Roof Rack Options

[cowfly]

[p]I know this has been mentioned a couple of times but wanted to reopen the roof rack topic.  I am looking for options of mounting a Yakima roof rack for a basket, kayak, and bike mounts on the top of my folded QS 6.0.  I would like the rack easy to remove and at the moment I'm not concerned about removing/reinstalling the legs for the bed once unfolded, so this can be ignored.  Looking at the top (underside of the bed) the aluminum frame looks like the ideal spot to drill holes for the treaded rivets for a Yakima track.  The crossbars will have to be trimmed so not to interfere with the unfolding of the bed, but I believe the tracks/feet/crossbars would work.  I may call the factory for guidance at some point.  Thoughts?[/p][p]
[/p][p][a href="http://www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Yakima/Y01127.html"]Yakima Track[/a]  [/p][p]
[/p][p]

[jwesty]

[quote source="/post/14510/thread" timestamp="1440430454" author="@cowfly"][p]... I'm not concerned about removing/reinstalling the legs for the bed once unfolded, so this can be ignored.  Looking at the top (underside of the bed) the aluminum frame looks like the ideal spot to drill holes for the treaded rivets for a Yakima track.  The crossbars will have to be trimmed so not to interfere with the unfolding of the bed, but I believe the tracks/feet/crossbars would work.  I may call the factory for guidance at some point.  Thoughts?[/p][p]
[/p][p][a href="http://www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Yakima/Y01127.html"]Yakima Track[/a]  [/p][p]
[/p][/quote]
I'm not following you... how would you use your tonneau cover if you mount tracks to the underside of the bed?

[rob]

I assume, being a 6.0, he will remove the cover. Possibly add some latches to keep the bed down during transport.

[admin]

Will the Yakima bars span the width you are looking at?
Otherwise I think you are on the right track, assuming @rob is right and you plan to latch the top down

-Sean

[jwesty]

[quote source="/post/14525/thread" timestamp="1440438069" author="@rob"]I assume, being a 6.0, he will remove the cover. Possibly add some latches to keep the bed down during transport. [/quote]Would that seal well enough? I don't know that I would trust it in a rain storm at highway speed driving the water into the gap...

[hiker74]

I'm surprised someone hasn't modified a QS10 and removed the tonneau, added better seals between the bed tops and the box and added some clamps so you can add racking on top.

[cowfly]

[p]I believe a couple of latches and at least a front seal would have to be installed to tow without the cover.  This maybe a dry conditions/light rain only setup.  This is why I like the tracks along the edges of the top, easy removal of the racks if needed.  Since the top is a single piece, I believe the QS 6.0 should have been designed with a hardtop (sans cover) like the Jeep version.  I'm assuming this is a weight savings of some type.  Owning the off road version, I also like the legs and handles of the Jeep 6.0.

[a href="https://www.etrailer.com/Roof-Rack/Rhino-Rack/RLT500.html"]Rhino Rack[/a]




[img width="28" style="Rhino Racks" height="30" style="MAX-WIDTH:100%;" src="https://www.etrailer.com/Roof-Rack/Rhino-Rack/RLT500.html"][/p]

[rob]

Over the winter I will look at building a removable roof rack that borrows some elements of the Coleman Colorado Sport.  Rather than go length wise, the rack will go width wise.  Brackets will be permanently mounted to the trailer sides but will not interfere with the cover.  The cross piece will be easily removed.............................perhaps I can find another use for them when the camper is set up.


[img style="max-width:100%;" style="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v222/cobra5laddict/childrensmuseum8-5-08048.jpg" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v222/cobra5laddict/childrensmuseum8-5-08048.jpg"]

[cowfly]

[p]That's an interesting idea, the mounts could be on the lower portion of the trailer with quick disconnects.  There would be two horizontal bars with legs that ran vertically down the side of the trailer to the mounts like the soft top jeep rack pictured.  Heck, this rack may work:)[/p][p]
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[img style="" style="max-width:100%;" src="https://www.etrailer.com/Merchant2/graphics/00000001/pics/B/4/B4141501_500.jpg"] [/p]

[admin]

I'm surprised someone hasn't modified a QS10 and removed the tonneau, added better seals between the bed tops and the box and added some clamps so you can add racking on top.

I've thought about it a time or two, but I cant think of a system that I would trust to keep it water tight without overly complicating the system.
I do think it's a worthwhile venture though b/c that tonneau seems to be the single largest point of complication in the system. I see many benefits from removing it including a nicer look and added security if you use locking latches for the top...

[jwesty]

[quote source="/post/14534/thread" timestamp="1440451973" author="@cowfly"][p]I believe a couple of latches and at least a front seal would have to be installed to tow without the cover.  This maybe a dry conditions/light rain only setup.  This is why I like the tracks along the edges of the top, easy removal of the racks if needed.  Since the top is a single piece, I believe the QS 6.0 should have been designed with a hardtop (sans cover) like the Jeep version.  I'm assuming this is a weight savings of some type.  Owning the off road version, I also like the legs and handles of the Jeep 6.0.
[/p][/quote]Now I see where you're going...

Maybe take baby steps and see if you can keep the water/light rain out first before you mount some tracks?

Regardless, I don't think you can go wrong with the Yakima tracks and towers.

Good luck!

[rob]

Alright.  Here's the quick draft plan for a roof rack.

Mandatory Requirements

1.  Easily removable (measured in seconds, not minutes) to allow the trailer to open and close.
2.  Support 150 lbs (one canoe plus 2 bikes?)

Optional Requirements

1.  Have a secondary use/function.
2.  Be able to use "standard" roof rack accessories.

[a href="http://s94.photobucket.com/user/rwgill/media/roof%20rack%201.jpg.html"]
[img style="max-width:100%;" src="http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l109/rwgill/roof%20rack%201.jpg"][/a]

[a href="http://s94.photobucket.com/user/rwgill/media/roof%20rack%202.jpg.html"]
[img style="max-width:100%;" src="http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l109/rwgill/roof%20rack%202.jpg"][/a]

I am a horrible artist.

Now to sort out some of the details.

Note:  If Livinlite takes this idea and produces one before I build mine....................I will sell you the idea for a free roof rack and awning

[subaruwx]

I like the concept a lot. Gotta check the distance between the top rails. I think the width of the awning is going to be too wide for bikes. It's perfect for canoes and kayaks, but bike trays or mounts will need to custom at that width.

[firefighteremt]

I have been researching bike carrying options ever since I bought my qs6 and it baffles me that there has not been a solution thus far.  We do not have the extended rear deck and my idea was to put a bumper style receiver hitch that mounts onto bumper with U bolts, but when I called Livin Lite questioning the capacity or weight the bumper could hold my response was Don't do it!  The rear bumper does not have the strength to withstand the torque the rack will place on it. There has to be somebody somewhere that has a solution!

[rob]

I like the concept a lot. Gotta check the distance between the top rails. I think the width of the awning is going to be too wide for bikes. It's perfect for canoes and kayaks, but bike trays or mounts will need to custom at that width.

It is only a concept. Details will need to be figured out. I do not know if I have wall studs that will line up properly.

I saw another idea at the lumber yard today (bumper mounted ladder rack) that may work