VW Crafter EP15 Self built Roof Rack, using Unistrut. Fiamma Awning, Solar Panel Install.

[@peterhewitson2669]

Excellent vlog. I have just started converting my crafter, and really want a roof rack, but don't really want to pay thousands. You have inspired me to build my own. Thank you sir. 🏴‍☠️😎

[@exploresandtosummit]

Hi thank you, yes definitely build your own, unistrut is strong, rust proof and cheap compared to buying a roof rack, and you make it to suit your needs. I’ve more videos very soon inc a aluminium decking for the roof rack.

[@gungadin68]

Top Job 👌

[@LeonsVlogsx]

Love that roof rack. Doing it yourself as well with endless options for adjustments/modifying it for your needs is wicked. Great video 👌🏼

[@exploresandtosummit]

Thanks, the cost is the best bit! Thanks for watching 👍

[@brynthomas1500]

Brilliant, so glad I watched this, been trying to work out how to fix Solar panels and Awning, great solution cheers

[@exploresandtosummit]

Thanks, any questions just ask 👍

[@robertstevens2082]

Fantastic video just what I’m looking for on the same van. I’m going to copy it exactly, thanks for your time and effort on this, you’ve made my day👌👏

[@exploresandtosummit]

Thanks for watching, any questions just ask. 👍

[@ireloaded9]

Excellent work!

[@exploresandtosummit]

Thank you.👍

[@AXISUK]

Those top caps finish it off well 👍🏻

[@exploresandtosummit]

Yes makes it look better, thanks for watching 👍

[@battletank9493]

Another great video mate. Better than paying almost 2 grand for a custom made rack supplied by some van converters😮. Vans looking spot on !

[@exploresandtosummit]

Yep there’s a lot of profit to make in roof racks. You don’t even see most of it! Thanks for watching 👍

[@Joey100T]

Very informative thanks. Can I just check if it was the 1.5mm or 2.5mm thick 41x41mm unistrut you used?

[@exploresandtosummit]

Hi I used the 2.5 as I’m carrying kayaks, but if your just using it for solar panels then 1.5 should be ok,

[@davidb8339]

Looks great. Do you have part number for the Fiamma brackets you used for the awning?

[@exploresandtosummit]

Hi there Fiamma SKU 18150 from ‘everything fiamma’ 3 bracket.

[@marcusgallagher3546]

Could you please check the bracket code as I building the a similar rack, they look like Fiamma F45 awning brackets - Kit Auto SKU: 23091 - F45

[@exploresandtosummit]

@marcusgallagher3546 Hi I think your right! They do look like 23091 on my invoice it’s says 18150 there very similar, look like the 18150 is more adjustable for angled roofs, but looks like your correct mine are 23091

[@ianharvey289]

Hi, have you got a link to the brackets you used to fix awning to unistrut channel. Thanks in advance 😊

[@exploresandtosummit]

Hi, I don’t have it on me at the moment, but if you look at the comments on this video I’ve answered some with the part number. I can find it tomorrow for you if not.

[@imranr4374]

Hi, very detailed and interesting video. I am currently looking for a van crafter or MAN that I believe is the same and your project will be instrumental for me in the future. Thank you so much and I will be waiting for your next video. take care and God bless.

[@exploresandtosummit]

Thanks for watching 👍

[@teamalpine4617]

Great video. I am planning something similar. For the 3 attaching bolts on the brackets, did you have to drill your own holes in the bracket and awning? What nut and bolt did you use? I didn’t get any supplied. Thanks!

[@exploresandtosummit]

Hi I got the bolts with the awning kit. I did drill a hole to fit, I think they was only about M6, they just secure the awning to the brackets, stops bouncing off or being stolen.

[@vernonjones5418]

Well you have inspired me and I have ordered the Unistrut so that will give me something to do the weekend. I was looking at the fiamma awning brackets you used. Have you the part number as I see you used three.

