Roof Rack/Desk side or top mount

[Rivetboy]

Also in using rivnuts, it can always replace a rivet. This would allow you the structural support of the crossmember and no new penetrations in the roof.

[MambaJack]

Ribs are like an upside down hat channel. Unfortunately I didnt decided on how to build the rack until after I installed the ceiling. Had planned to drill a hole all the way through the outer skin, the hat channel, and the ceiling and put a large bolt thru. But will reeval the rivnuts.

[ComfortEagle]

Originally Posted by Rivetboy

Retirement is good.

Soon, but not soon enough...

Originally Posted by MambaJack

Ribs are like an upside down hat channel. Unfortunately I didnt decided on how to build the rack until after I installed the ceiling. Had planned to drill a hole all the way through the outer skin, the hat channel, and the ceiling and put a large bolt thru. But will reeval the rivnuts.

Ah, U-channel, upside down hat, I get it. How are the channels attached to the roof? And the ceiling is already done, and beautiful by the way... I am planning a special spray foam Labor day weekend this weekend, if I can finish up boxing the front wheel wells... Your ceiling planks (and other woodwork) look really nice, great work.

[o1marc]

Originally Posted by ComfortEagle

Soon, but not soon enough...

Ah, U-channel, upside down hat, I get it. How are the channels attached to the roof? And the ceiling is already done, and beautiful by the way... I am planning a special spray foam Labor day weekend this weekend, if I can finish up boxing the front wheel wells... Your ceiling planks (and other woodwork) look really nice, great work.

The roof skins are riveted to the bottom of the hat brim on both sides.

[MambaJack]

I never really thought of it that way, but the roof is actually full of holes isn't it.

[o1marc]

Originally Posted by MambaJack

I never really thought of it that way, but the roof is actually full of holes isn't it.

Over 1000 easy.

[Watkins]

Originally Posted by Rivetboy

Now some people might consider me biased to rivnuts because of my screen name... and it's true.

As you should be! I deal with rivnuts / nutserts on a regular basis and they're wonderful things.

[plfking]

Originally Posted by MambaJack

Had planned to drill a hole all the way through the outer skin, the hat channel, and the ceiling and put a large bolt thru.

Carriage bolt with a pronged anti-turn washer? Your nut would be on the roof side and a tastefully painted carriage bolt head on your ceiling.

[Rivetboy]

Originally Posted by Watkins

As you should be! I deal with rivnuts / nutserts on a regular basis and they're wonderful things.

[Triskite]

we went the roof deck + solar panel combo bolting down the sides. has held up perfectly the last 4 years since install. my philosophy is if you can avoid drilling through the roof do so. had a few leaks even being careful with silicone in some of the places where we did.
more pics
imgur album

[Shambhala Tinbolle]

For my first 2 solar panels, I've made L brackets. Pre-drilled 5 holes in the part that connects to the roof. Cut out pieces of blueskin just slightly larger than the size of the bracket, stuck it to the roof (under each bracket). Drilled through the roof and used steel on steel closed rivets (5 per bracket). Caulked each rivet and around edges of each bracket with white Mono Ultra exterior caulking. Inside caulked each rivet with same caulking.
1 coat of gloss paint on roof before brackets installed, and 2 coats after brackets installed and the caulking had dried.


I'm holding off insulating the inside of my ceiling until any brackets for anything have been installed and thoroughly rain tested. It's taking longer, but working.


hope this is helpful.

[MambaJack]

Almost done installing rack and panels, figured I would post a pic.

Ended up bolting thru skin, rib, and interior wood.