Rack and Cargo Carrier for 1994 Dodge Conversion Van with Fiberglass Topper

Question:

I have a conversion van with a raised fiberglass roof. Id like to use a roof mounted storage box, but I dont see any roof rail mounting systems that will connect to my rain gutters and raise the rack up about 14, to go above the fiberglass roof. Do you know of any extended mounting systems like that? Thanks.

asked by: Steve G

Helpful Expert Reply:

Some rooftop cargo boxes can be pretty heavy all on their own, such as the Thule Motion XT # TH629907 that weighs 55-lbs and the weight of the empty box still counts against the vehicle roof's overall weight capacity. So does any rack you will install in order to mount the cargo carrier. There's no sense buying a rack/carrier combination that is so heavy it leaves you little actual cargo weight capacity. So, it is a good idea to try to confirm what the van roof is rated to carry.

We do offer a system from Rack'em, their Fitz-All Enclosed Trailer Ladder Rack # RA-28, which has the height you need and that is lightweight (20-lbs). The rack has a 400-lb capacity, far more than the vehicle roof or the topper ratings.

Do note that these crossbar shape is not that of a typical roof rack so a cargo box might require alternate installation hardware to mount on the rack.

Rain gutter roof racks for the van are shown on the linked page but none has the height you need.

Please feel free to send us a photo of your van roof/topper so we can see the available mounting area.

expert reply by: Adam R