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I can report after a couple of hours of freeway-speed driving with an empty rack that I do not detect any flutter. That's not to guarantee there isn't any, just that it isn't noticeable from the cabin. I'd need a spotter with a tall vehicle to tell me otherwise.

A quick update, now that I've finished the build on my utility rack that spans the rear quarter window between the C and D pillars. The primary motivator for this was to relocate some of the weight from the forward end of the pop-top. In years past, I've overloaded the front end a little bit...

Not an Express, but on your "little brother" Astro van: This is not a quick job. The factory ball joints are riveted on with like 1/2" diameter rivets. To do this at home will most likely involve complete control arm removal, a vice, a grinder, and more than one large size drill bit as you...

I'd love to see hear an explanation. Depending on the state, this is very illegal. (States that have strong gambling regulations tend to take a very dim view of rigged raffles as they view it as equivalent...)

Congrats! I too had to go to AZ to find my van, but I didn't get as lucky as you.

One thing that may help with the "factory look" is to make sure you get a label maker that will work with the right colors. My GM dash is all white lettering, so I use a Brother label maker with TZe style tape cartridges that print "White on Clear". The clear tape disappears so you just see...

I really wish they made a Driver's-side opening Solo. They make one in the "offset" model, but not the solo. With my van I'm constantly moving from the slider to the rear and back again. Having that tire swung out to the passenger side would really be in the way...

I will have to report on that after testing, but I did fasten around the three longitudinal spars a few inches from the ends at the front and rear. (I'd have to take the rack off the van to be able to attach in the direct middle - not enough clearance under the rack to reach under to guide the...

Dang, that CampCover is much closer to what I need than all the usual suspects. I'm currently stashing all my tools in a quarter panel area which is tall but narrow. Most wrench-rolls and other "hold a million tool" bags end up too thick to easily get through the opening. I'd rather subdivide...

Just a follow up, I used some of my leftover material to make dividers for a "coffee kit": Two insulated mugs, a kettle, the Aeropress and its tools, a 40oz insulated carafe, and a tin of coffee all nicely packed into a lightweight "file" box with a top-handle.

There have been a lot of little projects lately. I have not got my act together to document all of them just yet, but this one was quick and easy. My roof basket is a (craigstlist find, naturally) Surco S4550, more or less as pictured below. You can see the two cross bars (which actually run...

I forgot that not every vehicle has the features of a Chevy. My Astro van has a master "Dome Override" switch which has the perfect operation: When the override is engaged, the dome lights come on for ~30s when the alarm/keyless entry fob is triggered, but ignore the state of the door...

Thanks Rando, that looks like a good choice that's a bit closer to the "sweet spot" for small solar needs.

That's a shame. I'd have to light the tent on fire.

I can't speak for every solar charge controller, but it shouldn't be a problem. I do this almost daily. I have a Morningstar SS-6 controller from the solar panel (always on), and when parked in my driveway (any time I'm not on a trip), I also plug into an Iota IQ4/DLS-55(amp) charger...

I had all the same thoughts. "Wow! Cool. Heavy?"

For completeness: Battery is Odyssey PC-2150 AGM. Unlikely to change away from AGM batteries, if that's a factor in this discussion.

I've done a little searching, but since the tech is moving pretty fast, any thread older than a couple of years probably doesn't have up-to-date info on the current products out there, so I thought I'd post up looking for help. Can anyone recommend a smaller/lighter-duty MPPT controller that...

One more bit of bad news (sorry) - if you did end up with an Astro pop-top, you may find that the upper bunk is cozy for two adults. The way the roof is shaped, and subtracting the width of whatever top-mechanism is used (hinges, etc.), you end up with a pretty narrow bunk. I haven't measured...

If you're in the market for Astro/Safari, then you'll want to focus on the newest 2003-2005 vans. In 2003 they got a big upgrade to the brakes (+ rear discs) that really helps, plus a switch to 6-lug hubs. (Useful primarily for identifying the newer models, not that the 6-lugs are a vast...