Installing Yakima track system roof rack on older camper

[OffTheGridMaps]

I've got a 2005 Eagle and would like to add a Yakima track roof rack system. Obviously the roof has been pre-drilled to install the roof, so that means we'd have to remove 8-10 screws per side, and then either plug the holes or (hopefully) re-use the holes where possible when installing the track. I've asked the local FWC dealer to do the install, but they can't guarantee it won't leak but will obviously do their best. What are other people's experience with adding track systems after the roof has already been drilled? Any issues with leaks?

 

[longhorn1]

Is this local dealer a FWC Dealer? I would speak with Aaron at FWC. Not sure you have to remove roof screws. There should be other roof frame areas. It is always best to discuss with FWC. jd

I've got a 2005 Eagle and would like to add a Yakima track roof rack system. Obviously the roof has been pre-drilled to install the roof, so that means we'd have to remove 8-10 screws per side, and then either plug the holes or (hopefully) re-use the holes where possible when installing the track. The local dealer I've asked to do the install says they can't guarantee it won't leak, but they'll do their best. What are other people's experience with adding track systems after the roof has already been drilled? Any issues with leaks?

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[OffTheGridMaps]

Is this local dealer a FWC Dealer? I would speak with Aaron at FWC. Not sure you have to remove roof screws. There should be other roof frame areas. It is always best to discuss with FWC. jd

Yes, I am working the FWC dealer for MT. If you look at the picture, with the older 2-piece roofs, they had to screw them in along multiple rafters. From what I've read (and confirmed by dealer) you have to remove the screws so that the tracks lie flat on the roof.

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

Hi OTGM,

I suspect you could easily do this yourself as long as you had a safe place to stand while doing the work. I’d talk to the dealer about what sealant to use, whether or not butyl tape under the tracks would be a good idea, whether or not additional screws are needed, and if larger screws (get the recommended size) might be needed for any existing screw holes that line up. I would also include a bunch of sliding nut plates, maybe 6 on each side, prior to putting the end caps on.

If your dealer can’t answer those questions, then a call to FWC or ATC would be in order. ATC does quite a bit of retrofitting older FWC campers, and as they still make that style roof, they would be my first choice. You might even make a run to Sacramento to have them do the work, if you need an excuse to see the Sierra Mtns.

Hope that helps!

 

[HughDog]

Can easily be done. I've done it - No leaks with a rainy season and lots of water battle testing!

So, here's what ya do:

Lay an adequate strip of the butyl putty tape under the rail and go to town. . . Use some self tapping sheet metal # 8's (Make sure you eyeball the type of screw heads you are gonna use as the yakima tracks use a square piece of metal that needs to travel in the track). Also a really good idea to mark the placement of stuff underneath, like wires and those aluminum round tubes that go through your rafters!

At any rate, I have a ton of confidence that this will be a task you are glad you took on!