jdub3 Posted October 5, 2020 Share Posted October 5, 2020 Anyone have tips on how far offset and toward the back/rear they were able to go to cut the the hole for a vent fan (Maxxair Maxxfan Deluxe planned but any fan could apply) to fit, lay flat’ish, allowing roof rack crossbars/rack to fit along with other items on the opposing side (i.e. cargo box on passenger side and ideally 1 solar panel in front of fan)? Also trying to apply some consideration for where the rack cross bars would fit in this situation (more forward). Don't want to screw this one up! I have a 2016 Cargo LWB. Thanks in advance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geopdx Posted October 16, 2020 Share Posted October 16, 2020 Hi there, I’m trying to figure out the same things. Dunno if you’ve already done this work, but I’d love to hear what you figured out. Turns out you can order a Thule rack and a medium-sized Thule roof box through Ford for less than i found it anywhere else. I found it via accessories.ford.com I couldn’t find anyone else selling the medium box. It’s only 66” so I think I’ll be able to mount it far enough forward to allow room for my 14” fan to be installed. I’m paying someone to install the fan for me. Based on the curve of the roof, I think mounting it in the center might be best, but I’ll let you know what he does once it’s complete. George Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JackGrimshaw Posted October 17, 2020 Share Posted October 17, 2020 (edited) Don't know if this will help but here's a picture of my 2016 with an older yakima box. There is room to slide the box over towards the edge even more but I like to access it from the rear sometimes Edited October 17, 2020 by JackGrimshaw Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JackGrimshaw Posted October 17, 2020 Share Posted October 17, 2020 side view Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
connectvanplans Posted October 17, 2020 Share Posted October 17, 2020 Here's a picture of where I mounted toward the rear- I went the custom route pouring polyurethane pads for level mounting and using aluminum angles and 2x4s to hold the solar panels. If I wanted to mount any decent-sized storage on the roof, it'd have to cover the panels with this configuration. Trade-offs with a roof this small. Also worth noting - I purchased an adapter on ebay to create the level interface for the fan to mount to as the roof is curved (it also requires the fan to be centered on the roof). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdub3 Posted October 28, 2020 Author Share Posted October 28, 2020 Thanks all! Forgive my slow reply as I dropped off the grid to use the van....without the fan, and need to get back to this mission. My setup will likely be like JackGrimShaw's and set far back like connectvanplans, but offset. I have unfortunately received no confirmation that the adapter for the newer Transit will work in offset mode. It can surely be done offset and I've seen it. At current I will just go with butyl tape and a wooden frame inside unless a magic answer appears. Many folks who have put in center came to the realization of impact after. I haven't started drilling or cutting yet though! @JackGrimshaw is that the Skybox 12? I will share back when I've made the cuts and installed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JackGrimshaw Posted October 29, 2020 Share Posted October 29, 2020 jdub3 Yes,I believe so.(no label but measurements seem to match) jdub3 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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