Roof Rack Questions

11103 Views 21 Replies 10 Participants Last post by skullhead, Oct 10, 2010

Philberto

Discussion Starter · Jun 27, 2009

Hey everybody.

I know I'm relatively new around here, but I'm really really impatiently waiting to add to my TV. I already have the z71 shocks (accidentally bought them before i found the spring auction) and I managed to find springs for a decent price as well, so they're on the way. Mark, I'll be purchasing your kit in the next few months as well.

With all that, I was looking into replacing my stock roof rack with a cargo basket. Sounds simple enough, however there are a few requirements:

*I want to replace my stock roof rack and crossbars with this, or mount it inline with (instead of on top of) the crossbars. I'm doing this to cut down on wind resistance, increase strength, and reduce total vehicle height.

*It needs to be long enough for me to mount lights on the front without creating an extra light bar (KISS)

*It needs to be adaptable to mount a rooftop tent on the back (I was looking at the eezi-awn tents) and still have room for gas cans in the front.

I've been looking around, and I've kinda settled on either the MOAB or the Mule/MegaMule, but I wanted to know if anybody else has any input or knows of any other baskets that might suit my needs. Also, is the MegaMule too wide for our TVs? I like the Mule on James's TV, :hail: (I'm going for an expedition vehicle similar to his, but with more of a camper ability) but it's a little short for me.

Thanks in advance for all your help everybody,

Phil :tiphat

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P07r0457

· #2 · Jun 28, 2009 (Edited)

The Mule is pretty short, imo. I had a Yakima LoadWarrior w/extension on my last vehicle. It was a good size, and long enough for me to have my spare up there, lights in front (yakima has a nice bracket that fits 2 lights that was easily modified to fit 4), and still have some room in the middle.

However, if you want to replace the roof rack, entirely, that is a custom job. You might as well talk to the shop and see how much they'd charge to build the rack into the rails. Custom rack/rails may be less than an aftermarket rack. And the custom/welded version will be stronger, anyway.

Philberto

Discussion Starter · #3 · Jun 28, 2009

Thanks for the info. I'm thinking I may whip out the tape measure and Google SketchUp and mock up something for my welding shop to figure out. :undecided I'm good at figuring things out, but fabrication isn't my strong suit (no training nor access to tools and supplies).

JamesDowning

· #4 · Jun 28, 2009

My 1" square load bars sit maybe 1/4" off the roof in the middle rear. So if you can figure out a way to mount your roof rack directly to the side bars, you'll have it sitting about as low as possible.

I had considered the mega-mule, but I didn't need a ton of roof storage. The mule is plenty of extra storage for my needs. However, I did check out the dimensions of the mega, and it seemed the edges would stick past the stock roof rack by about an inch. It should look good, but it may present it's own mounting challenges.

Also, be aware that the baja rack's top rail is not flat, it's curved, which may make mounting a RTT tricky. BajaRack has another rack called the expedition (IIRC). It has a flat rear that is made for a RTT. You may want to look into that one.

Good luck.

AlekG

· #5 · Jun 28, 2009

The only thing you have to be careful about is the weight rating of various racks. I was looking into the Yakima models when I first started but was disappointed that they were rated at only 250 lbs.

That is how I got to the Surco Safari rack (along with some great help from Roadie) which is rated at 350 lbs. As I was planning for a tire, 2 gas cans, 1 water can, camping equipment, and a hi-lift jack at the time, I definitely needed the higher weight rating.

Now I'm no expert on roof top tents, but due to the weight requirements don't they usually mount straight to the vehicle's roof hardware?

If you require more expert opinions, I'm sure you can find them here:
http://www.expeditionportal.com

AG5

Philberto

Discussion Starter · #6 · Jun 30, 2009

Thanks to everyone for the information.

James, I'm gonna take a look at that expedition rack and see if I can either modify one or get my mech engineer buddy to help me work up CAD plans.

