Full size roof rack options

[TallPaul_S]

Flat dog have a sale on at the moment if that helps, £75 off a T6 rack.

Weight isn't really an issue, both racks are aluminium and probably weight a similar amount. The flat dog is fully welded whereas frontline are bolted together.

 

[Kind of Blue]

Flat dog have a sale on at the moment if that helps, £75 off a T6 rack.

Weight isn't really an issue, both racks are aluminium and probably weight a similar amount. The flat dog is fully welded whereas frontline are bolted together.

I like the idea of these full racks but the weight puts me off a bit. A full rack gives a platform with lots of possibilities such as mounting solar panels which help keep the sun off the roof a bonus not to mention their intended use. Other stuff can be bolted on, camping shell or tents ladders can easily be carried and any other long stuff. It also offers a long smooth surface along the outer edge to ward off overhanging branches that will simply slide over without scratching or gouging.
It is just lugging around 40plus, 50KG all of the time at the top of the vehicle, exserting maximum leverage, flopping the vehicle around, even when empty, every time one changes direction. That is a big put off against all the positives, for me. Perhaps if they are easy to mount and dismount. Then what to do with the stick up brackets or removing them as well and cleaning up all the bolts re water proofing threads and so on.

 

[TallPaul_S]

It is just lugging around 40plus, 50KG all of the time at the top of the vehicle, exserting maximum leverage, flopping the vehicle around, even when empty, every time one changes direction. That is a big put off against all the positives, for me. Perhaps if they are easy to mount and dismount. Then what to do with the stick up brackets or removing them as well and cleaning up all the bolts re water proofing threads and so on.

I literally don't notice any different handling on my van, it's no different to having a pop top on the van, they're far more than 40kg, surely?

I've got a 300w solar panel on mine, which weighs 20kg, and an awning which is probably the same. And I have a big bag with I'm on long trips with table/chairs/other bits which is easily 10-15kg. My van weights 2500 kg so another 100kg really isn't anything at the end of the day. I did 2500 miles round Europe and apart from reduced mileage due to wind resistance, it wasn't noticeable.

Fitting/removing is a 2-4 person job, but tbh I think you're overthinking the downsides of having the rack on there full time.

 

[Timm0s]

If you are considering roof racks and like the Front Runner, I have a 2 year old slim line 2 with ladder and lash down attachments which I’m not going to put back on my van. All in very good condition. PM me if it’s of interest.

where are you located and how much?

 

[Aggers]

I'm in Exeter. If that's any use to you. I'm looking at £1k for the lot which is much less than half price.

 

[JENXFIVE]

Another vote for Flatdog LWB Rax: Volkswagen T5 / T6 FD RAX - LWB from www.flatdoguk.com
Fitted at the FlatDog Gainsborough HQ/showroom/workshop with fitting of the Rax included in the price. Bought their roof tent mounting kit and they kindly fitted roof tent at same time as fitting the Rax.

Points previously mentioned about weight, noise, reduced MPG etc. with having roof rack of this style installed; It’s a van, it still pulls, no issue in terms of ‘noise’ and we fill it up, drive it, and enjoy the positives that having roof storage, roof tent, solar brings. I appreciate it’s not for everyone but would definitely have no hesitation in recommending it as a product that does what it is advertised to do. After having roof rack fitted we then had Darche Eclipse side awning installed at Trek Overland. Tthey helped me fit at their site in Nawton about 40m north of York and another ‘supplier’ I’d have no issue recommending. Any questions ask away.