Roof Rack and Ladder

For extra storage and a place to mount the solar panel we decided to install an Aluminess roof rack and ladder. From order to install took about 2.5 months. Actual installation took about 5 hours at the Aluminess headquarters in San Diego.

Aluminess Roof Rack

Gidget outside of Aluminess’s headquarters showing off her new rack.

Aluminess Roof Rack

Moments before mounting the rack on Gidget.

Aluminess Roof Rack and Ladder

Ladder on the drivers side allows quick access to the rack.

Aluminess Roof Rack and Ladder

Another angle of the ladder.

Roof Rack Drawing

Layout of the rack we sent to Aluminess before ordering.

Mounting hardware

The rack is attached to the foot with 4 bolts. The foot is attached to the van roof with one bolt and sealed with black sealant.

14 Comments

  1. Reply
    Simon November 14, 2017

    How much do you find yourself using the roof rack for storage? It looks awesome but I wonder how much practical storage is up there since you don’t want to shadow the panel much.

    • Reply
      Matt November 15, 2017

      For extended boondocking trips we store extra fuel and tools on the rack. We never store anything too tall that it would cast a shadow on the panel. There is a decent amount of storage up there.

  2. Reply
    Jeff.aier December 21, 2017

    How is the solar panel affixed to the rack?

    • Reply
      Matt December 21, 2017

      Aluminess did the mounting of the solar panel when they installed the rack for us. They used aluminum angle to make cross members the exact size needed to fit the panel.

  3. Reply
    Erik March 10, 2018

    What’s it like washing the van under the rack?

    • Reply
      Matt March 10, 2018

      We no longer wash under the rack. It might be possible if you had a really small brush but it’s just not worth it anymore.

  4. Reply
    James Thomas June 28, 2018

    Thanks for the pictures! Would you mind taking a picture of the mounting hardware that affixes the rack to the van itself?

    • Reply
      Matt July 1, 2018

      James, I added a new picture to post. Scroll up to see the hardware.

  5. Reply
    Darren August 8, 2018

    Have you noticed a significant different in wind noise with the rack and solar panel installed?

    • Reply
      Matt August 8, 2018

      It’s mounted behind the driver’s seat so if it does create noise I don’t really hear it.

  6. Reply
    Jay Jones August 14, 2018

    Hi I am getting ready to order my transit aluminess roof rack. I am getting a maxxair 7500 installed in the exact location as Gidget. Can I order my rack prior to install? How do I measure for vent cut out? Thank you for your time. Contacted aluminess and they said vent had to be installed first, didn’t quite understand the measurement part. Thank you again.

    • Reply
      Matt August 14, 2018

      Jay, you could just point them at my site and say you plan on doing the same thing, they should have a CAD drawing available. The only info I gave them is the drawing on this page.

  7. Reply
    Jordan Rice September 17, 2018

    Thanks for the CAD drawing! Hugh help. What kind of MPG are you getting with the Rack installed?

    • Reply
      Matt September 17, 2018

      We get around 12 MPG on the highway. Primary contributors to that are: rack, 4×4 conversion, high roof, and conversion weight.

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