PrInSu Design Studio Roof Racks BS Thread

I don't have a way to do an actual test to give a scientific number. The rack is not going to be the limiting factor though. Anything that should reasonably I up there and still allow your vehicle to operate normally will be fine. I have carried 350+ lbs of steel on mine with no problem. Roof top tents are fine. 100 lb kayaks/canoes, spare tires, no one has complained of issues as long as they are smart and distribute the load.

 

From Zach's website: "Weight capacity of the racks varies based on the number of crossbars used and their configuration. We expect all consumers to use good judgement and common sense with the loads they plan to carry using these rack systems. The Caprac is limited by the weight capacity of the topper. Please consult the manufacturer of your topper for guidelines and capacities regagarding the load capacity of your individual topper"

Distribution of weight is key, as for mine, the weight limit of the rack isn't as important as is my rig's "top-heavy" limit while on the trail.

 

Ditto, Even with just a rooftop tent, I have noticed the extra weight on some trails that have off camber areas.

 

I had a couple questions,
1. Are the stainless fasteners phillips head? Since you seem very open to suggestions, I would recommend hex, or even better, torx. Stainless bolts (18-8 and 316) are relatively weak (about 4 times weaker than steel cap screws). This makes them easy to strip out.

2. You may find anodizing significantly cheaper than powdercoat, and less effort since the coating is this enough you don't have to mask off tapped holes.

3. As mentioned earlier, stainless and aluminum have a galvanic reaction (seizing). They are relatively far apart on the galvanic scale and that's what determines how much interaction they will have. Zinc plated fasteners, while they can rust a small amount, are really the best choice. They are also cheaper and far stronger.
http://www.nstcenter.biz/writeImages/NavyCommunityAppExtShipCathodicProtection2.gif

4. I have an access cab, with the shark fin antenna. If I mount a crossbar all the way to the rear, will it be behind (and above) that antenna? I am trying to get the longest platform I can. I'm guessing I'll need to source the riv-nuts?

Source: Used to design(CAD) and assemble all sorts of devices.

 

Were you able to get any photos of the 3rd gen rack or are we all waiting for it to get to GSP?

 

I changed out all my black bolts and washer that came with the rack for hex head stainless bolts, flat washer and locking washer. I bought everything from Fastenal and paid close to $100 for all stainless hardware. I coated all the bolt threads with wax from my local sheet metal shop, and used a rubber washer between the flat washer and aluminum.
The bolts the the rack came with started rusting two days after I mounted it on my truck. I do live less than a mile from the ocean which must be the culprit.

 

Hey Zach, do you think you will be designing and producing those side mounted LED light bar mounts any time soon?

 

I was thinking of tapping the hole up for 1/4-20(or 28) heli-coil... that way if the helicoil siezes to the rack, the screw will still come out ok.

just depends if the bars have a thick enough wall.

 

I wouldn't bother, just throw some antisieze on the threads.

 

i'll see when my crossbars come in. I live and work near beaches, so I have a much higher chance of corrosion than most.

seems like every other day I'm spending way too much time keeping the machines at work clean

 

Wow, this is the first time a roof rack gave me a boner!

sub'ed.

 

Message sent!

 

I have been looking for a roof rack and I am glad I just stumbled upon this. I will be placing an order soon.

 

That's basically the answer I was looking for. I was hoping it wasn't the same (anemic) 100lb rating I've heard the factory unit is rated for...

And I do happen to be one of the lucky few (it seems, these days) to have been blessed with common sense. The items you listed are most of the same items I'd be looking to load onto it.


Thanks again, John

 

Just got an email that caprac rails are ready for pickup. Tried a different cutter and the turn around time was super fast. These will be instock near the end of the week.

 

Will probably be making an order for a cabrac soon. Can't wait!

 

Cab rack assembled.

 

Im interested in the double cab roof rack but don't want to bolt to my roof.

 

You don't have to drill or modify your roof. There are factory mounting holes on the roof already that these racks bolt to.