TheSamba.com :: View topic - Looking to put a roof rack like one in picture on T2 Westfalia

Mon Nov 17, 2025 4:27 pm

I am looking to put a roof rack on a 1974 T2 westfalia and I want it to be just like the one in the picture below. Is this bundle all I need and is it a good roof rack while still being able to use the pop top or should I looks elsewhere?

https://gowesty.com/products/yakima-roof-rack-bund...3224284325

Mon Nov 17, 2025 5:10 pm

That one will work, but I bet you can find one cheaper on Amazon or eBay.

Mon Nov 17, 2025 6:48 pm

Not sure where you are based as it's not in your member profile or signature but check your local Craigslist or Marketplace for roof rack "false rain gutters" like in the Craigslist ad below and then a standard/wide set of roof racks will fit.

https://portland.craigslist.org/clc/pts/d/lake-oswego-canopy-roof-rack-rain/7893190995.html

A couple pics of my rack as I have solar panels and carry our canoe, SUPs, and Winsdsurf/Surf boards all the time and as I like to windsurf when it's 30+ knots, I haven't had any issues with the gear on the roof driving to the beach in stormy conditions.

Thu Nov 20, 2025 6:32 am

If you're adding weight to the pop top be careful - they are not that strong.

I have a soft moonrack i use just to carry surfboards to-from the beach that i mount on top of the pop top - i wouldn't want to put anything heavy up there though.

Untitled by Rob E, on Flickr

Thu Nov 20, 2025 8:34 am

I have the yakima rack with the gutter attachments. I much prefer the yakima to the Thule. I've loaded up my pop top 100's of times and it can carry some weight but I wouldn't pop it open with all the weight on it. I only pop it up if the loaded rack weight is less than 50 lbs. There is probably a good 100-150 lbs on it in this photo. You'll want to make sure you put the gutter attachments in the right place on the pop top and I think mine are in the right place for reference.
(however they are about 2" too far apart to mount a yakima space case up there). I'd narrow it up slightly so a box fits if I did it again. Not that I want a box up there, but if I did...

Thu Nov 20, 2025 2:43 pm

I can tell you there is no way I would even carry our 50lb canoe on the fibreglass roof with those type of mounting plates. The crosswinds around here would have the roof cracked or completely removed in no time. If you’ve ever had the pop top off , you’ll know how flexible they are. And the rubber tie downs to keep it in place :roll: ……..
I use the tall Thule gutter mounts, and just pull the front one when we pop the top.

Fri Nov 21, 2025 6:22 pm

71whitewesty wrote: I have the yakima rack with the gutter attachments. I much prefer the yakima to the Thule. I've loaded up my pop top 100's of times and it can carry some weight but I wouldn't pop it open with all the weight on it. I only pop it up if the loaded rack weight is less than 50 lbs. There is probably a good 100-150 lbs on it in this photo. You'll want to make sure you put the gutter attachments in the right place on the pop top and I think mine are in the right place for reference.
(however they are about 2" too far apart to mount a yakima space case up there). I'd narrow it up slightly so a box fits if I did it again. Not that I want a box up there, but if I did...

I don’t know man, 71whitewesty sails in the Columbia Gorge. The Mountain West winds are no stronger than Gorge winds. I had the false gutters on a Mazda camper shell and travelled in as high of winds as you will find in the continental US with no problems.