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.
Gidget outside of Aluminess’s headquarters showing off her new rack.
Moments before mounting the rack on Gidget.
Ladder on the drivers side allows quick access to the rack.
Another angle of the ladder.
Layout of the rack we sent to Aluminess before ordering.
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.
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.
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.
How is the solar panel affixed to the rack?
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.
What’s it like washing the van under the rack?
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.
Thanks for the pictures! Would you mind taking a picture of the mounting hardware that affixes the rack to the van itself?
James, I added a new picture to post. Scroll up to see the hardware.
Have you noticed a significant different in wind noise with the rack and solar panel installed?
It’s mounted behind the driver’s seat so if it does create noise I don’t really hear it.
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.
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.
Thanks for the CAD drawing! Hugh help. What kind of MPG are you getting with the Rack installed?
We get around 12 MPG on the highway. Primary contributors to that are: rack, 4×4 conversion, high roof, and conversion weight.