TheSamba.com :: View topic

Thu Oct 10, 2019 12:16 pm

One of the few jobs the PO did that actually seems well executed; my van has a Treadplate [I think you lot call it 'Checker Plate'?] roof and, bolted through it, a roof rack made from what looks like thin diameter scaffolding bar.

PO told me he'd intended to use the van as a mobile viewing platform for watching his son Go-Kart racing, hence the weight-bearing Treadplate roof.

Tue Oct 22, 2019 9:08 am

spotted this on a search.
seems this is as good a place to share the pic as any.

Photo by @elsrdelasfurgos
found on this site
https://vanclan.co/van-life-ideas/

Sat Nov 09, 2019 1:13 pm

Can share where I could get that rack set up for my t3? Thank you

Sat Nov 09, 2019 1:28 pm

At this point you're seeing a lot of custom one-off racks and you're not clear on which rack you're asking about. I'm in a similar scenario and and deciding between custom (a good fabricator will cost $$) or seeing if I can make an off the shelf solution by commercial rack problem solvers is where I'm at.

Sat Nov 09, 2019 4:50 pm

stuzbot wrote: One of the few jobs the PO did that actually seems well executed; my van has a Treadplate [I think you lot call it 'Checker Plate'?] roof and, bolted through it, a roof rack made from what looks like thin diameter scaffolding bar.

PO told me he'd intended to use the van as a mobile viewing platform for watching his son Go-Kart racing, hence the weight-bearing Treadplate roof.

In the USA, "Diamond Plate" is used to describe the plate the P.O. used.
50/50 whether I like it! I'm just against the idea of drilling holes in my roof!

Sat Nov 09, 2019 7:35 pm

this appeals to my interests...

Sat Nov 09, 2019 8:26 pm

outcaststudios wrote: this appeals to my interests...

Winner!

Have you considered having some fun with the hardware? I was thinking button head screws but these look fun too...

https://www.etsy.com/listing/620838984/forged-scre...gLoePD_BwE

Sun Nov 10, 2019 8:46 am

oh those are cool, ill have to track some down , im sure MSC has them!

Sun Nov 10, 2019 9:29 am

Heres mine
Wanted to have the weight on the factory gutters and still be able to lift the top
aluminum Bars are set to my Thule cargo box and my kayaks

Sun Nov 10, 2019 6:11 pm

Hi,

Kinda hesitant about posting, it’s unfinished, unpainted, and forward wind deflector needs re do. But it’s a thing I’ve been dicking with for a while just meant to carry my two 80 watt Siemens glass solar panels ( old school, heavy, not as partial shade tolerant as modern panel, but free).

Turns out I could fit one of my fibreglass waffle type bridging ladder in front of panels.

Rear mounts on rear hinge bolts, front support on new holes .

Oh, yes, 1/4” aluminum and 25-50 aluminum extrusion cross bars.

Alistair.

Sun Nov 10, 2019 7:22 pm

That's a nice rack. Glad you posted it!

Tue Nov 12, 2019 12:37 pm

I have a BajaRack MegaMule that I found on Craig's list for $50, which was a real find. Came with a cargo net, too. I mounted mine towards the rear for easier pop-top lifting and so I could add lights and a camera off the back. I also mounted two LED lights on both sides. Having it mounted to the rear also allows me to open my roof vent all the way and have room for a couple of solar panels. I still needed Jack Bombay lift assists to pop the top easily but when the rack is loaded, that still isn't enough. The Hi Lift Jack mounted up there certainly doesn't help. I purchased a set of GoWesty list assists and will be adding those to augment the Bombay lifts.

Tue Nov 12, 2019 3:59 pm

epbiggs wrote: I still needed Jack Bombay lift assists to pop the top easily but when the rack is loaded, that still isn't enough.

A Hi-lift jack or spare tire on the pop-top are heavy and difficult to lift even with struts. The spare for me was the last straw in going too far in strapping stuff to the roof.

Are you using the heaviest gas springs possible with your Jack Bombay lift?

