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Topic: Adding a roof rack? (Read 863 times) previous topic - next topic

Adding a roof rack?

Hello all, has anyone added a roofrack to their U320? There seems to be a lot of real estate up there, and maybe a good place for bulky items, or perhaps a ladder?  I know weight is an issue to be delt with, but I'd like to know if anyone has some sound advice for me, as I am new to this motor home thing, and this forum. Thanks in advance!

Re: Adding a roof rack?

Reply #1 –
My advice would be don,t do it,are you full timing, if so thin down some,these coaches have plenty of storage.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: Adding a roof rack?

Reply #2 –
Our U270 has a "roof rack" on it from the factory. It really is just a short perimeter on the back portion of the bus with a ladder attached. I have been on the roof, and could see where being up there at a NASCAR race or other such event might be nice.

The downside would be any height above whatever the AC units, vent hoods, or satellite dishes you have up there already would make you more prone to finding low branches, overpasses, etc. As far as storage, anything that is too heavy would be a pain to not only put up there, but to bring down safely. I think one of the members had said they store a spare up there, but I would hate to have to get it down!

Good luck, and let us know what you decide.

Len
Len and Deb Speiser
1999 U270 36'
2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
You're either on the bus, or you're off the bus!--Ken Kesey
If you're lucky enough to live in a bus, you're lucky enough!

Re: Adding a roof rack?

Reply #3 –
Yes you can add a roof rack.. No, I wouldn't do it.. Just that many more screws to keep caulked and one more thing to trip on when you have to go on the roof.
Dub McBride 1996 270

Re: Adding a roof rack?

Reply #4 –
Use the room for solar panels, roof racks are a trip hazard and were mostly decorative rather than functional.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Adding a roof rack?

Reply #5 –
Also keep in mind the ladder attached to the back of your coach is only rated for 150 lbs. most of us I imagine will slightly exceed that 😎😎
Bruce, Linda, and Macy
Zoey RIP 1/20/19
1999 U295 40' build #5400
2017 silver Jeep Wrangler, 1260 watts of solar on top
Moving around the country

Re: Adding a roof rack?

Reply #6 –
Welcome, jdutch, to the Forum.  You have come to the right place to get opinions on practically any subject.  We all have them, and we give them out for free!

Here's mine:  If you don't have enough storage space in and under a 40' U320, then I would say you are trying to cart around Too Much Stuff.

If you insist on trying to carry things on the roof, a cargo pod would be a better alternative.  More aero, more secure, keeps your stuff clean and dry.  Back in the day, roof pods were a FOT factory option:

Roof Mounted Storage Bins



1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Adding a roof rack?

Reply #7 –
Quote from: Chuck & Jeannie –
Welcome, jdutch, to the Forum.  You have come to the right place to get opinions on practically any subject.  We all have them, and we give them out for free!

Here's mine:  If you don't have enough storage space in and under a 40' U320, then I would say you are trying to cart around Too Much Stuff.

If you insist on trying to carry things on the roof, a cargo pod would be a better alternative.  More aero, more secure, keeps your stuff clean and dry.  Back in the day, roof pods were a factory option:

Roof Mounted Storage Bins




I see JDutch has a '03 u320which I assume has a tag. A 2003 40' with a tag has a lot less basement space than you think. We went from a 2000 40' no tag to a 2003 40' with a tag and I was surprised at how much basement space I lost. 


Keith
The selected media item is not currently available.Keith & Jo
2003 U320T 4025 PBBS Designer series
Build 6203    Cummins 500hp
2000 U320 4010 WTFE / Build 5762 —Sold—
Motorcade #18070   
Pasadena, Texas
2015 Jeep Wrangler Sahara-Sunset Orange pearl coat
Don't argue with a fool, people watching might not be able to tell the difference.

Re: Adding a roof rack?

Reply #8 –
not a fan of roof storage. how about a pickup truck toad?

Re: Adding a roof rack?

Reply #9 –
Quote from: hdff –
We went from a 2000 40' no tag to a 2003 40' with a tag and I was surprised at how much basement space I lost. 
Yes, but you GAINED two more wheels to keep polished, and two more tires to buy.  So there's that...


1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Adding a roof rack?

Reply #10 –
Quote from: Chuck & Jeannie –
Yes, but you GAINED two more wheels to keep polished, and two more tires to buy.  So there's that...



Alcoa dura bright wheels do not require polishing, 😂 and it does seem to drive better.. 

Back to the original topic, the '03 doesn't have a roof rack and I don't miss it and can't add one due to solar panels but I do miss the ladder to access the roof easily to keep a check on things.


Keith
The selected media item is not currently available.Keith & Jo
2003 U320T 4025 PBBS Designer series
Build 6203    Cummins 500hp
2000 U320 4010 WTFE / Build 5762 —Sold—
Motorcade #18070   
Pasadena, Texas
2015 Jeep Wrangler Sahara-Sunset Orange pearl coat
Don't argue with a fool, people watching might not be able to tell the difference.

Re: Adding a roof rack?

Reply #11 –
JDutch, stay away from storing on the roof. As others have said, too dangerous, and not worth the effort.
If you need an easy to store ladder, try one of these. I like mine.
6' Compact Folding Step Ladder | Camping World
Mark & Bev
2001 U295 36' Slide
Cummins ISC 8.3 350HP
Build #5802
Jeep Wrangler Toad

Re: Adding a roof rack?

Reply #12 –
Quote from: lenspeiser –
Our U270 has a "roof rack" on it from the factory. It really is just a short perimeter on the back portion of the bus with a ladder attached. I have been on the roof, and could see where being up there at a NASCAR race or other such event might be nice.

Len

My 95 U295 has that rack perimeter and ladder. I climbing the ladder once but it felt like I was pushing the limits for sure at 240! Will not climb it again knowing it's rated for 150. Was always wondering what in the world you would put up there. Not convenient at all to get to.

Re: Adding a roof rack?

Reply #13 –
That rack is a trip hazard and if it wasn't for all the holes it will leave removing it mine would be gone. It will eventually get removed just not on the front burner at this time.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean
 

Re: Adding a roof rack?

Reply #14 –
Had ours removed when the roof was painted at Extreme.
Looks better in my opinion, tripping hazard gone.
Frank & Connie Williams
1999 U320 '36
Build: 5466
MC: 18335