Van Life | Camper Van Build Part 3 | Roof Rack Installation

Installing a roof rack on my Ford Transit was the next step in the camper van build. The rack is sized for an extra extended length van, which my van is not. In today's episode my brother, Dan, helps me to overcome this issue and fit the rack just right.

[@NomadicPride]

*Most people use a Dremel bit to enlarge the roof holes.* Do you know why using tin snips is a better idea?

[@RachelinRealLife]

I'm totally curious to know because I'll be doing the same thing most likely.

[@NomadicPride]

@@RachelinRealLife When you use the Dremel bit, even with the best of precautions, it's easy for micro bits of metal to fall down into the hole. Those bits of metal are basically rust seeds. Using the tin snips, the metal can come out in one neat piece and avoid all that.

[@RachelinRealLife]

@@NomadicPride That is very good to know. I'd like smaller tin snips so I can cut it like paper 😁

[@NomadicPride]

@@RachelinRealLife Yeah, same. That was another cut I wanted my brother to do...especially with those big ol' loppers!

[@RachelinRealLife]

Wow! Your brother is awesome to have around! He cut those rails really well!! I'm impressed with how good it actually looks. I'll be curious to know how you fix the front portion, because I'm looking at that same roof rack. You are moving right along in your build! Great job!

[@NomadicPride]

Thanks!! And congrats to you on your big exciting news! I _figured_ I could do a decent job on the cut, but I _knew_ he could do it perfectly. For the faring up front, I'll get a piece of hard neoprene (something UV resistant) about 6"L x 1"W x 0.5"H and put a little silicone on the underside to make sure it doesn't move, and just place it similarto how I did the styrofoam in the video - and centered. 😅

[@TGIFunday]

Hi John! 👋😊

[@NomadicPride]

Hi, Bre!! Thanks for stopping by! 😃

[@jackvandean]

We always need a little help from a friend (preferably with tools !)

[@NomadicPride]

Yeah, between my tools and my brother's tools, we've got 99% of everything I need for the build. The only tool I'll need to buy is a rivnut setter.

[@dianerossi2345]

What rack did you go with?

[@NomadicPride]

The "Transit Van Low Pro Roof Rack | 148" High Roof Extended" from Flatline Van Company.

[@lornaz1975]

Did you choose to go with a smaller van or was there a supply issue getting the longer ones?

[@NomadicPride]

Not exactly. It's due to Ford's weird ordering process. Here's how that works... When you order a van via the Ford website, the order isn't sent to the Ford factory, it gets sent to a dealer... so you actually have to go into the dealership and the salesperson prints out your order and then manually inputs it into the build system. Frankly, it's a completely archaic way to handle orders. Anyway, I didn't notice at the time that there was no "EL" designation on the order he input. Until the van arrived. So, it was their mistake, but I have to take the blame because I okayed it without realizing.

[@lornaz1975]

@@NomadicPride Oh wow that sucks! Sorry to hear that. Well the shorter wheel base will allow better clearance in the back country. When I looked for my van it was impossible to find one. I eventually got a good (or reasonable) deal on a used one.

[@NomadicPride]

@@lornaz1975 Yeah, the extended length definitely poses some challenges on non-flat land. And in parking lots.

[@jellybeanhikes9581]

Question, why didnt u paint the metal the you exposed?

[@NomadicPride]

The exposed edges got a double coat of black primer.

[@jellybeanhikes9581]

@@NomadicPride no i ment on the roof of the van under the patches

[@NomadicPride]

@@jellybeanhikes9581 The patches didn't have paint underneath, and the area is completely coated with sealant, so it didn't seem necessary.

[@jellybeanhikes9581]

@@NomadicPride ok thanks