. DIYVan (and many others) sell just the mounts so you can build your own rack out of 8020.

[@VanTransitions]

And the last bay of an extended length Transit has 14.5" to work with as noted in the video.

[@scottvallie4495]

Unfortunately I have to wait for a year to get our van but we ordered A130 medium roof, our van is not going to be a campervan we will build it for animal transport. With that said we will have an air conditioner inside the van and a small refrigerator of some sort and of course a host of USB charging ports. I don't anticipate our energy needs to be that great since we will drive most of the time using DC to DC charging but a concern is if we break down I want at least a couple of hours of battery time with the AC running for the animals. A major concern for us is fuel economy as we all know the more that's up top the more resistance the more fuel, Your video is well thought out and covered a lot of the aspects of a roof rack.

[@VanTransitions]

Thanks, Scott! We do want to protect our animals! Batteries can be expensive. Are you planning on a 12V or 120V AC? Admittedly the Dometic RTX 2000 isn't cheap, but it's a brand that should have wide service availability across the USA, at least that's my hope. Solar can help your batteries stay topped up if you are stranded for too long. I have not noticed any change in my MPG since adding the FVCO rack.

[@scottvallie4495]

@@VanTransitions as we speak now, 12 volt Cruise and Comfort. all of this is subject to change due to size limitations of components. Current plan is 2 24x40 dog creates at the back of the van this leaves very little room on the side wall for AC/Water/Batteries/Converter and accessories. So in short if i cant find a way to make it fit then I will be forced to go to the roof.. I'm not a fan of roof tops AC, we have had 5 RV's over the years and I find that type of AC loud and high maintenance (Seals)

[@VanTransitions]

Have you considered the all in 1 solutions from Goal Zero, Bluetti, or others?

[@scottvallie4495]

@@VanTransitions No but I will look them up

[@mrf0rd957]

I see you have plans for the RTX 2000. Do you think a Nomadic 2000 AC unit would fit in the farthest back bay? it uses the same 14x14 opening but the unit dimensions on the roof are 31"L x 37"W. I appreciate your time. My van delivery is still a month away.

[@VanTransitions]

Any unit that fits a 14x14 opening can be put there I presume, but will it fit with your roof arrangement and overhang? I would guess that it would not fit on my roof layout. Think about if the 14x14 section is centered, off center, and if off, how far off so you know your overhang on each side. On the Dometic RTX 2000, the unit seems to be centered over it's 14x14 section. If memory is correct I believe it was 5" forward and back. Measure, measure, measure and draw it out for your unit. I bet others have used your unit so I suspect you'll find videos specific to its fit. Good luck!