4 Year Review | DIY Aluminium Roof Rack and Ladder | Ford Transit Conversion

[@amandapinker2659]

These 4 year review and fix ups are more valuable than original build . We are currently re doing our roof hatch .. hopefully good for 5 plus years now

[@saltyvanventures]

Thanks for the feedback. I'll do more in the future then!

[@corvorant]

Agree with all the comments-these reviews of your original build are super useful, and are far more rare in the van building community. It's really useful seeing how your designs fared, and how you troubleshoot fixing/maintaining them. Thanks so much!

[@saltyvanventures]

Yeah I agree, it's too hard to find good long-term reviews out there!

[@TheThieftwo]

Really appreciate giving a long-term follow up to decisions you made while building! One of my biggest issues with my first-time van build is not knowing who's right and who's wrong when it comes to what people decided to do on their builds

[@saltyvanventures]

No worries. It's ture, it's hard to tell if something is good until you see how well it had performed against the test of time. Good luck with your first van build!

[@JordanOsmond]

Really interesting to see how everything has held up! And great timing for me as well because I'm building a roof rack for my Transit at the moment. Thanks for the update!

[@saltyvanventures]

glad to help and good luck on your transit build! PS I'm a fan of your vids!

[@JordanOsmond]

@@saltyvanventures That's nice to hear, thanks!

[@BobbyWho1]

4 years ago? Dam that’s gone quick i remember watching you build it 😂

[@saltyvanventures]

I was surprised too when I looked at the dates I was building it.

[@ExtraDryingTime]

I had the same problems along the seams, tried to get panelbeaters to look at it and they just gave me attitude. So thanks for showing me how to do it myself! Doesn't look that hard at all.

[@saltyvanventures]

Glad I could help! It really wasn't that hard or intimidating.

[@LittleSimGoesWild]

Amazed how well your ladder held up. Good job sharing the minor defects and troubleshooting👍

[@saltyvanventures]

Super stoked with the ladder! Especially with the simple techniques I used

[@justbecause3751]

Excellent video Thanks

[@saltyvanventures]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@bruceaux174]

I too have a 4 year old Transit with solar panels covering the roof. Makes me wonder if I should check for rust. Thanks for all the advice on how to deal with the rust.

[@saltyvanventures]

It's good to take a peak every now and then just double check. I could see a few rust spots with the rack still on, so I knew there must be more under it.

[@mattlohier2099]

Thanks for tips on rust treatment and seeing practical steps - I shall check mine also .. What’s that tool you mentioned to scrape the old silicone around the vent? I’ll try to get one , cheers!

[@saltyvanventures]

Glad to help. This is the tool I used to remove the sealant from around the vent hatch amzn.to/3NAeZPt

[@embracesmartmirror1283]

Did I understand correctly you used MC4 connectors for your LED light bar? Brilliant! I incorrectly assumed MC4 was only good for solar panels 😂 I think I'll do the same, unless there's another quick release connector that's better suited for roof rack mounted LED lights?

[@saltyvanventures]

Yes, you heard correctly. It's a great quick-release water-tight connector that can handle the Amps of the LED light bar. You could also use a weatherproof Anderson plug but they are a bit more chunky, although they can handle up to 50Amps if needed.

[@Chris-ut6eq]

👍 👍

[@sirculito15893]

do you use that deck often? I would replace all with more solar or have a double decker solar system that you can deploy when you are stationary + starlink + 5g antena

[@saltyvanventures]

We actually store our surfboards and other toys up there. I’m planning though to install a starlink dish up there in front of the vent hatch where there is a little free realestate

[@joeblow1942]

Instead of drilling holes into the roof and bolting the rack on, did you ever consider affixing the rack to the roof with EternaBond tape?

[@saltyvanventures]

The holes are actually factory on the van. They are covered by a plastic cover under which is a threaded insert. I would never under any circumstance trust tape to hold down a roof rack, or anything you plan to keep.

[@bernardo.daSilva]

If one was to sign up to the course, does that include one on one consultations too? I'm looking to buy a mercedes sprinter lwb and build a camper early next year. It'll be my first build

[@saltyvanventures]

Yes at this point, there are still some spots left to receive the free consultation!

[@xrmad]

it turns the rust into iron phosphate

[@saltyvanventures]

That’s the word I was searching for 😅 thanks!