60 psi = JB regular strut
90 psi = JB HD strut
120 psi = JB extra HD strut
* the above each available from Jack Bombay and I *believe* I have the numbers right.
150 psi = super heavy duty, Jack Bombay sent me to Amazon or McMaster Carr when I needed those to compensate for too much crap on the roof.

My point is you may have an option (s) before drilling the van for the GW struts.

Here's a link to the 150 psi gas spring that works with the Bombay system and may just give you the lift you need:

JR Products GSNI-2300-150 Gas Spring https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004LF513G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_jDub3AlKsyytP

I had a long metal basket and roof-top box when using 150 psi struts:

Tue Nov 12, 2019 4:24 pm

jimf909 wrote: epbiggs wrote: I still needed Jack Bombay lift assists to pop the top easily but when the rack is loaded, that still isn't enough.

A Hi-lift jack or spare tire on the pop-top are heavy and difficult to lift even with struts. The spare for me was the last straw in going too far in strapping stuff to the roof.

Are you using the heaviest gas springs possible with your Jack Bombay lift?

60 psi = JB regular strut
90 psi = JB HD strut
120 psi = JB extra HD strut
* the above each available from Jack Bombay and I *believe* I have the numbers right.
150 psi = super heavy duty, Jack Bombay sent me to Amazon or McMaster Carr when I needed those to compensate for too much crap on the roof.

My point is you may have an option (s) before drilling the van for the GW struts.

Here's a link to the 150 psi gas spring that works with the Bombay system and may just give you the lift you need:

JR Products GSNI-2300-150 Gas Spring https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004LF513G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_jDub3AlKsyytP

I had a long metal basket and roof-top box when using 150 psi struts:

I contacted Bombay and he said he didn't think the stronger struts would cut it in my case and recommended getting the GW struts as an addition. Perhaps he doesn't sell the 150 psi versions you linked on Amazon... I can't remember the details. I've already drilled the holes in the metal, but am not sure I've got the right struts since they line up at the very front of the pop-top and every picture I've seen shows the top mount back from the front a little further. I need to get it sorted out. I wish I had your link before I bought the GW struts to see if they work as it would have been a relatively inexpensive experiment.

Man, that's a rack and a half you have!

Tue Nov 12, 2019 4:52 pm

He may have determined that you need a full extra set to accommodate your load. It was quite a rack that eventually encouraged packing too much gear up top and was eventually swapped out with a high-top while moving a lot of storage inside or to the rear hitch.

Tue Nov 12, 2019 5:50 pm

I have a full width gary lee hatch rack.

He has half racks since you have a swingaway.

http://www.telusplanet.net/public/gary2a/rack/VanagonRack/VanagonRack.htm

You could move your shovel/hi lift and ease that load off your top.

Thu Nov 14, 2019 5:43 am

[img]

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Thu Nov 14, 2019 9:17 am

wolfburger1303 wrote:

[/img]
That's awesome! If you make that logo in the stock size I'd be happy to buy a pair for the van! :D

Fri Nov 15, 2019 10:05 am

Jake de Villiers wrote: wolfburger1303 wrote:

[/img]
That's awesome! If you make that logo in the stock size I'd be happy to buy a pair for the van! :D

I will try :D .

Where are you from?

Fri Nov 15, 2019 10:33 am

ragnarhairybreeks wrote: Hi,

Kinda hesitant about posting, it’s unfinished, unpainted, and forward wind deflector needs re do. But it’s a thing I’ve been dicking with for a while just meant to carry my two 80 watt Siemens glass solar panels ( old school, heavy, not as partial shade tolerant as modern panel, but free).

Turns out I could fit one of my fibreglass waffle type bridging ladder in front of panels.

Rear mounts on rear hinge bolts, front support on new holes .

Oh, yes, 1/4” aluminum and 25-50 aluminum extrusion cross bars.

Alistair.

I think it's just awesome! Also, thanks for the links and maintaining your website- I wind up there several times a year.