Curious, why are almost everyone mounting the rack with the expo bar down?
What are you using it for that makes down better, or is it mainly as a grab bar only?
Sorry for my ignorance, but the couple racks I've had over the decades both had the extra bar above, which allowed for side support of coolers and misc. items loaded up there, plus provided additional strapping points.
Also, how has everyone's experience been who decided on the plastic grid panels?
I've also always had a steel grid on the racks which was great for standing up there while arranging and strapping down items. My first rack, about 30+ years ago was mounted to an Izusu Trooper and became my sleeping platform with just a sleeping bag for an awesome month long coastal trip. In that case, I had installed a simple 4x8 plywood on the rack for the base and the extra bar was added security for my mind that I wouldn't roll off the side in my sleep.
Thx
s