Yakima clamps to kB voodoo bars...

Picked up a Yakima rooftop tent on sale (supposedly fits aftermarket bars as well) about a half inch short all around... anyone have any suggestions on how to mount this without returning or getting different racks. My only thought was a U clamp from the tent around the bar.

 

Did you ever figure out a good solution for the voodoo bars? Add a filler/spacer or something? About to place my Yakima order

 

Can you just mount the rails directly to the bars without the clamps?

 

I just removed the clamps from the Yakima RTT and mounted the tent directly to the bars.

 

I think the clamps are built into the rails so they can lock and not come out. I hadn't thought of mounting the tent directly to the rails. The bottom should be strong enough to hold the weight and I don't think torsional force would break anything in a strong wind. That would save me an inch or two also. That sounds like the way to go. Beats ordering a rail too.

 

I've had mine for nearly 2 years, with no issues mounting it that way. Simple and cheaper than ordering new rails! (although I have been tempted to order rails for a quicker on/off)

 

As I read back over the posts above, I just want to make it clear, I removed the whole Yakima rail from the bottom of the tent. I don't think the clamps come off of the rail. I removed the entire rail, so the flat bottom of the tent lays directly on the KB Voodoo bars. I just lined up the bolt holes in the bottom of the tent with the KB Voodoo bars so I could attach the tent directly.

 

Thats what it sounded like. I'm guessing a bolt washer and nut combo? Maybe 2 washers, one on each side? Straight through the bottom of the tent into the slots on the rails? I'm not familiar with bolt standards or grades. Is there a certain strength or rated bolt you went for or just whatever fits the best in there?

 

That's it, a bolt, 2 washers, and a nut! I honestly don't remember what size bolt I used, there's a good chance I used the same bolts that held on the Yakima rails.

 

so no drilling required? I have the tent already and the bars are arriving this week

 

No drilling required…

 

Rad. thank you!