[@exploresandtosummit]

Brilliant. The longer awnings need three supports. I’ll have to have a look for the part number, I’ve got a invoice for them, I’ll get back to you on that. 👍

[@vernonjones5418]

👍

[@exploresandtosummit]

It’s the Fiamma F45 kit multi SKU 18150 3 brackets in the pack, think I got it from ‘Everything Fiamma’

[@digitalmarcel]

At the beginning you mentioned the unistrut was 44x44. I can only find 41x41. Will that do?

[@exploresandtosummit]

Hi yes sorry I got that wrong at the beginning! It is all 41 x 41 and 41 x 21.

[@marcusgallagher3546]

I’m very impressed with your roof rack so I’m going to model mine on yours…if you don’t mind, I couldn’t see how you packed up the back of the unistrut as the roof drops away on a new shape crafter. Pls advise Another person that recommended Rayne automotive for electrics and as they are local I will get in touch with them.

[@exploresandtosummit]

Had the roof rack on for a while now, it’s been great, strong and solid, and saves you a fortune. The rear is supported by a foot similar to the ones you find on the bottom of washing machines, that adjustable by turning. I got them from Amazon.

[@marcusgallagher3546]

@@exploresandtosummit Thank you, great job

[@exploresandtosummit]

Rayne automotive are really helpful, there only 10mins from me so it was useful if I needed to add or change anything,

[@marcusgallagher3546]

@@exploresandtosummit Braintree is only 1/2hr from me in Suffolk, So that’s a definite place to assist me in my solar and 12v battery setup. I’ll be watching all your crafter ones now.

[@PeterFlanagan-hs9wk]

Hi, great job. Thanks for the upload. Did you have to pack the back end up at all as there's a curve in the 2022 crafter.

[@exploresandtosummit]

Hi, thanks. On the rear end, the body does drop about 40mm so I used a adjustable foot bolted to the unistrut. Like the feet on fridges and sofas, hope that makes sense, I got them from Amazon

[@vernonjones5418]

Gosh such a quick reply thank you. May I ask which supplier you used.

[@exploresandtosummit]

It’s a electrical shop, CEF or there Edmonsons, there’s branches all over the UK

[@vernonjones5418]

Really good and loving the progress. What gauge unistrut you use the 1.5 or 2.5.

[@exploresandtosummit]

Hi, thanks . I used the 2.5 it’s a lot stronger especially for the cross bars. 👍

[@travellingjournalist966]

hiya that looks amazing, I've just fitted unistrut channels to my sprinter next job is to fit the solar panel, do you have a link for the fiamma awning and the brackets that fit the unistrut please thanks Jack

[@exploresandtosummit]

Hi thanks, check one of my reply’s to one of the comments, I’ve given them the part number. or when I get home I’ll have a look and message you back. 👍

[@exploresandtosummit]

Fiamma F45 kit multi SKU18150 3 bracket Fiamma 325 black 3250mm long Brought from ‘everything fiamma’

[@travellingjournalist966]

@@exploresandtosummit thank you so much for your help i will hunt around for best price as everything fiamma's prices have gone up again thanks for your help

[@exploresandtosummit]

@@travellingjournalist966 shop around at least you’ve got the part number now. Sometimes phoning them direct they offer discounts, shop around and see. Another trick I use is leaving the product in the online basket with a email and they sometimes email you back with a discount code. Good luck

[@travellingjournalist966]

@@exploresandtosummit I’ll try that thanks

[@GallalM]

Looks spot on mate 👍 Great video, at 12mins.50secs into the video is the bottom left bracket the one you used ?

[@exploresandtosummit]

I think it is that one. It’s code is SKU 18150 3 brackets for my size awning. Thanks for watching

[@GallalM]

It looks like SKU18150 is the one on the top left with more adjustment , I have the same DIY unistrut rails I think the Sku for the one on the bottom left is SKU23091 it looks like the one you have used ? 😵‍💫 I did read other comments but when I searched that sku18150 the brackets looked different to the ones you have used so got me all confused 🤔😂😂

[@exploresandtosummit]

@@GallalM oh, I’m sure I copied the code from my invoice from ‘everything Fiamma’ I’ll have another check.

