Roof rack for poptop

[harvey]

Newbie question so take it easy, and please point me in the right direction if I have it wrong.

I'm thinking of adding a roof rack to my poptop so I can carry my roof box & maybe a kayak. Just want to carry light bulky stuff in the box like my awning with poles. What are folks using for racks? I've seen a few pics of poptops with racks, but curious how they're mounted. A bit timid of drilling holes for the brackets, are there ones that clamp? Any help appreciated.

[colinthefox]

I can't help with suitable roof racks, but I did weigh my old pop top when I took it off, and it accounted for ALL the permitted roof weight loading (which I think was 120kg total). Bear with me........the point is that if other pop tops are designed with this allowance in mind, there might not be any spare for loading a roof rack.

One thing is for sure, our van is a lot less "rock and roll" with 70kg less up top.

Just my pennyworth.

[harvey]

I can't help with suitable roof racks, but I did weigh my old pop top when I took it off, and it accounted for ALL the permitted roof weight loading (which I think was 120kg total). Bear with me........the point is that if other pop tops are designed with this allowance in mind, there might not be any spare for loading a roof rack.

One thing is for sure, our van is a lot less "rock and roll" with 70kg less up top.

Just my pennyworth.

Thanks, I really appreciate your comments.

I'm curious about the 'Vanagon' poptops that you see in America where there's a luggage/storage compartment above the cab. I wonder what VW stated as max weight for that area? Would that area be better suited to carry added weight? Just seems to me added weight would be best displaced between the axils.

I doubt that I'd put more than 30-40kg on top counting the rack & box.

[ninja.turtle007]

As far as I know you will have to drill holes for the brackets. This really isn't a big deal. If you are looking at adding weight to your roof you will probably need lift assist gas struts- available from Bombay Jack.

This is mine with my kayak and 2200mm roof box. inside the box was 4 chairs, a table, a buggy and enough nappies for 4 weeks. The roof could have been lifted by 2 people but with the gas struts it was easy enough to be lifted by one.

[danmetallic]

As far as I know you will have to drill holes for the brackets. This really isn't a big deal. If you are looking at adding weight to your roof you will probably need lift assist gas struts- available from Bombay Jack.

This is mine with my kayak and 2200mm roof box. inside the box was 4 chairs, a table, a buggy and enough nappies for 4 weeks. The roof could have been lifted by 2 people but with the gas struts it was easy enough to be lifted by one.

Nice van! So what bars do have going across the top? Just curious as our van came with the brackets on each side but no bars and I quite fancy getting some.

[ninja.turtle007]

I have two different sets as I have fittings for 3 bars. The ones that came with my van are a mixture of two different sets from halfords. The set I bought which are lower are made by Mont Blanc. They cost in the region of £50.

[harvey]

Tom, those are great shots and what a lovely camper - really like your setup. I've got that same Thule roof box - been using it on my estate.

Just read in the Owners book that poptop roof can hold up to 50kg (110lb).

[tforturton]

PM Jedthespread - he uses a rack on top of a pop-top, and is also the font of all knowledge.....

[ninja.turtle007]

Tom, those are great shots and what a lovely camper - really like your setup. I've got that same Thule roof box - been using it on my estate.

Just read in the Owners book that poptop roof can hold up to 50kg (110lb).

Thank you.

We have definitely had more than 50kgs on there. With the roof down the bars are supported off the gutters. The only time the roof bears the weight is when it is up.

[Allanw]

..... and enough nappies for 4 weeks.

You can just pee in a bottle if you don't want to stop driving...

[harvey]

Guys, sorry to be such a muppet... but can you point me to where these racks are sold? I've had a look online, ebay, etc but no luck.

[ninja.turtle007]

http://www.vwbusshop.de/epages/GuenzlCl ... /255070030" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[harvey]

Cheers, Tom