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?

 

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...........

 

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 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!

 

take a look at Tracrac model 29055 0r 29056. They have a double or triple bar setup. the double holds up to 500lbs and the triple 800lbs. I just ordered the double for around $300 shipped on amazon.

 

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

 

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.

 

thanks. yeah the gutter clamps have a rubber insert to protect the finish although my gutters have paint flaking off on both sides all the way down the van. i will need to touch it up before rust sets in.

 

I am sure there is an easy, but I just don't know it -- how do you guys load and unload stuff from the roof rack?

 

it is pretty high. thats why i got the side steps that run from wheel to wheel on each side and a hitch step for the rear bumper. my brush guard has a step as well.