[@GallalM]

Just subscribed mate 👍​@@exploresandtosummit

[@digitalmarcel]

Hi, I've just installed my unistrut from your instructions, thanks. Just wondered what F45s clamps you ordered to attach to the instruct and also what width awning you went for? I've got a medium wheel base Sprinter, which I think is about the same size as the Crafter. Cheers.

[@exploresandtosummit]

I was told by Fiamma the mwb vw and the sprinter are the same size. I ordered the Fiamma f45 multi kit sku18150 3 bracket. And the awning Fiamma 325 black case. 325 meaning 3250mm long. Hope that helps.

[@GrahamGphotoParker]

Ladder looks good especially the stand off. Where did you get it?

[@exploresandtosummit]

Hi sorry I don’t understand what you mean by stand off?

[@marcusgallagher3546]

Hi again I noticed that you have 3 brackets for your awning. As they come in pairs do you have the 4th one for sale?

[@exploresandtosummit]

Hi, I got three in the pack with mine. I think they add a third if the awning is over a certain size. I think mine is 3250mm, maybe worth asking them,

[@carolspencer5844]

Hi, nice work and nice van. Can i ask when you fed the solar cable down the side of the door,was it fairly clear? my van is converted and carpeted but i would like to put the cable from my roof down there. Thanks.

[@exploresandtosummit]

Hi, thanks, it’s fairly clear just the bend at the top. I pushed a thin wire down first then taped the solar wire to it and pulled it through.

[@carolspencer5844]

@@exploresandtosummit one more question, ! did you drill the roof or did you use a hole that was already there?

[@exploresandtosummit]

I had to drill the roof because I wanted it in a specific area to miss my roof rack, solar panel.

[@PeterFlanagan-hs9wk]

Hi, apologies for keep pestering you. Can you advise on what brackets you used for the awning please.

[@exploresandtosummit]

Hi, no problem at all, check out some of the other comments on this video, I’ve answered them with the part number, I’m away at the moment and don’t have the info with me.

[@PeterFlanagan-hs9wk]

Greatly appreciated. Enjoy...

[@brynthomas1500]

Hi Could you let me know which brackets you used for the Awning please, many thanks

[@exploresandtosummit]

There Fiamma SKU 18150

[@brynthomas1500]

@@exploresandtosummit cheers

[@steviedavies2740]

hi great vid, does a 3m length of the 41 x 21 cut into 2 and fit across as the cross bars? or do i need 2m lengths to give me a slight over hang like yours? thanks i have the same van . cheers

[@exploresandtosummit]

Hi I cut the 3m length in half. It’s enough to span the main bars. Mine is slightly off to one side as the awning is bolted to the right rail. If you want more overhang each side then you will need then longer. Hope that makes sense. Thanks for watching and the question.

[@steviedavies2740]

@@exploresandtosummit yeah spot on thanks mate 🫡

[@drewmarron5137]

Fantastic episode. What length awning did you go for ?

[@exploresandtosummit]

Its the Fiamma 325 which I think means 3250mm long.

[@travellingjournalist966]

Hiya I finally bought the awning, got it from the same place as you, I’ve not put the brackets together yet but I was wondering how you bolted the brackets to the unistrut did you use bolts supplied or did you use bolts and unistrut nuts if you have any pics that would be a big help, hope you are enjoying the bank holiday weekend

[@exploresandtosummit]

Hi I drilled two holes for two bolts into the base of the brackets, then bolted through to the unistrut using unistrut nuts, ( the rectangle ones that lock into the unistrut channel. Hope that makes sense

[@travellingjournalist966]

@@exploresandtosummit thanks for getting back to me I have m8 channel nuts so maybe use those saves trying to get m6 nuts

[@exploresandtosummit]

