Roof rails and HiLo pop-tops

[Ann3x]

I want to fit roof rails to my HiLo. Mainly so I can mount a replaceable solar panel between 2 bars but perhaps some lighter carry duties in the future too. As low profile as possible would be good.

Anyone fitted rails to a HiLo? Which did you go with?

 

[Deaky]

I have gen VW roof rails on mine

 

[Ads_Essex]

XtremeVan fitted some to my van when they done the roof. I don’t know which brand but they look OEM.

 

[Ann3x]

Is the lateral spacing same as stock VW (is you can use standard roof bars between the rails)? I think the bars are bolted to the HiLo's frame, right?

 

[Ads_Essex]

Is the lateral spacing same as stock VW (is you can use standard roof bars between the rails)? I think the bars are bolted to the HiLo's frame, right?

I don’t know how it’s affixed but the spacing appears the same. I’ve got crossbars on, too, if that helps.

I’m not home and therefore have no measuring tape, but can take more photos.. otherwise these may help:

 

[Ann3x]

Thats useful, thanks - implies that at least its possible to get the spacing right.

My HiLo was fitted in that very room!

 

[Ads_Essex]

Thats useful, thanks - implies that at least its possible to get the spacing right.

My HiLo was fitted in that very room!

Here you go, roof brother.

 

[True Romance]

I want to fit roof rails to my HiLo. Mainly so I can mount a replaceable solar panel between 2 bars but perhaps some lighter carry duties in the future too. As low profile as possible would be good.

Anyone fitted rails to a HiLo? Which did you go with?

You mean like this...

 

[Ann3x]

You mean like this...
View attachment 81867

lol, yep.....exactly like that. Did you document how you did it to save me reinventing the wheel?

 

[True Romance]

lol, yep.....exactly like that. Did you document how you did it to save me reinventing the wheel?

Sadly not. Pretty easy to do though.

 

[Ads_Essex]

I want to fit roof rails to my HiLo. Mainly so I can mount a replaceable solar panel between 2 bars but perhaps some lighter carry duties in the future too. As low profile as possible would be good.

Anyone fitted rails to a HiLo? Which did you go with?

Only noticed this whilst refuelling today:

 

[Pauly]

Omtec make the genuine rails for VW

 

[Rapt0rUK]

lol, yep.....exactly like that. Did you document how you did it to save me reinventing the wheel?

How did you get on with? I'm in the same boat, want to fit a solar panel to a Hilo roof... roof bars are one part of the puzzle, if you managed it, which way did you run the cabling into the van? With the roof up, there's quite a distance to bridge at the back end of the roof...did you manage it?

 

[Ann3x]

How did you get on with? I'm in the same boat, want to fit a solar panel to a Hilo roof... roof bars are one part of the puzzle, if you managed it, which way did you run the cabling into the van? With the roof up, there's quite a distance to bridge at the back end of the roof...did you manage it?

Not done it yet - will tho at some point.

 

[Cswminty]

I’m about to fit roof rails to a HiLo and need to know if the metal rails are solid or just fibreglassed over?
Did you have to bolt up from the bottom and tighten the nuts down into the roof bars due to clearance on the poptop when it closes??

I’ve marked it ready to drill down into the roof, but I’m assuming it’s in to a rectangular steel tube with fibreglass over it.

Thanks nervously, Chris

 

[Deaky]

The bolts go through the roof shell and through the centre of the box section. Make sure you seal the bolts otherwise the box section will fill with water and it will seep through the pop rivets fixing the canvas in place.

 

[Cswminty]

Thank you Deaky!
I’ll grab a pic tomorrow, mines fully enclosed in fibreglass, so I assume I have to …..

-Drill through the roof skin
-Keep drilling into the metal of the box section

-then do I keep drilling and out of the bottom of the box section??
Before bolting and silkoflexing it together.

Thanks for all help

 

[Deaky]

Yes straight through the box.

If you need I can take some pictures for you tomorrow. It’s too dark now and you can’t see the bolts on mine.

 

[Cswminty]

If you need I can take some pictures for you tomorrow. It’s too dark now and you can’t see the bolts on mine.

Thank you for this, I know the top up and down isn’t a 2 minute job, no rush as I’ll probably tackle it over the weekend, but it would be greatly appreciated!
I’ll grab a pic of what mine looks like as it is and my measurements for the first bolts ….

If you need I can take some pictures for you tomorrow. It’s too dark now and you can’t see the bolts on mine.

Just read through your full build thread ........ too dark with all those LED's and the roof's no bother now its electric haha what an amazing build you have!! if only i had the time and an understanding Mrs

 

[Cswminty]

I’m assuming drilling down through the fibreglass roof I’ll hit the metal box, drill through that, both sides of thee box and then come through the fibreglass at the bottom of the roof?
The first bolt Tom will go through the hinge too looking at my measurements.
Does that look ok @Deaky ? Thanks again for your advice.