camper shell roof rack with surco rack.

[nees1212]

I recently purchased a Surco Safari Rack to mount on my Thule roof rack on my shell. The bars of the Thule rack are spread out too far to put any type of weight in the Surco basket. In a couple months I'm going to have the shell painted, and at the same time, I'd like to move the Thule rack. However, if I move them, that means the mounts (which are the style that mount on the side of the shell) will be right above the window on the shell, which I don't think provides much support. Is there a different mount that I can use that will still utilize the Thule bars?

[nees1212]

Bump. TTT.

[BajaTaco]

I understand what you are saying. I had to consider the same scenario (spread between cross bars) and basically, out of necessity, I had to mount them above the windows. I don't think it is a problem.

http://www.bajataco.com/flipout03.jpg

The other alternative would be to use a shell that has the roof mounted rails, which will give you a lot of adjustability with the spread on the cross bars. (or get a longer, stronger basket).

[nees1212]

Originally Posted by BajaTaco

I understand what you are saying. I had to consider the same scenario (spread between cross bars) and basically, out of necessity, I had to mount them above the windows. I don't think it is a problem.

http://www.bajataco.com/flipout03.jpg

The other alternative would be to use a shell that has the roof mounted rails, which will give you a lot of adjustability with the spread on the cross bars. (or get a longer, stronger basket).

Thanks. That's exactly what I was looking for. So you didn't sacrifice any strength with your setup?

[BajaTaco]

Originally Posted by nees1212

Thanks. That's exactly what I was looking for. So you didn't sacrifice any strength with your setup?

I don't think so. I figured if the rack was going to deform the shell where the opening from the window was, it would become apparent when I would try to open the win-doors. If the win-doors themselves were going to be providing shear support for the weight of the rack, I imagine they would be hard to open (weight pressing down on the frame) and once open, they would not shut correctly (weight having deformed or bowed the frame). I haven't had any such problems. That pretty much convinced me that it is not an issue, and the fiberglass structure itself is solid enough to support the weight, even where the depth of the material above the windows is less.

[nees1212]

Originally Posted by BajaTaco

I don't think so. I figured if the rack was going to deform the shell where the opening from the window was, it would become apparent when I would try to open the win-doors. If the win-doors themselves were going to be providing shear support for the weight of the rack, I imagine they would be hard to open (weight pressing down on the frame) and once open, they would not shut correctly (weight having deformed or bowed the frame). I haven't had any such problems. That pretty much convinced me that it is not an issue, and the fiberglass structure itself is solid enough to support the weight, even where the depth of the material above the windows is less.

Thanks for the information. When I get mine painted this spring, I'll have him patch the holes, and I'll relocate the mounts to above the windows.