Roof rack for the promaster

moto-san · Feb 20, 2015

I have been trying to find a solution to store my surfboards and came across these guys. Pretty expensive but seem to be high quality and made in the US. I am going to use it for storage and a way to attach my awning.

http://www.aluminess.com/roof-racks/

https://www.facebook.com/aluminess/photos/pcb.10152451095501623/10152451090111623/?type=1&theater

Will keep you posted with some pics as we get it installed!

keeponvaning · Feb 20, 2015

There are other far cheaper rack systems for the Promaster that will accomplish what you want/need.

I've forgotten the brand name of the one most people seem to use, at the moment, but a quick search here will bring it up if you're interested.

makevx73 · Feb 20, 2015

Try VanTech

H1 system: http://vantech.us/RAM-Promaster-H1_c157.htm

H3 system: http://vantech.us/RAM-Promaster-H3_c159.htm

You can buy them from Eurocampers.com a bit cheaper than from VanTech but they don't have a selection of the accessories. For those you'll probably have to go to VanTech.

The H3 rack is an excellent quality product...

keeponvaning · Feb 20, 2015

That's it!

Zyzzyx · Feb 20, 2015

I'm planning on using some aluminum 80/20 for crossbars and get some vertical mounts
from Hein. I'm only building them to hold 2-3 solar panels.

keeponvaning · Feb 20, 2015

I think I'm just going to make up some L brackets from aluminum stock and glue them to the roof. Clean, easy, and cheap!

RDinNHandAZ · Feb 20, 2015

keeponvaning said:
I think I'm just going to make up some L brackets from aluminum stock and glue them to the roof. Clean, easy, and cheap!

Like these? [ame]http://www.amazon.com/Solar-Panel-Mount-Mounting-Bracket/dp/B00NEZ8CJO/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1424473857&sr=8-7&keywords=solar+mounting+kit[/ame]

moto-san · Feb 20, 2015

The main reason I chose the Aluminess rack and not the H3 system is I wanted a basket and not just the bars. There is also a cutout for my fan.

sdharlie · Feb 20, 2015

I used to have a home made Sportsmobile and since I'm in San Diego I had them make a custom roof rack and ladder. Yes they are expensive but amazing quality and workmanship. It was all aluminum with matte black powder coat. It ran the length of my entire van and often we used it as an upper deck to watch the waves or we used it as storage for bicycles, gas cans etc.

I think Im going to have them custom make a roof rack for new PM with voids for the vents to open and close.

They have tones of customizable options.

And yes that's Rhino liner sprayed on the side of my old van. Thinking of maybe doing it to my PM but not as high up.

keeponvaning · Feb 21, 2015

RDinNHandAZ said:
Like these? http://www.amazon.com/Solar-Panel-Mount-Mounting-Bracket/dp/B00NEZ8CJO/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1424473857&sr=8-7&keywords=solar+mounting+kit

I was going to copy the renology ones. They're $12.95 for 4 and a bit heavier. Might end up being cheaper to just buy them tho. I'm going to go with two 150w panels I think rather than three 100's.

moto-san · Feb 21, 2015

sdharlie said:
I used to have a home made Sportsmobile and since I'm in San Diego I had them make a custom roof rack and ladder. Yes they are expensive but amazing quality and workmanship. It was all aluminum with matte black powder coat. It ran the length of my entire van and often we used it as an upper deck to watch the waves or we used it as storage for bicycles, gas cans etc.

I think Im going to have them custom make a roof rack for new PM with voids for the vents to open and close.

They have tones of customizable options.

And yes that's Rhino liner sprayed on the side of my old van. Thinking of maybe doing it to my PM but not as high up.

Thats what I am going for as well. Glad to hear that you liked their rack. I am going to have them install a surf board hook on the side as well.

sdharlie · Mar 6, 2015

I ordered my custom roof rack today from Aluminess. It will be ready in 7 weeks. Originally I was going to have it only on the back half but decided to go the full length of my extended PM. They're leaving voids for my two vents and AC. I also ordered a side ladder. The floor is going to be black powder coated diamond plate. Total weight 170 pounds. The price for these roof racks are quite
high but I figured I'm going to be putting around $20K into my PM and I want to splurge
on the good stuff and get it just the way I want it otherwise I could have spent
$90k on a factory production Winnebago PM

I took a photo of their
mounting bracket for attaching things to the roof. People seem to have a hard time finding these. Not to difficult to fabricate on your own.

makevx73 · Mar 7, 2015

sdharlie said:
I took a photo of their mounting bracket for attaching things to the roof. People seem to have a hard time finding these. Not to difficult to fabricate on your own.

The stainless piece looks pretty close to what VanTech uses on their racks.

I hope they pad that aluminum really well were it comes in contact with the roof or you'll have a serious paint and rust problem. But looking at their work I'd say they probably have that taken care of - looks like they do seriously nice work.

sdharlie · Mar 7, 2015

makevx73 said:
The stainless piece looks pretty close to what VanTech uses on their racks.

I hope they pad that aluminum really well were it comes in contact with the roof or you'll have a serious paint and rust problem. But looking at their work I'd say they probably have that taken care of - looks like they do seriously nice work.

OH yeah they do extremely good work. I go there and drool at the dozens of racks, bumpers, boxes and other custom items that are in different stages of completion.

moto-san · Mar 7, 2015

I am scheduled for an April 6th install. I am still trying to decide if I want the slates or a solid floor. Not sure how much I will be up there walking around.

sdharlie · Mar 8, 2015

On my extended Econoline I ordered it with expanded aluminum. It stretched when I stepped on it so I ended up putting plywood over it.

This time I went with the solid floor. When hanging out you can take a couple of beach chairs up there. Slats. make that tricky.

mojogoat · Mar 10, 2015

Observation re: rack mounting

I noticed, water pools in the mounting pin areas of the the roof depending on the slope. I replaced all the stove bolts in the mounts with stainless, as they would eventually rust out if you live in wet areas.

Hein · Mar 10, 2015

I developed some tower brackets for our Sprinter and now offer them for sale as a kit for other DIY van builders. With someone's help I'd like to see if these will work on the ProMaster vans.

More info and pictures: http://sprinter-source.com/forum/showthread.php?t=32720

Zyzzyx · Mar 10, 2015

Hein said:
I developed some tower brackets for our Sprinter and now offer them for sale as a kit for other DIY van builders. With someone's help I'd like to see if these will work on the ProMaster vans.

It'll be a couple months yet, but I plan on checking in with you regarding using those mounts on the PM.

Good chance we'll be getting a Fiamma awning eventually, was thinking of going with their whole rack setup, but its a bit much, visually. Looking at using mounts like yours with 80/20 crossbars for the solar panels.

ktfom · Apr 2, 2016

Dungeons and Dragon - not many people know what xyzzy does for a game player... Will visit your site...

Roof rack for the promaster

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