I think I used m8 there much stronger 👍

[@JimmiCox]

Excellent work as usual, great video. I’m keen to purchase the same fiamma f45s awning and the same brackets that you have used, however I’m struggling to find these on the website or internet, could you send me a link for where you purchased these and or some ref number for the roof brackets used please? Many thanks in advance

[@exploresandtosummit]

Hi thank you, check one of the comments down below, I gave someone else the info. If you still can’t find them give me another message and I’ll look on my invoice, thanks again, 👍

[@steviedavies2740]

Hi mate. What did you do with the bow in the roof as the unistrut sits pretty high up at the back. Does the bolting down just bring it in? Cheers

[@exploresandtosummit]

Hi I put feet on the end, I got them from Amazon, there like the adjustable feet on the bottom of washing machines. It just gives extra support

[@AMcM-d7x]

Evening great job you're doing on the van. Re the brackets are they Fiamma 23091 - F45 ?

[@exploresandtosummit]

@@AMcM-d7x Hi,thanks. The brackets are Fiamma SKU 18150 3 brackets. I got them from ‘Everything Fiamma’

[@AMcM-d7x]

@@exploresandtosummit Many Thanks, really appreciate that 👍

[@Sean-s7b1u]

Been following and looks amazing, can I ask do you have a link for the Fiamma fittings you have used please?

[@exploresandtosummit]

Hi they are. Fiamma f45 kit multi SKU 18150 3 bracket, from ‘Every thing Fiamma’

[@Sean-s7b1u]

Great thanks! What made you choose the F45s over the F80?

[@exploresandtosummit]

@@Sean-s7b1u The f80 sits flat on the roof rails taking up more space, where the f45 is upright so I could move it out further giving me more space on the roof rack, because sometimes I carry two kayaks side by side.

[@lloydwilliams2911]

Wow. That's amazing for the roof rack. Do you think its strong enough to put some light decking material up there?

[@exploresandtosummit]

I’m working on that idea now, it’s definitely strong enough but I’m thinking about the weight overall, I’m looking at aluminium decking at the moment.

[@lloydwilliams2911]

@@exploresandtosummit I am excited to watch this space. :)

[@eldon9278]

Hi nice video! Just to understand well. You have took the f45s in 3m long and the fiamma adapter kit for Volkswagen t5 right? And behind the rail is not stuck to the chassis right? Because i have tried the same but behind the rail is in the air because of the form of the roof that is not straight right? Thank you!

[@exploresandtosummit]

@@eldon9278 Hi, the awning is a Fiamma f45s 3250mm long, the mounting kit is the Fiamma SKU 18150 3 bracket, I got them from ‘Everything Fiamma’. The rear end just floats slightly in the air, i used supports like you get on washing machine feet so they adjust to support the end. You don’t notice them from the ground. Hope that makes sense. 👍

[@eldon9278]

@@exploresandtosummit thank you very much for this infos! I am trying to do it on my Crafter 😊 have a great day!

[@exploresandtosummit]

@@eldon9278 Any questions just ask, thanks., I got the adjustable feet from Amazon fro the back overhang, amzn.eu/d/0frHnzpS

[@eldon9278]

@@exploresandtosummit great idea! Thank you very much 😊

[@theoblackburn]

Great build and helpful videos thanks! Where do you source your unistrut? It seems to be double the price everywhere I’ve seen online. Cheers.

[@exploresandtosummit]

Hi, I got it from a electrical wholesale shop called edmondsons they’ve branches all over the UK or try CEF wholesalers they have the same.

[@maxv77]

Have you a link for bar cover straps?

[@exploresandtosummit]

Hi, do you mean the black caps for the Metal unistrut?

[@maxv77]

@@exploresandtosummit no.the lengths of capping to cover up any solar wires

[@defendermods9420]

Hi, use t wash.

[@exploresandtosummit]

I was going to use that, but I had the vinegar allready, t wash is probably better. Thanks for your comment 👍