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

[6894kevin]

a big rack invites big loads

Ain't that the truth!

 

[baldilocks]

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.

No ladder and won't put anything valuable up there and leave it over night unattended anyway.

 

[surfpig]

a big rack invites big loads

How did I not catch that?

 

[Corbet]

8

I've had well over 300 lbs up there wheeling. I know, I'm inviting problems.

 

[cjmoon]

I used 4 mainly to have one at the very front and back to keep things from penching underneath, tree branches and what not. then at each piller just to have supports at the main strength points for the roof. And as mentioned more for resistance to moving around when hitting tree branches and stuff. I don't ever really plan on anything heavy up top. But mainly use it for sheets of siding, 16' boards, 23' sticks of dom for projects which the addition of one of those bed extenders off the front bumper. The roof rack front hitch was a replacement for long bed truck for me.

Since I could drive I've had long bed trucks and got a short bed about 4 years ago and relized trucks are over rated unless you commit to a real truck (low slung 2wd old school long bed) I made the cruiser work for me and got a second car, not truck.
That's my .02

 

[Fj81]

How did I not catch that?

You and me both, I read it again when I saw your post lol.

 

[jaymar]

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

I have seen several serious expedition rigs running 10 mounts. When I asked Paul May the same question, for use on daily driver/occasional (5-10%) expedition rig, he said run 10. Rack with mouth runs 50 to 70 pounds or more, rooftop tent runs 100 to 130 pounds, add sleepers and whatever they need for the night, and you're seriously over 200 pounds. Your use/needs may vary. Build for maximum expected load. Then add 10 to 25%.

 

[SWCruiser]

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.

Yes security is a huge concern for me since I leave my rig for days at a time. I also don't want the hassle of unloading everything on the roof and reloading when I go if I decide to stay at a hotel a night. I place a huge priority on convenience and function. I also tend to drive out super early and not want to futz around before I go. Anytime your parked it's best not for theives to see anything which would entice them. Drawers are great as are the overhead cargo boxes. Have you tried loading the roof rack on a lifted truck? It's a PITA. You can find the boxes cheap on Craigslist.

 

[surfpig]

View attachment 1482486

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That's my .02

Datsun hubcaps.

 

[iptman]

I always liked the old-school Tradesman racks where the mounts were integrated in to a full length bar that ran the length of the rain gutter.