Alek, I've been lurking on ExPo for a bit, but haven't joined yet. They're giving me ideas for the rear hatch-integrated shower I'm planning (more on that later) :x. As far as the RTTs go, I've seen both mounting options, but it appears to me that they are all able to mount to either crossbars or rain gutters. Crossbars just are much easier for me to use. I'm definitely keeping my eye on weight ratings, and now that I know our stock rack is only able to hold around 200 lbs IIRC, I'm liking the idea of a custom roof rack more and more.

Anyways, if and when I get around to it, I'll keep you guys posted and I'll make a write-up for anybody else who's interested.

-Phil

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hpimichael02

· #7 · Jun 30, 2009

phil did you say custom roof rack ??

Bing- http://www.blackoutaz.com/racks.htm

check them out , they will make any size for you and shipping is cheap, and you can see plenty of pics of the racks in use... i found them a while back , and i am having one built for me as soon as i have the funds for it,

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Philberto

Discussion Starter · #8 · Jun 30, 2009

hpimichael02 said:
phil did you say custom roof rack ??

Bing- http://www.blackoutaz.com/racks.htm

check them out , they will make any size for you and shipping is cheap, and you can see plenty of pics of the racks in use... i found them a while back , and i am having one built for me as soon as i have the funds for it,

Schweet!!!!

I'll have to look into them. Just have to decide now, because I did have a cool design in mind using a girder-style support :undecided but definitely an awesome find. This is why I love this community!

-Phil:thumbsup:

hpimichael02

· #9 · Jul 1, 2009

yea man , were all here for each other thats why i love this community ... but if you can post some designs that are in your mind up .... if possiable... i got a great free 3d modeler- its from discreet its called Gmax, its 3dsmax lil brother, i have both lol ... Zmodeler is also a neat 3d modeling tool

Philberto

Discussion Starter · #10 · Jul 2, 2009

I'm gonna draw up some stuff after I measure and then have my sis use 3ds max to do it. Otherwise, I have AutoCAD or SketchUp at my disposal.

hpimichael02

· #11 · Jul 2, 2009

awsome cant wait for some designs...

SiJen

· #12 · Aug 17, 2009

Roofrack crossbars

Philberto, if you do decide to replace your stock roofrack with something else, would you be interested in selling your OEM crossbars? I have an 04 Buick Rainier, but I believe they are compatible. Thanks.

Philberto

Discussion Starter · #13 · Aug 17, 2009

SiJen said:
Philberto, if you do decide to replace your stock roofrack with something else, would you be interested in selling your OEM crossbars? I have an 04 Buick Rainier, but I believe they are compatible. Thanks.

Hi, I ended up deciding to use the factory crossbars to help support my rack, so I won't be selling them. Sorry!

SiJen

· #14 · Aug 18, 2009

roofrack crossbars

Hey Philberto!

Thanks for your response. I'll keep looking. Actually, I got a message from another member today who has a set. This forum rocks!

jagmqt

· #15 · Oct 2, 2010

Does anyone know how much weight the standard roof rack is rated for?

I've got an 05 trailblazer and am considering making some changes.

Thanks (I can't find my owners manual)

jag

djthumper

· #16 · Oct 2, 2010

220 lbs is what the stock rack is rated at.

Fishsticks

· #17 · Oct 2, 2010

djthumper said:
220 lbs is what the stock rack is rated at.

So what you're saying is that I shouldn't try parasailing from my roof rack?

djthumper

· #18 · Oct 2, 2010 (Edited)

Fishsticks said:
So what you're saying is that I shouldn't try parasailing from my roof rack?

On our racks we might get away with it. Especially after I change the mounting on mine. :laugh:

Fishsticks

· #19 · Oct 2, 2010

djthumper said:
On our racks we might get away with it. Especially after I chenge the mounting on mine. :laugh:

Oh, ok good. It's on my list.

djthumper

· #20 · Oct 2, 2010

Fishsticks said:
Oh, ok good. It's on my list.

Isn't that a little too late to save your rear end?

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