Thanks for putting out this video, it's the best detailed one I could find. I purchased this with the other four supports for the roof and with shipping it cost me a total of $648.00 but it is still the best priced one out there. I just check the place that makes these and the price just went up almost a $100 WOW! Things are getting bad!
Hi Michele, this is the best installation video I have found, please keep doing them! I was wondering if the cross bars would be suitable for screwing down wood slats, to make a rooftop deck? I can't quite see the shape of them. Thank you!!
Thanks for the question and thanks for your kind words. The cross braces are tubes. You would need to drill them first. They are steel and galvanized so drilling may be a lengthy process, You could also anchor your deck with some kind of horse shoe shaped bracket to hold wood on- that may be a bit faster.
Great video. My Topper rack is on now and the wild sound I get is very annoying. I’m installing the wind deflector today and hope it does the job. It seems odd that the deflector doesn’t go all the way across the van. It almost makes me think it’s short for a particular reason. Does anybody know why? If the noise stops once my deflector is on, I suppose it won’t matter. Michelle, did You make any videos on how you attached your solar panels to the rack?
Hi Michele, love the video on this one and I have one quick question... what is the inside dimension of the width of the rack? The website states 60” but not sure is that is to the outside. Looking to mount 3 solar panels that are 19.6 or 58.8 in width total. So a super tight squeeze!
Hi there. Sorry I didn't see your comment right away. I just went out and measured the rack and the inside dimensions on my rack were 58 1/4". Hope this helps.
Thank you for the informative video Michele. I'm ordering my rack today. How are finding the wind deflector. It seems very short relative to the width of the rack. Is it working well or would you advise a wider one?
I don't have anything on my roof yet, but I can tell you people who do report with this rack that the wind screen works fine. I guess it depends on what you have up there. Solar panels, fine. Large carrying rack? you may want to see what other's do with high cargo and if a taller screen is useful. thanks for commenting on my video. It's a a great adVanture.
Very informative, I'm looking at these for my 139" WB Promaster. I'll be ordering it instead of getting a mini trailer for carrying Kayak's or other stuff behind the van. Question for you, how much taller does this make the van? They already are nearly 9' tall, have you noticed any issues with overpasses or drive through windows since installing them on the big beast?
With the rack on top I am 9 feet 1inch. I've measured it a few times. I've been through a few drive-throughs that say 9' clearance and I make it by 8 inches (??Math??) Watch your height que signs before you enter : most have it listed. You will get the hang for where you can fit after a few. I have never encounter an overpass too low, even on back roads in Wisconsin. I think if it's below 16'6 they have to post it in most states. One of the great things about this rack is that you don't need to install all the cross bars so you can better plan your fan/solar/storage placement. If you plan on carrying a Kayak, you may want your roof vents near one side instead of the center, giving you more real-estate for shifting yaks. The sides on this rack will be most helpful for securing and the easy load back will keep it from scratching up your paint or upper lights. #ILOVEKAYACKING
@@michele2017promastertravel Thank you for the response. My van setup is a 'Stealth' Camper van so as of right now no Solar, no roof A/C or any of that. I have the metal window vents with a mesh bug screen I keep in the two doors all the time for ventilation, and a portable A/C That resides behind the passenger seat and ducts out the passenger window removing the mesh vent for the A/C hose. So this rack would be fully for storage capability ;-)
Hi Sorry I missed your comment. So I haven't got my solar installed on it yet but there are few comments I'll make. First it's super quiet, I never notice any road noise from it. It's not showing any ware yet, like rust. I once went under a sign that said 9' and because I'm 9'1" I dragged on it a short ways. I inspected it later and didn't see any damage or scrape marks. So it's all good.
I'm surprised you're not letting gravity do the job. In other words, after you get the beams and crossbars on and screwed in (1st bolt), pick up the rack and place it face down; then you can drill/screw the bolts to the rack....
The exact placement of the brackets on the rack isn't really known until you lift it in place and mark it. The manufacturer said not to drill the holes while it set into the bracket attached to you roof because the sideways pressure could pop the PM mounting bolts. I hope this answers your question.
Well I ended up ordering it for my Van, and I have to say the quality control is absolute garbage from this company! The rack itself I have no doubt is very heavy duty, but you better know how to use tools and have extra stuff. The metal braces in the upper tube, the one held in place with a pop rivet were both broken, so I had to wiggle them out of the pipes then drill out the old rivet. I have a pop rivet gun so that wasn't to big a deal, but still for the price this kit cost that shouldn't have been an issue. All the brackets finish is brutal, I'm taking my file to all 12 feet that touch the roof even though they have the rubber pads. I love the look of the rack, but am very disappointed in just how quickly and cheaply they made the kit. I get that this is a 'Commercial Vehicle' so I wasn't expecting a high polish piece of art, but this to me was unacceptable. Thank you for the video, it aided assembly quite a bit and helped make it go faster.
Yes depending on where you are the $$$ and it's heavy and big. It came special delivery in a 16w Semi. If I remember it was $70 just for shipping. Sometimes you can find them at local vendors.
Protective coating is compromised when drilling. Ideally you need to spray the holes with Rust-Oleum after drilling. Water will get in and it will start sipping out as yellow rusty mud afterwards.
Thanks for putting out this video, it's the best detailed one I could find. I purchased this with the other four supports for the roof and with shipping it cost me a total of $648.00 but it is still the best priced one out there. I just check the place that makes these and the price just went up almost a $100 WOW! Things are getting bad!
Thanks for the kind words.
OH! THIS IS AWESOME!! I didn't know it arrived un-assembled! Thank you! You made it look easy!
