Kaon Roof Shelf...

[greynolds]

Right, I didn't say anything about that being pricing for the large panels, just that all their prices listed are in AUD. In regards to the mandatory side panels, that describes both small and large panels. These used to sell for $300 US including shipping when you could just buy the shelf alone

It looks like shipping prices have just gone through the roof, unfortunately. The small panels shouldn't increase the shipping cost over shipping only the shelf as they aren't really all that heavy or bulky, so the overall shipping dimensions and weight shouldn't be dramatically different unless they're just over a threshold where the price jumps by a lot. Just as an example, my brother was shipping an old Weathertech cargo mat from his previous vehicle a while back and found that by cutting an inch off the factory box, the shipping cost dropped almost in half because he got just under 48" on the length. Weathertech probably has a few standard size boxes they use to simplify their shipping process and get a good enough shipping discount that they don't have to worry about such things.

 

[HSTexan]

I was up at the Moore Expo in Springfield, MO this morning and ran across the Kaon shelf at the LongRangeAmerica booth and they said they are US vendors for them now. They let me know they currently have a few shelf’s in stock *without* the molle panels and you won’t have to pay AUS shipping; not sure if a glitch but looks to be free shipping if you pick up at a Fedex hub—$295 isn’t too bad at all

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[kcjaz]

I was up at the Moore Expo in Springfield, MO this morning and ran across the Kaon shelf at the LongRangeAmerica booth and they said they are US vendors for them now. They let me know they currently have a few shelf’s in stock *without* the molle panels and you won’t have to pay AUS shipping; not sure if a glitch but looks to be free shipping if you pick up at a Fedex hub—$295 isn’t too bad at all

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I’m like 40 minutes from Springfield. Didn’t know there was an expo. I’ll be calling these guys, thanks!

 

[HSTexan]

I’m like 40 minutes from Springfield. Didn’t know there was an expo. I’ll be calling these guys, thanks!

Expo is going on tomorrow as well and they had a 200 series shelf on site for sale earlier—no guarantees it’ll be still there but if you have a morning to kill it might be worth it

 

[Tommy Dwyer]

I’m like 40 minutes from Springfield. Didn’t know there was an expo. I’ll be calling these guys, thanks!

Kind of surprised you didn’t here about it. I think this is the third or fourth year, and has really grown.

 

[kcjaz]

Expo is going on tomorrow as well and they had a 200 series shelf on site for sale earlier—no guarantees it’ll be still there but if you have a morning to kill it might be worth it

Drove down, and scored the shelf. No Molle panel supports but walked out the door for $255. 10% show discount offset sales tax. Paid less than shipping from Australia. Thanks @HSTexan for your post!

They have more in stock but their website is not working so you can’t actually buy them. They are aware of this and are getting it fixed.

They also have some 200 tanks coming in June that are not already pre sold.

 

[HSTexan]

Drove down, and scored the shelf. No Molle panel supports but walked out the door for $255. 10% show discount offset sales tax. Paid less than shipping from Australia. Thanks @HSTexan for your post!

They have more in stock but their website is not working so you can’t actually buy them. They are aware of this and are getting it fixed.

They also have some 200 tanks coming in June that are not already pre sold.

Awesome! I’m glad it worked out for you—they were quite surprised when I told them I just paid $300 for shipping from Aus and said Kaon was supposed to be directing US customers to them

 

[HSTexan]

So very weird, but Kaon just actually sent me a $60 refund for excess shipping charges

 

[Markuson]

So very weird, but Kaon just actually sent me a $60 refund for excess shipping charges

Very cool, and not all that surprising. There really are some quality, conscientious folk at Kaon.

 

[HSTexan]

Got home too late last night to do the roof shelf and panels, but went after it first thing this morning. Once I got the mounting blocks into the grab handle holes I bolted up the top two bolts and the large M10 bolt on the lower front. Put the rear bracket into position and marked the holes with a center punch, pulled off the panels, drilled, installed the rivnuts, and then installed the lower bracket by itself. I didn't do this the first time and didn't have easy clearance to try to put the forward of the two bolts in. I also pre-threaded a 1/4-20 bolt through the holes in that bracket before attempting to install--the powdercoating from Kaon means a 1/4-20 bolt doesn't fit too easily so you either need to very slightly drill out the hole or just thread one through before you attempt to install.

