Installing Roof Rack

[jdavis]

Hello!

My 2021 Hawk shell does not have the Yakima rails installed. I would like to add them. Can anyone provide measurements for mounting locations or any suggestions to find solid mount points?

Thanks!

 

[Vic Harder]

2021, so single piece smooth roof? Older roofs had screws into the framing which made this easier. In both cases, FWC will say that they don't have measurements and each camper is custom built, so you have to find these supports yourself. You will want to find the ones that run front to back for mounting rails.

In your case, I would remove screws (not every one, but at least 3) from the inside of the camper, and use a long very thin drill bit and drill through the now vacant scew hole up and through the roof. Do this front, centre and middle, and you have a good guide for the other holes you will need to make.

When I did mine I put a layer of butyl tape under the rail, and applied 3m 4200 sealant to the screws when putting those in.

 

[jdavis]

Thats a great idea thanks. I actually saw a thread where you mentioned you got rails from Lee Tools and it made me think of using uni-strut. I did electrical work in my 20s and we used unistrut for everything. Do yall think that would be a bad idea for a roof rack?


https://www.homedepot.com/p/Superstrut-10-ft-14-Gauge-Half-Slotted-Metal-Framing-Strut-Channel-Gold-Galvanized-ZB1400HS-10/100164315

 

[Vic Harder]

No idea about using unistrut, other than it would be trickier to use thule/yakima bars and other standard attachments. My Lee Valley Garden Tools rails have been working well for me.

 

[TacomaAustin]

A 2021 FWC Hawk is way too nice of a build for steel unistrut bars. If it were mine, I would at least buck up for a Yakima / Thule substitute.

https://bulletproofoff-road.com/i-30641372-58-inch-t-track-mounts-for-yakima-and-thule-rack-systems-decked.html

As mention above, do a little investigating from inside as to where the longitudinal portion of the roof's aluminum skeleton lay. I have the above non OEM track rails on a 2007 ATC Bobcat - with an underlayer of 3M VHB tape between the rails and the top surface of roof, in addition to screws. Each screw is installed with a dab of 3M 4200 sealant. I also used a bead of 3M 4200 sealant along the side each rail to prevent water ingress.

 

[pvstoy]

When we purchased our used 2015 Hawk flatbed, I made a appointment at FWC factory and just let them do it. At the time the price was reasonable and comes with a warranty. Being over the hill and a few hour drive helps.

 

[jdavis]

A 2021 FWC Hawk is way too nice of a build for steel unistrut bars. If it were mine, I would at least buck up for a Yakima / Thule substitute.

https://bulletproofoff-road.com/i-30641372-58-inch-t-track-mounts-for-yakima-and-thule-rack-systems-decked.html

As mention above, do a little investigating from inside as to where the longitudinal portion of the roof's aluminum skeleton lay. I have the above non OEM track rails on a 2007 ATC Bobcat - with an underlayer of 3M VHB tape between the rails and the top surface of roof, in addition to screws. Each screw is installed with a dab of 3M 4200 sealant. I also used a bead of 3M 4200 sealant along the side each rail to prevent water ingress.

Thanks. I like the price of the decked tracks way better than the others I have looked at.