Roof Racks
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2010
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Roof Racks
Does anybody have any experience with VanTech racks? I'm looking for a 3 bar set up to use as a base for building a "safari" rack. Should I go with the more popular Weatherguard or VanTech?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,253
Likes: 1,656
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
For my money you can't go wrong with Weather Guard products. They're a bit more expensive than most of their competition but quality is definitely there. If there's a "problem" it would be in the cheaper fasteners supplied which tend to rust leaving streaks or marks near their locations. Replacing them with a good stainless steel parts would make them perfect to me.
Your safari rack---will it be used as a work platform or actually hauling larger items on the roof? I ask only because some of the work platforms seem purpose built and are quite substantial. If a used one could be found for cheap and in good condition it would make a wonderfully versatile rack for any purpose.
If you've not yet been looking online for best prices you'll probably find a wide range of differences-----gotta love the internerd for bargain hunting. Craig's List too...........
Your safari rack---will it be used as a work platform or actually hauling larger items on the roof? I ask only because some of the work platforms seem purpose built and are quite substantial. If a used one could be found for cheap and in good condition it would make a wonderfully versatile rack for any purpose.
If you've not yet been looking online for best prices you'll probably find a wide range of differences-----gotta love the internerd for bargain hunting. Craig's List too...........
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 627
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From: NY, NY
I am 6'1". One day I aksed Vito, my 5'2" plumber "how do you get up on top, because I sure can't". Sometimes I see electricians carry pipe inside rack tubes.
I have used rooftop carriers in several vehicles, much lower than the van. Yet, they are awkward.
Gasp -- now I see even racks on top of high-top Sprinters, and no ladders. That's gotta be a waste of money.
I have used rooftop carriers in several vehicles, much lower than the van. Yet, they are awkward.
Gasp -- now I see even racks on top of high-top Sprinters, and no ladders. That's gotta be a waste of money.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 214
Likes: 1
From: Grain Valley, MO
I was cruisin' Ebay for other van parts and there's a slew of racks available from all manufacturers, new and used, 2 and 3 bar gutter mounts or top mount rails. Go to Motors, parts and accessories and input, "Ford van roof racks" in the search. There's quite a few cargo baskets also.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,253
Likes: 1,656
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
I was cruisin' Ebay for other van parts and there's a slew of racks available from all manufacturers, new and used, 2 and 3 bar gutter mounts or top mount rails. Go to Motors, parts and accessories and input, "Ford van roof racks" in the search. There's quite a few cargo baskets also.
If ya can't find it on FleaBay it ain't available!
Seriously though eBay is a great site for finding so much and if you're somewhat patient you'll eventually get a great price too! I've lost track of the number of things bought for my van there----never paid the same or more than I would locally. Admittedly I'm getting a bit lazy with the ease of online ordering but when I've found something I need or want there's no easier way to purchase stuff.
Amazon is also great but with both sites you do have to shop around. Good example is an Autometer 3853 full sweep electric oil pressure gauge. Street price on eBay and Amazon is about $200---I found a site selling them all day every day for $164, free shipping.
Always check shipping costs--sometimes that's the "gotcha" online!
Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 44
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here is the trac rac that finally came in. very thick. much better than the thule or yakima stuff and dont forget the 500lb load capacity
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,253
Likes: 1,656
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Nice rack----on the van too! 
I like the substantial looking gutter clamps---don't seem to harm the finish either. Good price too---love Amazon for their free shipping offers.
I like the substantial looking gutter clamps---don't seem to harm the finish either. Good price too---love Amazon for their free shipping offers.
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