Hi Michele, this is the best installation video I have found, please keep doing them! I was wondering if the cross bars would be suitable for screwing down wood slats, to make a rooftop deck? I can't quite see the shape of them. Thank you!!
Thanks for the question and thanks for your kind words. The cross braces are tubes. You would need to drill them first. They are steel and galvanized so drilling may be a lengthy process, You could also anchor your deck with some kind of horse shoe shaped bracket to hold wood on- that may be a bit faster.
Great video. My Topper rack is on now and the wild sound I get is very annoying. I’m installing the wind deflector today and hope it does the job. It seems odd that the deflector doesn’t go all the way across the van. It almost makes me think it’s short for a particular reason. Does anybody know why? If the noise stops once my deflector is on, I suppose it won’t matter. Michelle, did You make any videos on how you attached your solar panels to the rack?
I haven't gotten my solar panels yet. I'm waiting for the Apex kits to come out.
Good instructional video..Thank you ..Have a blessed day..
Hi Michele, love the video on this one and I have one quick question... what is the inside dimension of the width of the rack? The website states 60” but not sure is that is to the outside. Looking to mount 3 solar panels that are 19.6 or 58.8 in width total. So a super tight squeeze!
Hi there. Sorry I didn't see your comment right away. I just went out and measured the rack and the inside dimensions on my rack were 58 1/4". Hope this helps.
Thx for the reply... crazy how Vanlife cares about every little half inch of space. :) T TY his was super helpful!
Thank you for the informative video Michele. I'm ordering my rack today. How are finding the wind deflector. It seems very short relative to the width of the rack. Is it working well or would you advise a wider one?
I don't have anything on my roof yet, but I can tell you people who do report with this rack that the wind screen works fine. I guess it depends on what you have up there. Solar panels, fine. Large carrying rack? you may want to see what other's do with high cargo and if a taller screen is useful. thanks for commenting on my video. It's a a great adVanture.
Very informative, I'm looking at these for my 139" WB Promaster. I'll be ordering it instead of getting a mini trailer for carrying Kayak's or other stuff behind the van.
Question for you, how much taller does this make the van? They already are nearly 9' tall, have you noticed any issues with overpasses or drive through windows since installing them on the big beast?
With the rack on top I am 9 feet 1inch. I've measured it a few times. I've been through a few drive-throughs that say 9' clearance and I make it by 8 inches (??Math??) Watch your height que signs before you enter : most have it listed. You will get the hang for where you can fit after a few. I have never encounter an overpass too low, even on back roads in Wisconsin. I think if it's below 16'6 they have to post it in most states.
One of the great things about this rack is that you don't need to install all the cross bars so you can better plan your fan/solar/storage placement. If you plan on carrying a Kayak, you may want your roof vents near one side instead of the center, giving you more real-estate for shifting yaks. The sides on this rack will be most helpful for securing and the easy load back will keep it from scratching up your paint or upper lights. #ILOVEKAYACKING
@@michele2017promastertravel Thank you for the response. My van setup is a 'Stealth' Camper van so as of right now no Solar, no roof A/C or any of that. I have the metal window vents with a mesh bug screen I keep in the two doors all the time for ventilation, and a portable A/C That resides behind the passenger seat and ducts out the passenger window removing the mesh vent for the A/C hose. So this rack would be fully for storage capability ;-)
Is this the 12' or 14' rack?
Also is your van the 159WB or the 159 EXT WB?
It is the 12 foot rack and I have 159 not extended.
What are your impressions of the rack a year later?
Hi Sorry I missed your comment. So I haven't got my solar installed on it yet but there are few comments I'll make. First it's super quiet, I never notice any road noise from it. It's not showing any ware yet, like rust. I once went under a sign that said 9' and because I'm 9'1" I dragged on it a short ways. I inspected it later and didn't see any damage or scrape marks. So it's all good.
I'm surprised you're not letting gravity do the job. In other words, after you get the beams and crossbars on and screwed in (1st bolt), pick up the rack and place it face down; then you can drill/screw the bolts to the rack....
The exact placement of the brackets on the rack isn't really known until you lift it in place and mark it. The manufacturer said not to drill the holes while it set into the bracket attached to you roof because the sideways pressure could pop the PM mounting bolts. I hope this answers your question.
Well I ended up ordering it for my Van, and I have to say the quality control is absolute garbage from this company! The rack itself I have no doubt is very heavy duty, but you better know how to use tools and have extra stuff. The metal braces in the upper tube, the one held in place with a pop rivet were both broken, so I had to wiggle them out of the pipes then drill out the old rivet. I have a pop rivet gun so that wasn't to big a deal, but still for the price this kit cost that shouldn't have been an issue. All the brackets finish is brutal, I'm taking my file to all 12 feet that touch the roof even though they have the rubber pads.
I love the look of the rack, but am very disappointed in just how quickly and cheaply they made the kit. I get that this is a 'Commercial Vehicle' so I wasn't expecting a high polish piece of art, but this to me was unacceptable.
Thank you for the video, it aided assembly quite a bit and helped make it go faster.
It's unfortunate you had a bad experience. I hope the company makes it right.
Thank you! About to build mine
If I may ask, how did you end up mounting your panels to the rack?
BE AWARE, Shipping cost almost as much as the Rack!! Ridiculous!!!
Yes depending on where you are the $$$ and it's heavy and big. It came special delivery in a 16w Semi. If I remember it was $70 just for shipping. Sometimes you can find them at local vendors.
Its gonna rust.
It’s galvanized
Protective coating is compromised when drilling. Ideally you need to spray the holes with Rust-Oleum after drilling. Water will get in and it will start sipping out as yellow rusty mud afterwards.