Jump to content


Photo
- - - - -

Optimal location for roof rack cross bars

fwc roof rack yakima thule eagle roller

  • Please log in to reply
2 replies to this topic

#1 OffTheGridMaps

OffTheGridMaps

    Advanced Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 35 posts
  • LocationWhitefish, MT

Posted 06 May 2019 - 05:39 PM

I've recently purchased a 2005 FWC Eagle (2-piece roof) and would like to add a roof rack to carry paddleboards, canoe, etc.

 

What is the optimal front-to-back location to position the roof rack cross-bars?  One consideration I have is loading my canoe (~70lbs).  I thought I might be able to add a roller bar to the rear crossbar, so that I could self-load/unload.  If the roller bar is wide enough (~36") and set far enough back, I was thinking I might be able to flip the canoe upside down, load from the rear, and just push/slide the canoe onto the roof without coming into contact with the camper.

 

Also, any recommended roller roof rack setups?  I found a couple from Yakima and an off-brand:

 

Anything else on the market that people have used?

 

 


  • 0

2005 FWC Eagle | 2003 Toyota Tundra

OffTheGridMaps.com - Maps of Montana's best outdoor recreation activities


#2 jimjxsn

jimjxsn

    Senior Member

  • Members
  • 598 posts
  • LocationRoxborough Park or Buena Vista CO

Posted 06 May 2019 - 07:51 PM

I had a FWC Ranger with the factory canoe rack and now have an ATC Panther with the Yakima tracks.  I like having the rack on the tracks because you can adjust the space between the bars to fit your needs.  On the ends works great for a long canoe but not for most other items.

 

For loading I use a Yakima outrigger which is similar to the Yakima boatloader.  You can get an idea from these pics - 

 

Thule photo - 

177843_sized_1800x1200_rev_2-M.jpg

 

Here are some poor pictures of it on my camper.

 

rack2-L.jpg

 

20180930_171214-L.jpg

 

I just prop the bow onto the outrigger with the stern on the ground.  Then I grab the stern and swing it over onto the rack.

 

With my old camper with the factory canoe rack I even made an outrigger out of smaller diameter square tube.

 

I found that method better than trying to load from the back.

 

**And it really helps to have crossbars close to as wide as the camper.**


  • 1

~Jim
2000 Tundra AC- 2000 FWC Ranger

2017 Tundra DC - 2017 ATC Panther


#3 Vic Harder

Vic Harder

    Doctor Electric

  • Site Team
  • 4,895 posts
  • LocationCalgary, Alberta

Posted 07 May 2019 - 05:59 AM

What about making some brackets and using one of these?

https://www.grainger...9&filters=attrs


  • 0





Also tagged with one or more of these keywords: fwc, roof rack, yakima, thule, eagle, roller

0 user(s) are reading this topic

0 members, 0 guests, 0 anonymous users