Roof Bars and Box

[G2EWS]

Hi All,

Has anyone had roof bars installed on their RV?

Been thinking I need a box but want to the get the bars installed correctly. Just wondered who you used and who you trust. I will probably ask Travelworld RV how much they would charge as they will be looking after the RV anyway.

Second part of the question is what boxes have you bought and from where?

Will do it bit of interwebing to see what is available but just wondered if anyone has any preferences and why?

Thanks for your help.

Regards

Chris

[Olley]

Hi Chris, I did look into fitting roof bars, but in the end just bought the biggest Fiamma ultra box that wouldn't be higher than the Ac's, and screwed and glued it down. It takes both the waste hog and the mobile fresh water tank, which only get used once in a blue moon, so I wanted them for peace of mind, but out of the way.

Olley

[G2EWS]

Hi Olley,

How on earth did you screw it down and feel confident that it would not get ripped off!!

Must be raw bolts or similar.

A picture would help if you can.

I just want to store the BBQ and chairs in it. The Concord has nothing like the storage room of the Winnebago so just trying to get the best solution.

I don't think we used the Winnie as many times in three years as we have the Concord this year alone! So best thing I ever did, or should I say, best thing Claire persuaded me to do

Regards

Chris

[Olley]

Hi Chris 12mm HT bolts straight through roof with 12x300x300mm plate's underneath, so far it hasn't sifted.

The winnies got a fiberglass roof on top of 3mm ply, I used short fat dome head selftappers,(5mm?) about eight I think, and sikaflexed under where I screwed to glue and seal at the sametime.

Been on for about 2 years now and is still ok, I give it a tug every now and then to make sure.

I can take a picture tomorrow.

Olley

[G2EWS]

Hi Olly,

If I am reading that right you have a plate on the ceiling of the RV?

Unfortunately that will be more of problem for the Concord as the air conditioning is piped through the roof, so don't want to go through the pipework!

I am sure if I have a ladder fitted it can come with extended rails that could be used for a box?

Regards

Chris

[Olley]

Hi Chris, that was a joke no plate, just short self tappers and sikaflex, they use sikaflex to glue solar panels on, and often don't use screws. Its been on for a couple years without moving so far.

As I said I did look at fitting my own roof rails, I was looked ali angle or tube running front to back either side, with bars across, the idea was that I could bolt the solar panels, the box and anything else down easily, and that would have been glued and bolted right through in to cupboards where possible.

I think Linda or Duncan can get short roof bars, or Fiamma do these http://www.agentfiamma.co.uk/erol.ht...BsP7_AbImsjyDA

Don't know if the transverse bars would be long enough, but it looks a nice set up. The fixing bar Pro lower down the page would work, as you can fit it anywhere, and if Fiamma reckon those little clips will hold the box ok, who are we to argue.

Olley

[G2EWS]

Hi Olly,

Thanks for that. I guess it is the fear of drilling into the roof of the RV that is my problem.

Would be interested if anyone else has fitted an RV ladder and roof rack themselves to make sure I don't make any obvious mistakes!

I decided to not have the ladder fitted and bought one of those expanding ones that sits in a side locker, but feel it would be better to have a fitted one.

I will contact Duncan and see how much he can supply one and fit it for me. Or may fit it myself if I build up my confidence!!!

Best regards

Chris

[G2EWS]

Hi Olly,

Well looked a little deeper at this.

The Fiamma roof rail system you linked to would cost £325 just for the rails!

I contacted Linda at Stateside and She can do the roof rails from stock at £69! A bargain I reckon. She can also order in a ladder for about £130 - 140 depending on exchange rate.

Alternatively I contacted Towtal who would make a roof rail and ladder to suit and fit it for £600.

I contacted Duncan but he has not come back as of yet.

So seems to me that Linda's offer is good. The only worry I would have is screwing into the bodywork. Seems totally wrong doesn't it!

Is it as simple as drill, plug, silkaflex around the hole then screw in place? Then check every now and then that it is still sealed?

Best regards

Chris

[Olley]

Originally Posted by G2EWS

Hi Olly,

Well looked a little deeper at this.

The Fiamma roof rail system you linked to would cost £325 just for the rails!

I contacted Linda at Stateside and She can do the roof rails from stock at £69! A bargain I reckon. She can also order in a ladder for about £130 - 140 depending on exchange rate.

Alternatively I contacted Towtal who would make a roof rail and ladder to suit and fit it for £600.

I contacted Duncan but he has not come back as of yet.

So seems to me that Linda's offer is good. The only worry I would have is screwing into the bodywork. Seems totally wrong doesn't it!

Is it as simple as drill, plug, silkaflex around the hole then screw in place? Then check every now and then that it is still sealed?

Best regards

Chris

oops! £325 bit steep, but don't they look sexy.

As my fibreglass roof has 3mm ply under it I just screwed straight into it. Look around your roof, plenty of other holes in it, mine had vent holes, AC holes, aerial holes. The manufacturers stick them in all over the place, so a few small screws won't make any difference.

Did exactly the same with the solar panels, just screwed and glued them.

Are the ones from Linda just side pieces about 6' long in chrome? Been thinking about buying the bits to enclose the awning, and up on the roof would be a good place to store them.

Olley