Patrick of M
2005 T1N 2500 (NA spec)
I’ll add a pic of mine. I only have 2, if I wanted a platform I would need 4 for max weight/stiffness. I can’t find a manufacturer for them, any info appreciated/or if someone has some to sell.
Suggestions for T1N roof racks with pics?
- Thread starter Nubes
- Start date
jcmadeintheshade@gmail.com
Well-known member
I would suggest wherever those clamp to the rain gutter, use some red rubber gasket material to isolate the metal clamp from the paint. We have all seen too many racks on vans that rust like crazy.
My rain gutter clamps, 5 on each side, were lined with this rubber gasket material 8 years ago and are just now starting to degrade, but they are still padding the metal from the paint. Home Depot has this reddish real rubber gasket material in the plumbing dept. When I originally bought this material it was at an auto parts store, but none of my local parts stores had it anymore.
Thanks to all here.
My rain gutter clamps, 5 on each side, were lined with this rubber gasket material 8 years ago and are just now starting to degrade, but they are still padding the metal from the paint. Home Depot has this reddish real rubber gasket material in the plumbing dept. When I originally bought this material it was at an auto parts store, but none of my local parts stores had it anymore.
Thanks to all here.
Patrick of M
2005 T1N 2500 (NA spec)
I use black rubber high pressure hose cut down the middle, may not be visible in the pics but it is there. PO used nothing (racks were 3/4" too wide and rubber wouldn't fit) that beat up the rails good. So far with the rubber rails look good. I don't use it all the time so it's easy to monitor damage.
rock_fencer
Active member
Anybody have suggestions for sealant that will cure in borderline freezing temps. I never got around to bolting my rails down yet and it’s cold in alaska now. Don’t want to drill the roof if I can’t seal.
BrennWagon
He’s just this guy, you know?
Use VHB tape as your seal, it should stick, maybe not as well as in warmer temps but it’s what I used and I have zero leaks after two years with 14 penetrations per rail
brokengranite
Hold my beer, watch this
Cheyenne
UK 2004 T1N 313CDi
They are not good when significant loads are applied.
Quote from the video "Pull-through is an issue. It's not the best for that."
What is the Pull-out load for an installed Well-Nut. Compare to say a riv-nut or similar and I think you will be shocked. And most people do not use riv-nut's for roof racks, they through bolt with heavy backing washers!
Keith.
Quote from the video "Pull-through is an issue. It's not the best for that."
What is the Pull-out load for an installed Well-Nut. Compare to say a riv-nut or similar and I think you will be shocked. And most people do not use riv-nut's for roof racks, they through bolt with heavy backing washers!
Keith.
brokengranite
Hold my beer, watch this
Thanks Keith,
No doubt that a riv nut is stronger than a well nut. I would be curious what kind of loads would realistically be seen in the outward direction, especially when spread out over a track system.
It seems that people have done anything from just using VHB tape, to sheet metal screws, to riv nuts, to through bolts and washers.
No doubt that a riv nut is stronger than a well nut. I would be curious what kind of loads would realistically be seen in the outward direction, especially when spread out over a track system.
It seems that people have done anything from just using VHB tape, to sheet metal screws, to riv nuts, to through bolts and washers.
BrennWagon
He’s just this guy, you know?
I’ll add that a lot of after market roof rails seem to use vhb for the span and a sheet metal screw to hold down each end cap.
blankenship
Member
Love the aluminum unistrut idea.
How have you installed crossbars to it yet? I'd love to see it; I'm trying to visualize whether I could attach the Thule Tracker Fit Kit or the Yakima Landing Pads to the unistrut.
Also I'm wondering if you think going with the higher profile 12 ga version of unistrut from Grainger (7/8" taller than the 14 ga) would allow solar panels or bars to clear the roof ribs/curve without shimming?
I'm going to try to get solar panels and a *canoe* up top so need it all to be pretty secure; maybe I should use order the 'solid' version of the unistruts and only drill holes for the mounting bolts at the actual locations I'm going to use...just to kinda keep it cleaner up there. Trying to decide between the unistruts and 78" Prolines.
Last edited:
rock_fencer
Active member
I ran a strip of vhb tape underneath and bolted it. The curve is minor.
rock_fencer
Active member
No picture of the rack yet but basically it’s two 1.5 inch L brackets connecting a piece of 80/20 to the unistrut with stainless nuts. _| :-: |_ Like so in cross section
albertosalinas
Active member
How much did it cost you?
was already on the van when i bought it
adventurous harte
New member
Can you please tell me where that roof rack came from? Looking for my T1N
Any tips on installing a track system on a T1N? We have a 118" standard roof. I am heading to a local wrecking yard to pull a few parts including a set of the roof rails from a 2008 Sprinter.
Sstromerson
New member
If you're going to be installing used roof tracks be sure to fully inspect them, especially if you weren't the one removing them. If you are removing be careful to not bend/crease them, they're just aluminum.
For installing those tracks on a t1n it will be pretty custom, might have to cut them to the length you want which isn't a big deal. I can't remember how the ribbing looks on top, but you could cut the tracks and do two separate sections of you need to span over any ribbing.
Whether you're doing riv-nuts or plus-nuts I make sure you have a proper tool and know how to use it. They can be a pain to remove if not seated or tightened correctly. Check your spacing between riv-nut or plus-nut and the bottom of the tracks, might want to put nylon spacers or washers to fill the void if there is one. Be sure to silicone everything. Try to reuse or create your own end cap for the tracks on the front edge or you might get a whistling while driving.
Since you have a short roof if you're just looking for crossbars your easiest set up would be rain gutter mounted towers (Yakima 1a or Thule 300).
Good luck and let me know if there's anything else you need
JackofFewTrades
New member
Hi there!
I know it's been a while but I was wondering if you could provide the bolt sizing for the proline track mounts that you used. I love the idea and want to get some myself but I'm unsure of the correct hardware to attach panels with.
Thanks!
Jack
Hey what hardware did you use to attach the wood into the Proline Slider?