Bob248

Sorry for the delay, hadn't checked the forum lately. RE: Bob, your solution is the best one for me. Did they drill holes to mount the podium feet? American Van installed the Universal Roof Track, this required that they drill some holes into the roof. The Thule Foot Pack is removable and attaches to the roof track. RE: I can't seem to find a source for the 6' Universal Roof Track that you mentioned. Can you point me in the right direction? http://vantech.us/searchquick-submit.sc?keywords=universal+roof+rail

Yes, Windguy, it's not the Gorge but there is indeed windsurfing in the Midwest. As requested, a photo of my new track / rack - IMHO a bargain solution for Transit Connect van owners who want a removal rack. Ford sells the roof rails for over $1000/pair plus additional charge for installation, IF the dealership is willing to perform the install. This roof rail cost me $356 including installation. Note the clean installation by American Van - the track fits within the groove of the roof. Van-Tech "Universal Roof Track" 6' length, Thule Podium Foot Pack #460, Thule Fit Kit 3101, and Thule cross bars [available in many lengths]. [the Foot Pack and cross bars are both available in square and round design, obviously have to match] All these details are provided so the next person doesn't have to reinvent the wheel [and find my earlier post]. I spent a considerable amount of time and energy finding this solution for the van roof rack. Calling and visiting multiple Ford dealerships was a complete waste of time. Also photo of PVC rack for windsurfers [1" furniture-grade Formufit PVC, ordered online from Home Depot - free shipping to your home for larger orders].

I also entered this post in "Roof Rack for 2014 TC" The Ford dealer would charge about $520 per rail [$1040 for the pair] for my 2014 TC Van. It's the same roof rail available as factory option for the TC Wagon only, not the van. And the dealer would not install the rails, because they wouldn't remove and re-install the headliner. At American Van, I ordered Van-Tech "Universal Roof Track" - 6' length, for $180/pair, [also available in 4' and 5]. Installation was $150. Total for roof track w tax and installation parts $356. The rails fit in the groove of the roof. The installer had to drill new holes for the roof track, factory holes didn't match the track. Then buy Thule Podium Foot Pack #460, and Thule Fit Kit 3101, and Thule Bars [make sure the foot pack is square or round to march the cross bars]. Just installed the Thule rack today, fits the rail perfectly. Ready for windsurfing, SUP, and saved plenty of moolah.

The Ford dealer would charge about $520 per rail [$1040 for the pair] for my 2014 TC Van. It's the same roof rail available as factory option for the TC Wagon only, not the van. And the dealer would not install the rails, because they wouldn't remove and re-install the headliner. At American Van, I ordered Van-Tech "Universal Roof Track" - 6' length, for $180/pair, [also available in 4' and 5']. Installation was $150. Total for roof track w tax and installation parts $356. The rails fit in the groove of the roof. The installer had to drill new holes for the roof track, factory holes didn't match the track. Then buy Thule Podium Foot Pack #460, and Thule Fit Kit 3101, and Thule Bars [make sure the foot pack is square or round to march the cross bars]. Just installed the Thule rack today, fits the rail perfectly. Ready for windsurfing, SUP, and saved plenty of moolah.