6 replies to this topic

[dlmlynch]

Recently ordered a new Hawk SD camper and expect delivery in August.  It will have the Yakima tracks installed on the roof.  I plan on installing a 150W solar panel that I currently have on these tracks.  I'm trying to locate the dimensions on these tracks between the slots so that I can have the crossbars ready to install when the camper arrives.  Can somebody help me out with the distance between the slots?  Thanks in advance!

[kb1ejh]

It's probably hard advice to hear but wait until you get it to be sure. I have an ARE cap on a 6.5' bed. The factory installed Yakima tracks are tapered for some reason. Like over 1 3/4" from front to rear! FWC is a good company I am sure they might be square but I'd still wait until arrival. Sure beats having to redo the holes after it arrives.

I put solar on the cap, in hopes of moving it to a Hawk at some point. I just can't make up my mind shell or roll over couch with cabinets and water.

[Wandering Sagebrush]

Recently ordered a new Hawk SD camper and expect delivery in August.  It will have the Yakima tracks installed on the roof.  I plan on installing a 150W solar panel that I currently have on these tracks.  I'm trying to locate the dimensions on these tracks between the slots so that I can have the crossbars ready to install when the camper arrives.  Can somebody help me out with the distance between the slots?  Thanks in advance!

Have your landing pads, towers and bars ready.  It just takes an hour or so to install them.  You’ll probably need to remove the track end caps to slip the keeper nuts in, you might ask your dealer to do that.  You can also use the Thule nuts that just slip into the slot, then twist.

[veryactivelife]

I would second waiting, if only because in similar installs there can be small amounts of variation in the measurement and that will effect the bar setup.

Unless Yakima has changed how the tracks are packaged, the nuts will already be in the tracks. You can probably verify that on the Yakima site.

Dean

[JWL]

I have been wondering the same thing. Not so much for racks or rails but what size, or how long of solar panel should I get? What is too short and what would be too long? 
I would imagine that they have some “standard” that they use on the Hawks...

[dlmlynch]

Thanks guys for replying. I guess I should have given a little more information. I’ll be using aluminum angle to mount the 150W 1meter square panel on the tracks. I planned on drilling one hole one one side of the angle and milling a slot on the other side to account for variation. I don’t think there will be much though since the tracks will be attached to the aluminum frame of the roof and they should be parallel. But as most of you have recommended I’ll probably just wait until I receive the camper.

[Wandering Sagebrush]

BGBG (Best Guess By Golly) is you’ll be fine.  If not, you can span the tracks will aluminum angle, then mount the solar panel to the angle.