Roof Track system for VW LT/Sprinter Mk 1

[wildebus]

Hi ,

I am likely getting a LWB LT to convert to a Camper and I like the idea of having a tracking system to let me fit accessories without a mismatch of random holes and fittings asll over the shop, but using the permanently fixed Tracking system as a fixing point.

Has anyone fitted such a system to their - ideally, VW LT (or more commonly, old model Sprinter)? or any other similar metal-topped van?
As an idea of what I am talking about, This is a Thule TP42 system sold in the US....
Thule tp42 42" Tracks with Flare Nuts - RackWarehouse.com
BTW, Gutter mounted systems are of no use or interest to me, both for the appearance and also because they preclude being able to fit an awning rail

Any suggestions and UK suppliers of tracking systems greatefully received :tongue:
I am thinking it could be possible to create your own by sourcing suitable extrusions, fabricating captive sliding fittings, etc, and that is a route I am considering should an pre-made system not be around in the UK (I did see a US supplier who makes a universal kit, but it is not cheap and with the cost of shipping, plus import duties and VAT it would be prohibitive in price )

 

[saxonborg]

Have a look at Stedall's, they do a plant on seat track which looks to be infinitely variable.

 

[wildebus]

Have a look at Stedall's, they do a plant on seat track which looks to be infinitely variable.

This stuff here ....

looks like it could do the job and supplied in 5M lengths which would be perfect as well.
The strength needed to keep a seat safely in place will be greater then the stresses I would need to deal with for sure.

Thanks for that steer. Appreciated :dance:

 

[wildebus]

that rail is £36.50 +VAT per 5M length, so a pair to suit a LWB Sprinter/LR with postage (£8) would be around £100 all in, which is not a bad deal compared to the options I have seen on US sites (the universal system I found on a roofrack specialist was around $400 IIRC!)

 

[AuldTam]

Hi ,

I am likely getting a LWB LT to convert to a Camper and I like the idea of having a tracking system to let me fit accessories without a mismatch of random holes and fittings asll over the shop, but using the permanently fixed Tracking system as a fixing point.

Has anyone fitted such a system to their - ideally, VW LT (or more commonly, old model Sprinter)? or any other similar metal-topped van?
As an idea of what I am talking about, This is a Thule TP42 system sold in the US....
Thule tp42 42" Tracks with Flare Nuts - RackWarehouse.com
BTW, Gutter mounted systems are of no use or interest to me, both for the appearance and also because they preclude being able to fit an awning rail

Any suggestions and UK suppliers of tracking systems greatefully received :tongue:
I am thinking it could be possible to create your own by sourcing suitable extrusions, fabricating captive sliding fittings, etc, and that is a route I am considering should an pre-made system not be around in the UK (I did see a US supplier who makes a universal kit, but it is not cheap and with the cost of shipping, plus import duties and VAT it would be prohibitive in price )

What about the aluminum track used on minibus floors to hold seating and wheelchairs. I've seen it bolted to the sides of off-road vehicles, there are various brackets, etc that fit it.

Maybe pick some up from a breakers yard.

 

[wildebus]

What about the aluminum track used on minibus floors to hold seating and wheelchairs. I've seen it bolted to the sides of off-road vehicles, there are various brackets, etc that fit it.

Maybe pick some up from a breakers yard.

That is exactly what that track is that saxonborg pointed me to Usually it is shaped to be fitted so as to be flush, like the typical Unwin rail used in Minibuses, but the one that was pointed out to me is a raised track, which would be good for an simple aftermarket floor track, but I think will be ideal for my needs. They have special hi-tensile (8.8) bolts to suit the track as well. I need to check if they have end caps as well, which would finish it off nicely :lol-061:

 

[wildebus]

I was looking for a thread I started (and remembered it was on motorhomer.com , not here), and came across this one. Thought I would just provide a conclusion as I hate it when people ask questions and you never know if any answers given helped or followed up on!

so, following on from this comment:

Have a look at Stedall's, they do a plant on seat track which looks to be infinitely variable.

I got the track mentioned by saxonberg, and from Stedall as well (and got a 10% discount after speaking to regional sales manager :cool1: )

Prepped ....

Roof Tracks Prepped by David, on Flickr

And Fitted, and supporting the Solar Panels amongst other stuff

PV Panels by David, on Flickr


So thanks to all for replies, esepcially saxonberg. Spot on suggestions. And that's it for this thread I guess :wave:

 

[maingate]

If you mount Aluminium on Steel you could get galvanic corrosion. It might be worth thinking about putting something between the two metals.

 

[wildebus]

If you mount Aluminium on Steel you could get galvanic corrosion. It might be worth thinking about putting something between the two metals.

Good Point.
I have 3M VHB Tape under the tracking (as shown here on a plastic mounting box) which should provide a barrier? (it is around 3mm thick I think?)
I also cut the track lengths so they don't straddle the welded roof seams either.