DonShockley Posted July 29, 2015 Share Posted July 29, 2015 Bob, 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? Thanks. Here's some similar looking track I ran across: http://www.uscargocontrol.com/Ratchet-Straps-Tie-Downs/Airline-Straps-Hardware Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jrm223 Posted July 30, 2015 Share Posted July 30, 2015 (edited) So I came across this forum this morning while researching personal issues that I have with my '15 TC (like those stupid perimeter lights when the doors are open!) and saw this thread while searching for roof rack options. Originally, I was figuring I'd do the VanTech J1203B 3.25" permanent racks (http://vantech.us/Transit-Connect-2014-On-J1000-rack-3-Bar-50-bars-Black-J1203B.htm) since I'm not paying Ford a grand for just rails. Then I saw the post earlier about universal rails, so I searched VanTech website for the universal rails and found that they now have 69.5" TC-specific rails, although it doesn't specify what years they fit, but the site does indicate that it lines up with the factory holes, at least. http://vantech.us/Vantech-Ford-transit-connect-roof-tracks-695-Silver-R16.htm?categoryId=-1 This could at least be another good option for those that want rails with sliding cross-bars. (Edit to follow topic) Edited August 19, 2015 by jrm223 Steve Grooms 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
connectkid Posted August 2, 2015 Share Posted August 2, 2015 My van came with rails, but I can't find a clamp on rack system anywhere. Does anyone know where I could purchase them? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DonShockley Posted August 2, 2015 Share Posted August 2, 2015 I think the set offered directly from Ford are the only ones that fit. http://accessories.ford.com/exterior/racks-carriers/kit-lugg-crossbar-univ-lockable.html I ordered a set when I got my wagon with the roof rails. I am still waiting because they are on backorder. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bikinchris Posted August 4, 2015 Share Posted August 4, 2015 Bob, your solution is the best one for me. Did they drill holes to mount the podium feet? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob248 Posted September 3, 2015 Share Posted September 3, 2015 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bikinchris Posted September 4, 2015 Share Posted September 4, 2015 (edited) Thule now lists KIT3032 that fits the 2014-25 Transit connect and Mercedes Sprinter. It is used with the 460 feet. It fits into the stock holes on the roof. The instructions state not to use the first holes in front. I have a set on order and will post when I get them. I have a set of square bars already that are about 35 years old. Edited September 4, 2015 by bikinchris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
connectkid Posted September 30, 2015 Share Posted September 30, 2015 Where can I buy just the crossbars? My van came with rails but no crossbar Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
connectkid Posted September 30, 2015 Share Posted September 30, 2015 Where can I buy just the crossbars? My van came with rails but no crossbar Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DonShockley Posted September 30, 2015 Share Posted September 30, 2015 (edited) This is the set I got for my 2015 wagon. In my case it was part of the purchase deal and the local dealer ordered it. But there are some dealers that offer online sales. http://accessories.ford.com/exterior/racks-carriers/kit-lugg-crossbar-univ-lockable.html Edited September 30, 2015 by DonShockley Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
connectkid Posted October 1, 2015 Share Posted October 1, 2015 Could they be used to hold a couple sheets of 3/4 plywood? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DonShockley Posted October 1, 2015 Share Posted October 1, 2015 (edited) That's exactly the use I intended for them. They look to be plenty strong enough to support the weight of several sheets pressing down on the rails. Although I don't know as I would trust the T slot in the top of the cross bars with some of the Thule mounts to resist the potential uplift once wind gets under the large flat area with the vehicle at speed. The cammed bar on each leg that hooks under the lip on the inside of the rails is also a potential weak spot in a wind uplift situation. I plan to work out a mounting plan ahead of time and maybe even buy some dedicated straps just for the purpose. I've had a couple ideas floating in my head but I think I'm going to have to do a miniature mockup to work it out. And one of the goals is going to maybe use some foam to seal the gap under the plywood at the front to keep air out, although there would still be air at the sides I think the front would be the source of most of the lifting force. The other precaution I intend to take is to try to anchor the front strapping down to the seat mounting plates on the inside. Those appear the strongest points to resist any uplift. I noticed in your post in the thread about the rear seats that you mentioned being in construction work. I got the rails because I only have occasional need of them so the ability to leave them off when not needed was a big advantage of the Thule cross bars. But it you are going to have them installed continuously with frequent use, you could probable build a stronger and cheaper set of cross bars better suited for carrying sheet goods yourself. Although there is slight bit of contour on the outer edge of the rails, all the real attachment is done with a simple bar pulled up tight against the underside of the lip that is on the inside of the rails. There is a somewhat complicated setup on the Thule feet to allow that to be done from the ends of the rails. But if you were to do a permanent mount, a simple square edged plate with the appropriated standoff and a through bolt for attachment would work. Here's a quick drawing I did as an example of a cheap strong way to mount a DIY crossbar that should work: Edited October 1, 2015 by DonShockley Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DonShockley Posted October 1, 2015 Share Posted October 1, 2015 Here's some closeups of the ends of the Thule rail attachment ends. