Roof Rack Installation

[mightythings]

Hi, apologies for the rookie question if it’s already been answered…. Had a search but couldn’t find anything specific. Bought my T6 with a set of 2 non-oem racks attached. They were each at the far ends of the van so went to move them closer together (for roof box and surfboards). I was surprised to find that they were held onto the roof with just some tiny little bolts in the standard fixing points!! Surely this is not the right way to do it??! Am I missing something? I wouldn’t feel comfortable carrying anything more than a polystyrene slab on them right now!

 

[mightythings]

…and when I say tiny, there was one bolt per footing!

 

[CAB]

Do you have any pictures?

 

[bubbadubba]

I have an aluminium full length rhino rack and it's just held on by surprisingly small bolts (supplied with rack) into the retaining nuts in the roof.
I have some very heavy carpets on there from time to time and it's absolutely solid. As long as you have the correct bolts done up to the correct torque I am sure you will be fine.

 

[mightythings]

I have an aluminium full length rhino rack and it's just held on by surprisingly small bolts (supplied with rack) into the retaining nuts in the roof.
I have some very heavy carpets on there from time to time and it's absolutely solid. As long as you have the correct bolts done up to the correct torque I am sure you will be fine.

Thanks, @bubbadubba. Good to know. I’ll post some pics soon for comparison.

 

[mightythings]

Do you have any pictures?

 

[bubbadubba]

Sorry Its hard for me to picture mine as I have the plastic clips fitted and they were a bugger to get on so i dont want to remove them. Bolts do Look the same size to me though.
I was surprised on the size but they were supplied with the rack and have been fine.

 

[z1ts]

Yep, M6 bolts x 4 per side is all that holds a whopping Rhino (or similar) rack down!

As someone said earlier, correct torque & job's a good un.

Yours looks absolutely fine - although for peace of mind I'd swap out the bolts with rusty heads for new ones when you move the roof bars. Not 100% necessary but nice to know you've done it.

 

[mightythings]

Sorry Its hard for me to picture mine as I have the plastic clips fitted and they were a bugger to get on so i dont want to remove them. Bolts do Look the same size to me though.
I was surprised on the size but they were supplied with the rack and have been fine.

View attachment 253913

View attachment 253914

Thanks for that! And taking the time for pics! I think the collective knowledge is that it’s all good. Just need to change the bolts for new ones and torque them up. Thanks heaps!

 

[mightythings]

Yep, M6 bolts x 4 per side is all that holds a whopping Rhino (or similar) rack down!

As someone said earlier, correct torque & job's a good un.

Yours looks absolutely fine - although for peace of mind I'd swap out the bolts with rusty heads for new ones when you move the roof bars. Not 100% necessary but nice to know you've done it.

Legend! Many thanks. Makes me fell 100% more confident. Cheers!

 

[mightythings]

Afterthought: what is the correct correct setting?

 

[z1ts]

Afterthought: what is the correct correct setting?

According to page 5 of THESE installation instructions 8Nm

 

[mightythings]

According to page 5 of THESE installation instructions 8Nm

View attachment 254026

Awesome! Thanks.