Roof platform mounting options

[nibbs]

Hey all-

Looking into installing a roof platform for the various flexibility of storage. My trailer has a 1x square roof rack frame with multiple cross bars between two runners (so flexibilty in mounting options). The rack can be mounted in either direction - based upon size of the rack of course.

In looking at the front runner racks- and seeing most are mounted with some sort of foot to the cross members; I was curious if anyone has mounted one to some load bars or similar to a situation like I have. I could drill and bolt/ or weld on some brackets potentially, but was more hoping to clamp on my existing bars.

In looking at the rhino rack- it seems my option may be easier with the mounting bars - proving a plate below and clamping around my existing bars, or using some sort of square panhard bracket.

Any other suggestions/options? I liked the option to mount gear under the front runner - but not quite initially positive how to best mount onto my square stock - and so that's where I suppose my true question lies.

Attached is a photo that I had - shows what I've got going on for reference. Platform would be on the front half of the trailer, with two additional cross bars for mounting.

 

[rayra]

something like a shallow tray that goes between the existing rack and the RTT? You want a solid deck / drawer? or just a bottom deck inside the rack you already seem to have? You're opening post isn't clear. There's also a Storage subforum that has a lot of designs to browse.
If you went for a sliding tray sort of thing, you could design it to complement the layout of your RTT, so the tray contents are still accessible with your RTT unfolded.

 

[nibbs]

something like a shallow tray that goes between the existing rack and the RTT? You want a solid deck / drawer? or just a bottom deck inside the rack you already seem to have? You're opening post isn't clear. There's also a Storage subforum that has a lot of designs to browse.
If you went for a sliding tray sort of thing, you could design it to complement the layout of your RTT, so the tray contents are still accessible with your RTT unfolded.

Nothing to do with the RTT. Square stock roof rack- want to mount a platform onto the square stock.

Question is- how to do that with the front runner?

The mentioning of storage under has to do with the fact that the front runner will allowing you to hang items- such as the table. Go rhino does not.

Go rhino has the support/mounting bars underneath already so I’m guessing i can just use some hardware and make my own brackets. Front runner is usually mounting with feet/runners. I cannot do that (unless I mount feet to my square stock). Prefer not to do that.


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[rayra]

Well it’s still no clearer to me what you trying to do and where you are trying to do it. Don’t know what ‘go rhino’ is. Presume you are talking about square tubing and no a stock / factory rack. Still not understanding what it is you are trying to build / accomplish.

good luck with your project.

 

[gatorgrizz27]

So you’re wanting to add a roof rack on top of your homemade roof rack?

It looks top heavy enough already with the narrow track width and RTT up there.

The front runner rack feet have small plates with two studs that slide into a channel. Thosecould be removed and replaced with through bolts. I’m not sure how you would store something underneath it if you bolted it directly to your 1x frame rather than using the feet.

 

[nibbs]

Well it’s still no clearer to me what you trying to do and where you are trying to do it. Don’t know what ‘go rhino’ is. Presume you are talking about square tubing and no a stock / factory rack. Still not understanding what it is you are trying to build / accomplish.

good luck with your project.

With all respect- not sure what is not clear about mounting a platform on a roof rack. If you do not know what “go rhino” is, please do not give others advice on platform racks as it’s only one of the major brands out there.


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[nibbs]

So you’re wanting to add a roof rack on top of your homemade roof rack?

It looks top heavy enough already with the narrow track width and RTT up there.

The front runner rack feet have small plates with two studs that slide into a channel. Thosecould be removed and replaced with through bolts. I’m not sure how you would store something underneath it if you bolted it directly to your 1x frame rather than using the feet.

Correct- and yes, that’s the only way I was seeing the front runner work myself. I was looking around for some mounting bracket that may clamp on my rack and attach to the front runner- but to no avail. For access underneath- I know what you’re saying. Part of my thought too was the ability to have flexibility and opportunity to make something work.

I’m leaning towards go rhino as I think the whole attachment will be much more straightforward. Thanks for the Input.


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