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dongoose Posted October 6, 2015 Share Posted October 6, 2015 (edited) 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 had a very similar install done on my Juke that used Thule's Top Track, which is a universal channel that can be surface-mounted on any vehicle and (probably) inset in the channels on the TC's roof. I paid $160 for the tracks and $60 for installation at Rack N Road, a local rack shop. It's been four years and it's been solid with no leaks or problems. They also pulled factory schematics to make sure there was no interference with airbags, sunroof or wiring. I'll likely go the same route again unless my TC happens to already have rails installed. This is a link to my rackventure...the walk-through is pretty universal. Edited October 6, 2015 by Dongoose Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrez Posted April 25, 2016 Share Posted April 25, 2016 Bob248 - though this is an old post, I could use your help... I'm considering using your solution with the vantech roof tracks, but am trying to figure out how the thule podiums connect to the track. I've looked at the fitkit you mentioned on the thule site and can't wrap my brain around it. Is there any additional hardware needed to connect the thule feet to the track? and once connected can they be repositioned as needed? wanted to be sure of the details before I make the purchase. Thanks so very much for your time and help! Cheers, Mark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
windguy Posted April 26, 2016 Share Posted April 26, 2016 @mrez, check out the thread link below. your questions will be answered regarding Bob248's solution. Hope that helps http://fordtransitconnectforum.com/topic/2406-roof-attachment-points-on-2014-transit-connect/?hl=%2Broof+%2Brack#entry6920 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harley90 Posted August 20, 2016 Share Posted August 20, 2016 (edited) Hi, here is my 1st post. After trying to make sense of getting roof rack I still am at a loss. I have 2016 Ford Transit Connect Cargo LWB and need a rack to fasten an awning to it. I do not have any cargo rails, just a new van with nothing on the roof. What roof rack is available to be that I can put on. Or is there nothing that is ready to go? Thanks for having this forum. such great potential with this vehicle but nothing available to buy of the shelf. Thanks for any help. Edited August 20, 2016 by Harley90 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrtn Posted August 20, 2016 Share Posted August 20, 2016 As I have understood, the models that came without the rails from the factory have nothing but penetrating holes in the roof and no threads under them to fasten the rack to. You can access the holes from inside the cargo space so you can bolt anything with matching holes or adjustable pads. Thule has a matching kit for the van: https://www.thule.com/en-us/us/roof-rack?q=VKZXALqWt There seem to be pads that go to the rain gutter and then you fix the standard thule rack attachment to it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harley90 Posted August 20, 2016 Share Posted August 20, 2016 5 minutes ago, mrtn said: As I have understood, the models that came without the rails from the factory have nothing but penetrating holes in the roof and no threads under them to fasten the rack to. You can access the holes from inside the cargo space so you can bolt anything with matching holes or adjustable pads. Thule has a matching kit for the van: https://www.thule.com/en-us/us/roof-rack?q=VKZXALqWt There seem to be pads that go to the rain gutter and then you fix the standard thule rack attachment to it. Thanks very much. I see that it says it fits but it gives no detail that I can tell as to how it fastens to the roof. just generic pictures. I have the holes on top with black plastic plugs, just wanted to see how it installs at that point....does seem to be the best rack Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrtn Posted August 20, 2016 Share Posted August 20, 2016 (edited) If you look at the pad kit instructions, it has square pads that sit in the bottom of the gutter and fasten with the included bolt. You will probably need to get a washer and a locking nut for the inside as there is no tread, unlike the pad kit instructions pic which show the internal tread for the roof. Check your roof, you can probably see the plastic plugs from the inside, I can see mine. The holes are easily accessible. Make sure to seal the pads and the hole with sanitary silicone to prevent leaks. EDIT: You need to click on "view details". Theres the instruction list. Kit here: https://cdn1.static-tgdp.com/assetloader.axd?pimid=KIT3138&id=183138_509-3138-01&brand=Thule&market=US Edited August 20, 2016 by mrtn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harley90 Posted August 20, 2016 Share Posted August 20, 2016 1 hour ago, mrtn said: If you look at the pad kit instructions, it has square pads that sit in the bottom of the gutter and fasten with the included bolt. You will probably need to get a washer and a locking nut for the inside as there is no tread, unlike the pad kit instructions pic which show the internal tread for the roof. Check your roof, you can probably see the plastic plugs from the inside, I can see mine. The holes are easily accessible. Make sure to seal the pads and the hole with sanitary silicone to prevent leaks. EDIT: You need to click on "view details". Theres the instruction list. Kit here: https://cdn1.static-tgdp.com/assetloader.axd?pimid=KIT3138&id=183138_509-3138-01&brand=Thule&market=US Thanks again, Looks like I can do it, although not much of a do it yourselfer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrtn Posted August 20, 2016 Share Posted August 20, 2016 Anyone should be able to do it in an hour (plus getting the silicone tube, locking nuts and washers from a hardware store). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G B L Posted August 20, 2016 Share Posted August 20, 2016 (edited) Van Tech has several TC specific Racks . they have a good web site and are commercial grade Check them out http://vantech.us/Ford-Transit-Connect-2014-On_c181.htm Edited August 20, 2016 by G B L Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harley90 Posted August 21, 2016 Share Posted August 21, 2016 (edited) I also noted I can see the 2 plugs next to last black plugs in the roof, the rears are covered by metal and the front ones are blocked by Styrofoam...I'll check the threads here for the removal of that part, I would think it would need to go back in place. Edited August 21, 2016 by Harley90 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bikinchris Posted August 26, 2016 Share Posted August 26, 2016 On 8/2/2015 at 8:37 AM, connectkid said: My van came with rails, but I can't find a clamp on rack system anywhere. Does anyone know where I could purchase them? Yes, Thule and Yakima both make clamp on rack systems. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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