Roof rack for GC680??

far.landscape · Apr 28, 2023

Hi, has anyone tried to fit roof storage on the GC680?

Appreciate that it’s a fibreglass roof and I’m sure that VW would say “no”… but wondering if anyone knows definitively if it’s possible.

Somewhere around 50kg load weight required, for 1x sea kayak plus the rack and lift system.

The Yorkshireman · Apr 29, 2023

Hi it is possible it’s just convincing some to do it.

Vehicles

Preconfigured series models serve as the platform for our conversions. We build our motorhomes on this and combine proven technology with absolute comfort, luxurious equipment and extravagant design. You can find our current vehicle stock …

www.sod-muc.com

Ch1pbutty · Apr 29, 2023

far.landscape said:
Hi, has anyone tried to fit roof storage on the GC680?

Appreciate that it’s a fibreglass roof and I’m sure that VW would say “no”… but wondering if anyone knows definitively if it’s possible.

Somewhere around 50kg load weight required, for 1x sea kayak plus the rack and lift system.

Did it on our old vans with elevating fibre glass roofs. The roofs already had recessed grooves running front/back in the roof which were ideal for seating the rails.

We used metal guide rails which were made for this purpose (kiravans used to sell them, but reimo do similar thing) and secured them them with wellnuts, as we couldn’t access the back of the nut…but can also be glued with Silkaflex instead. Then attached roof bars to the rails, so same as Cali fixings.

Active rail system, one piece, appr. 2 m

Rail made out of undrilled aluminum for Reimo high top roofs.

www.reimo.com

The weight of the roof load, feet & bars is spread evenly over the length of the rail. Fibreglass roof is far stronger than Cali aluminium roof.

far.landscape · Apr 29, 2023

The Yorkshireman said:
Hi it is possible it’s just convincing some to do it.

Vehicles

Preconfigured series models serve as the platform for our conversions. We build our motorhomes on this and combine proven technology with absolute comfort, luxurious equipment and extravagant design. You can find our current vehicle stock …

www.sod-muc.com

Thank you for this, as I had never come across that company. Proves that it can be done!!

far.landscape · Apr 29, 2023

Ch1pbutty said:
Did it on our old vans with elevating fibre glass roofs. The roofs already had recessed grooves running front/back in the roof which were ideal for seating the rails.

We used metal guide rails which were made for this purpose (kiravans used to sell them, but reimo do similar thing) and secured them them with wellnuts, as we couldn’t access the back of the nut…but can also be glued with Silkaflex instead. Then attached roof bars to the rails, so same as Cali fixings.

Active rail system, one piece, appr. 2 m

Rail made out of undrilled aluminum for Reimo high top roofs.

www.reimo.com

The weight of the roof load, feet & bars is spread evenly over the length of the rail. Fibreglass roof is far stronger than Cali aluminium roof.

Thank you so much for that detail. That all seems eminently doable and is very encouraging. It’s a job I’d be comfortable to do myself, but just had no idea of the general structural integrity of the roof structure.

Do you happen to know what approach VW take to warranty? If I rack the roof, would they then shirk an issue with the other camper or vehicle systems?

The Yorkshireman · Apr 30, 2023

If you read the terms and conditions it might be worth speaking to your dealer to see their interpretation as to the rest of the van.

Volkswagen Van Warranty | VW Vans

Our three year van warranty takes care of your vehicle. Volkswagen will fix any problems with manufacture or workmanship free of charge. Learn more today.

www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk

The Yorkshireman · Apr 30, 2023

Take a look at this company;

Mule Vans Roof Racks

Mule Vans Sprinter Roof Rack roofrack Crafter MAN TGE Wheel carrier Spare Wheel Offroad Overland Van Life van life uk

mulevans.co.uk

Ch1pbutty · Apr 30, 2023

far.landscape said:
Do you happen to know what approach VW take to warranty? If I rack the roof, would they then shirk an issue with the other camper or vehicle systems?

We have only ever purchased vans outside of warranty, so it has not been an issue for us.

Jester · Apr 30, 2023

The Yorkshireman said:
If you read the terms and conditions it might be worth speaking to your dealer to see their interpretation as to the rest of the van.

Volkswagen Van Warranty | VW Vans

Our three year van warranty takes care of your vehicle. Volkswagen will fix any problems with manufacture or workmanship free of charge. Learn more today.

www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk

Just wondering about the overall weight of some of this stuff, possibly take one over your allowance, Will it invalidate your insurance? If you are unfortunate To have a dink.