Thanks to @TCM for the link for the plastic specific rivnuts--love how it turned out and I'd definitely do it again. Using those specific ones from McMaster-Carr I put a caliper to one and figured out I should drill with a 23/64" bit which meant the rivnut just needed a slight pressure to seat in the hole. One note of caution, after drilling the passenger side I looked through the hole and saw some sort of yellow cable routed behind--you DO NOT want to drill too deep or you will hit that cable.

Also stole the @1world1love Element mounting idea using the quickfists they sell.

 

[BigTimeOperator]

Do the Molle panels support the shelf in any way?

Just curious as to whether I can install the shelf alone without any Molle panels....

Has anyone done this?

Thanks!

 

[kcjaz]

The original design was w/o molle panels so yes the shelf can be installed w/o them. Kaon added the panels to provide extra support went they had some 200s break welds at one of the attachment points. There is a thread on here that explains it with a video from Kaon. If you run higher speeds down corrugated roads you probably want the panels. If you are easier on your 200 you may be ok w/o them. No way to really know though.

 

[BigTimeOperator]

The original design was w/o molle panels so yes the shelf can be installed w/o them. Kaon added the panels to provide extra support went they had some 200s break welds at one of the attachment points. There is a thread on here that explains it with a video from Kaon. If you run higher speeds down corrugated roads you probably want the panels. If you are easier on your 200 you may be ok w/o them. No way to really know though.

Thank you!

 

[Markuson]

Thank you!

Kaon offers two versions of the molle, though…

One is a standalone… the other is designed to be used with the shelf.

**However!! The standalone CAN also be used with the shelf. I discovered this because I ended up with the stand-alone molle panels even though my intention was to use it with the shelf.

I discovered that you can simply LAYER both mount wings of tge shelf and the standalone molle…and it works fine. So… if you think you might want both at some point, or you want to tetain the ability to use the molle or the shelf with the other…just order the standalone version. Because if you have…or end up with a shelf, you’ll be fine eitherway.

 

[kcjaz]

@BigTimeOperator, Long Range America caries these and I think has these in stock. Shipping should be faster and cheaper than from Kaon direct.

 

[CharlieS]

And, fwiw, Victory 4x4 carries a similar product, made in the US, and they are forum members (@brimy311 ). I ordered one from them and got it super quickly, and it is a very high quality product.

 

[BigTimeOperator]

@BigTimeOperator, Long Range America caries these and I think has these in stock. Shipping should be faster and cheaper than from Kaon direct.

Thanks...I actually bought mine from LRA...I have a dilemma...installing the rack right now and one of the milled nuts that helps secure the rack to the grab handle slots fell into the frame...tried a magnet but no luck...

Any local (ie. Home Depot, Lowe’s) options to pick up a replacement? Or can I only get the hardware from Kaon?

On the side, anyone have any ideas on how to get that nut out of there? Can already imagine the rattling...

 

[CharlieS]

I've only ever seen that option from Kaon. Victory 4x4 uses plastic inserts. I replaced mine before the initial install with the Koan hardware. It is really a clever design.

I don't have any specific ideas about fishing that nut out, I'd also use a reaching tool with a magnet. If you're feeling frustrated, maybe take a break, have a glass of iced tea, and go back at it when you are feeling mentally fresh. This often works for me.

 

[mceagle555]

Installed Kaon shelf w/ small molle panels this week. Ordered from LRA w/ free FedEx freight location pickup.

Top-notch quality. Used the 7/8" hole saw below and it worked great.

Amazon product ASIN B0052EDINA
Pictures in my build thread, including rear view mirror visibility.

"All_Terrain_Turtle" LX Build Thread

Upgraded rear brakes to Powerstop Z36 after putting them on my front brakes. Much improved stopping power and better pedal feel. I also replaced the emergency brake shoes following the video guide below. By far the most difficult part is reattaching the shoes with the pin, spring, and...

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[Julian73]

Thanks...I actually bought mine from LRA...I have a dilemma...installing the rack right now and one of the milled nuts that helps secure the rack to the grab handle slots fell into the frame...tried a magnet but no luck...

Any local (ie. Home Depot, Lowe’s) options to pick up a replacement? Or can I only get the hardware from Kaon?

On the side, anyone have any ideas on how to get that nut out of there? Can already imagine the rattling...

The "nut" is a piece of aluminum so as you found out a magnet will note work. The design is proprietary to Kaon, however they do sell a hardware only kit.

Roof Handle M6 Captive Nuts to suit LC200 and Prado 150

Roof Handle M6 Captive Nuts to suit LC200 and Prado 150

www.kaon.com.au