Alignment For Installing Roof Rails On a Camper Shell

Question:

My camper top reinforced panels go all the way to the curve of the top. I could install it on the curve, the feet of my roof rack do bend enough but I feel like this will reduce is shear strength. Can you advise if I can drill through the reinforced area and install there rather then on the curve? The picture I’ve attached is about where I would have to install the track to avoid the reinforced area by a tight margin of 0.5in Why should I not install it through the reinforced area if I cannot do this?

asked by: Brock B

Camper Shell Top
(click to enlarge)

Expert Reply:

With roof rails like the Yakima # Y74MR I always recommend to reach out to the camper shell manufacturer first to determine their placement recommendation. They will be able to tell you if you are safe to drill through the reinforced area on your top. Most of the shells have a range area that is designed for adding the roof rails.

expert reply by: Bud M