How many gutter mounts are actually necessary? (1 Viewer)

[baldilocks]

I'm building a full length flat roof rack and will be using @reevesci gutter mounts. I purchased 8 gutter mounts but I see many racks mounted on only six. I expect I will be putting a max load of 200 pounds on the rack and that would only happen once in a blue moon.

I'm open to suggestions based on theory, empirical data and opinion as well.

Bring it on because I'm cutting metal as I type this and am in a bit of a time crunch. Thanks

 

[mct75]

Is it better to have used 8 and needed 6, or used 6 and needed 8? What are you going to do with two left over?

/opinion

 

[baldilocks]

Is it better to have used 8 and needed 6, or used 6 and needed 8? What are you going to do with two left over?

/opinion

I would sell them. But I get what you are saying. The four end mounts are a piece of cake. The 80 roof line is arced so welding In the middle mounting plate(s) will take time a finesse so that the rack sits stable in all mounts with out the need to pull the ends down with the mounting hardware. I figured doing only six would save me time.

 

[retrofive]

If you have 8, I would use 8. That will give a pretty nice secure platform. IMHO

 

[Dr Gil]

Is it better to have used 8 and needed 6, or used 6 and needed 8? What are you going to do with two left over?

/opinion

As mct75 mentioned, better to have more and not need it, then to have less and need it. I got 8 on mine for that exact reason. Tim @ Gamiviti Racks said he has seen the rain gutter flex and bend a bit with a heavy load and the body rocking side to side when off road. The time it takes to make the extra 2 mounts and leave them on will take less time than to straighten out your rain gutter.

 

[greentruck]

Use 8. You say it will typically only carry 200 pounds. But you also say that it's a flat rack, so I'm assuming you can stand up there? If so, then one hefty size fellow will probably be more than 200 lbs. Make it 2 hefty guys and you'll wish the thing had 8 feet.

Then there's the span that is between the feet that also counts as a strength factor. It'll be ~4' long with just six feet, but around ~2.5' with 8. That makes for a much stronger rack.

And that doesn't even count the fact that a big rack invites big loads, even if you can't think of them now.

 

[Brentbba]

If you've already got them and won't make much selling 2 extra's use them. That being said, as an example, I have an INTI rack that has 6 gutter mounts. I've seen, and been part of, over 1000 lbs of people standing on an INTI rack w/o issue. We were parked, so no stress of wind while driving tho. Overkill isn't a bad thing!!

 

[mct75]

a big rack invites big loads

Ain't that the truth!

 

[ZackR]

I'd use all 8 since you have them. The 25% increase in surface area on the gutter can only help.

 

[SWCruiser]

I used 8. Looks better and definitely more sturdy. I ended up taking mine off completely as it was such a hassle to access gear and tie it down. IMO Look into a rocket box or rack and box combo. I think they are more useful. Lockable, weather proof and don't need to use ratchets. I found myself putting things up there that I used least often.

 

[890man]

I use 8 with a rtt. Full load static with people and gear is 500 to 600 lbs. Moving is less of course but I like the security. Plus it looks cooler.

 

[surfpig]

You may as well go with eight. I used six with my Baja Rack no problem (I buggered 2 of them up). The flexing of the flat rack on the curved roof isn't very significant over the length of the roof. Maybe an inch?

 

[baldilocks]

Thanks for the replies folks. I will use all 8.

 

[Dork]

Should get two more and make it 10 just to be safe.

 

[Brentbba]

Should get two more and make it 10 just to be safe.

Reread your own screen name. Sarcasm intended as I'm sure your comment was too. All in good jest...

 

[BILT4ME]

If a little is good, then a lot is better.......




Oh, and an increase from 6 to 8 is a 33.33% increase, not a 25% increase........

 

[Oscar Witte]

I just have two cheap Thule bars from Craigslist and I've had three people and a 80lb rack on mine.

 

[baldilocks]

I just have two cheap Thule bars from Craigslist and I've had three people and a 80lb rack on mine.

I built the basic rack nearly two years ago and sat it atop two load bars. One time I loaded it up fairly heavy and it held on until I was wheeling the Rubicon at night and hit a rock that stopped me in my tacks from a walking speed. The stamped metal gutter mounts were too flexible and both loss grip.

But still, I didn't give up on the load bars. I continued using that arrangement until I rolled a couple times in the snow. The whole shebang just popped right off the gutters and lay by itself in the bushes. The gutter mounts were bent up but the rack survived somehow.

One of the rear sliding windows popped completely out too and was also undamaged. Seemed kind of amazing at the time.

 

[baldilocks]

I used 8. Looks better and definitely more sturdy. I ended up taking mine off completely as it was such a hassle to access gear and tie it down. IMO Look into a rocket box or rack and box combo. I think they are more useful. Lockable, weather proof and don't need to use ratchets. I found myself putting things up there that I used least often.

Actually, I like the Skybox carbon and was looking at them as I prepare for a epic 3500+ mile road trip that will take on some off road miles too.

I ended up ordering a 15 cu. Ft, water proof cargo bag. I don't know that I would ever use a skybox again and I don't have a lot of room to store one.


You have me wondering about security now because I will have a lot of camping gear with me but will stay in a motel or cabin at times during the three weeks.

 

[greentruck]

SNIP

You have me wondering about security now because I will have a lot of camping gear with me but will stay in a motel or cabin at times during the three weeks.

My experience in driving to Colorado and back over several decades with roof rack laden with gear (and staying in cheap motels) is that thieves don't want to do the work of climbing up on a rack. Plus, it would leave them fairly exposed. I've never lost aqnyuthing off my racks. Don't leave anything obviously valuable in plain sight.

Then there is the 18' cable lockdown, which you can weave amongst things. Used that several times, but pretty much concluded it's overkill.

Now if you have one of those cool ladders to the top on the swingout, that could be inviting, but the exposure factor still tends to discourage.