Unfortunately I bought my truck with a ARE CX Classic camper shell, not the HD. I want to put a rooftop rack on it but need to increase the capacity. The only reinforcement system I can find is a Milford Loadmax. But they’re out of Australia and it’s expensive to ship. Any similar products out there?
Increase camper shell capacity for rooftop rack
- Thread starter johnlucasprice
- Start date
zgfiredude
Rank VI
Steward I
What about fabricating an external version to support the roof rack, and then the shell is removeable and uncut?
I really don't want to mess with the aesthetics of it by doing that. I don't need to remove the cap. I need internal support. If I can't find something in the US, I'll probably build my own.
zgfiredude
Rank VI
Steward I
There is also the Gobi rack that would be over the cab, but it's probably not the look you want either. Nice rig by the way!!
Correct, not looking to go over the cab. And thanks! I just put sliders on it and removed the steps. I'm putting sway bar disconnects on next. The reason for my post is that I will have a Front Runner Slimline II roof rack, Roofnest Condor hard shell rooftop tent, and an Overland Vehicle Systems batwing awning showing up tomorrow. Put the cart in front of the horse, need to beef up that camper shell to hold it all.
The HD actually has an internal aluminum skeleton frame to transfer the load to the bed rails. And they don’t sell it separately so I’m stuck with something 3rd party or self-fab unless I sell it. And they’re on back order for 20 weeks…
zgfiredude
Rank VI
Steward I
I had ARE Z series on my F150. I wanted the same set up. I contacted ARE and asked about loads etc. They said the cap would def handle the rack and tent weights it depended on the load capacity of the tower/feet attached to the cap itself. I assume the rack will be mounted by t slot rails? Possible to make an internal support using t slot channel aluminum? Modular Framing Systems - TSLOTS
Uberland
Rank VII
Influencer I
OP: I’m happy to provide pics of the internal skeleton on the ARE HD cap that (hopefully) will end up on my truck in a few weeks. I ended up going that route because no topper makers would give me a firm weight limit…it was always a “you should be fine” or “about that much” with blank looks when I asked about static versus dynamic weights.
I spoke with ARE and they said their internal skeleton was meant to go through the cap and mount a rack directly to it. That means the roof rails that are on my cap wouldn't work with their aluminum frame anyway. Their frame is meant to remove ALL load from the cap and put it into the frame.
Enthusiast II
- 603
- First Name
- Anthony
- Last Name
- Broussard
- Member #
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31774
I have an overland series truck cap with a roof nest condor. Been using it for several months with no problem at all.
Attachments
Enthusiast II
- 603
- First Name
- Anthony
- Last Name
- Broussard
- Member #
-
31774
If I remember correctly the static weight limit is 650 lbs and the dynamic weight limit is 250
OP: I have found myself in a similar predicament (have a cx classic and want to put a rtt on it). How'd you solve your problem ultimately?
OP has not been seen on these boards since the month he wrote these posts - the Ides of March over two years ago, sir
