Storage on top of a closed QS 10.0

[admin]

I was thinking about using some removable roof rack cross bars strapped to the top of my 10.0 to then allow for additional storage. I want to be able to bring a kayak or two, or maybe mount a car top carrier since I dont have the rear deck.

I was thinking that since the top is nothing more than the bed sections flipped over it should be able to hold a fair amount of weight but I dont have any good way to figure out exactly what that weight would be.

A couple of kayaks shouldnt be more than 100# and I wouldnt imagine loading a car top carrier with any heavy items so I think the idea should work. The other main thing is avoiding damaging the cover which is why the removable bars would help I think. They have rubber feet and would allow for anything stored to be up off the top.

Has anyone used the top of a QS as storage?

-Sean

[admin]

these are the basic bars I'm thinking about: http://www.walmart.com/ip/47.75-Roof-Rack-Cargo-Cross-Bars-150-lb.-Capacity/29390001

I would need a good way to strap them down...my first thought was a real long ratchet strap that clips to the frame, but I'm still debating on this.

[subaruwx]

I'm considering something like this, but mostly for bikes. For canoes, I think a simple pair of foam blocks would be easiest :
http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___58601

The problem with these, and your idea of temporary bars, is that it would be tough to get them tight enough so that they don't shift or bounce if you hit a bump.  That's my big concern with putting bikes on top. Foam canoe blocks would compress and allow the canoes to be tight. I dunno how tough it would be to strap those posts down tight enough.

I've seen others post installation pics of mounted support bars at popupportal.com but they were permanent attachments. I think support posts screwed into the aluminum frame of the bed section would work and be more secure, but this defeats the purpose of the tonneau cover.  

I'm also curious to see if anyone else has had success with a removable rack solution.

[admin]

Yeah I agree that it would be difficult to get the bars tight enough and I to originally thought about the foam block idea. My concern with the blocks is making sure there is enough clearance of the metal attachment points under the tonneau cover. The last thing I want is to end up wearing a hole into the cover.

I have had a few other ideas like creating some sort of rail system coming up from the frame, but everything I've thought of seems to get way more complicated than I would want. I have to keep in mind that whatever is used on top of the unit must come off prior to setup so I want to avoid adding a lot of complexity.

I wish the support attachments for the beds were not permanently welded so they stick up when closed. If these attachment points could be removed the surface would be completely flat and I'd be far more comfortable using the top for light storage.

I wounder if it would be to much trouble to rig up something so those points can be removed?

[subaruwx]

I think you can find foam blocks that will keep you clear of the support connectors.  Or buy another set of hard foam and glue to the bottom to get more height.  

Those support connectors are welded, as they have a bit of stress on them to support the bed.  You might be able to weld in a block underneath these that could receive 2 screws. Then you could screw on and off the post support connectors.  

But I like your idea of a simple support frame the could attach to the front frame and maybe the rear deck. It could even be removable.  I really like the ProRac bike mount that attaches to the front trailer frame. I wonder if something similar could be made for the rear bumper or deck. Then one could easily secure a couple of canoes and ensure the right height without even touching the tonneau cover.  

Imagine 2 of these - one in the front and one in the rear (without bikes).
http://www.prorac.com/tenttrailerpro.php

This could even work for bikes if one added some cross pieces along the length of the closed trailer with standard roof rack mounts to get the right distances. I need to sketch up something...

[charles0403]

hello,
newbie to the site, but a QS owner for a few years. we have two sizes of box roof carriers that we have placed on the cover. we placed a well-used yoga mat underneath as protection, it gives enough support, as well as does not allow for any slippage. we cut and carved 'pool noodles' to cover the floor supports that stick up. to attach we use c-clamps on the front and rear. (hitch braces up front and cross-beam bumper on the back). we use locking tie-downs length-wise and cross-wise. nothing moves!
our element has a Yakima rack on the roof for the bikes and canopy poles.
will try to post pictures later.

[mary59mac]

Hello all!
I'm new here and glad to see this question come up. I have wondered the same thing. I look forward to the photos from pastorrandy.

[admin]

Here is what I ended up doing to transport two kayaks on top of my 10.0:

[cynthia]

I built a similar rack as www.sixnall.com/index.php for my QS10.  I carry 5 bikes every trip.  Works great.  I was told by LivinLite approximately 400 lbs was the weight limit.  I have not had any issues with the bikes on top + the rack    

[subaruwx]

The sixnall rack is on my wish list. Did you build yours out of aluminum? Any pictures to share?

[admin]

I like those sixnall racks, I just cant justify the cost. Maybe one day.

[cynthia]

I did build it out of aluminum.  The cost was also an issue for me, that is why i built it myself.