Roof racks, ladders, side steps and bumpers
We install aftermarket racks, ladders, side steps and bumpers from Flatline Van Co, Aluminess, Owl, Tec Vanlife, Rhino-Rack and more.
More van, outside the van
A roof rack turns the roof into usable space. It carries storage boxes, boards and recovery gear, takes a walkable deck so you can stand up there, gives solar panels a cool, serviceable mount, and makes a solid base for an awning. A ladder gets you up there safely, and side steps make the sliding door and the roof easier to reach.
An aftermarket bumper is about looks and durability. Steel and aluminum bumpers stand up to rocks, trailheads and parking lots far better than the factory plastic, and they change the whole look of the van. We install bumpers from Aluminess, Backwoods Adventure Mods, Agile Offroad, RoamBuilt and Flatline Van Co, front and rear, many with winch mounts and light pockets, and most keep the factory sensors working.
Roof gear shares space with fans, AC, solar and an awning, so we lay it all out together before anything is drilled.
Plan view of a Sprinter roof. Fans, AC, solar and decking all share the roof, so we lay them out together before anything is drilled.
- 1Roof fan kept clear of panels for airflow
- 2Solar panels rigid, on the rack
- 3AC unit planned before panels go down
- 4Decking walkable, for gear
- 5Rear ladder needs 180 degree hinges
Rack options
| Rack | Profile | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Flatline Low Pro | Just under 5 in rails | Low height, decking, fans and AC, Fiamma F80 |
| Flatline Standard | 6.5 in rails | Recessed solar, rooftop tents, Fiamma F45 |
| Owl Flat Earth / Baja | Low, tubular aluminum | Owl ecosystem, walkable deck |
| Front Runner Slimpro Van | Low, slatted | Front Runner accessories, Sprinter, Transit, ProMaster |
| Prinsu Sprinter | Low platform | No-drill mount to factory tracks |
Most racks mount to factory roof tracks or rails without drilling. Flatline's ladders and tire carrier need 180 degree hinges.
How we do it
Plan the roof
Rack, decking, solar, fan, AC and awning laid out together.
Rails and rack
Mounted to factory points with sealant and correct torque.
Decking and accessories
Decking, raised over AC where needed, plus awning brackets and boxes.
Ladders, steps and hinges
180 degree hinge swap if a rear ladder needs it, then ladders and side steps, with doors aligned.
Bumpers
Front or rear bumper swapped in with sensors, lights and tow points kept working.
What to know before you buy
180 or 270 degree hinges
Most rear ladders and carriers need 180 degree hinges. 270 degree hinges fold flat but limit accessories.
Height
A rack and AC add height. Check your garage.
Load ratings
Decking, solar and gear add up. We stay inside the rack's ratings.
Awning fit
Awning model and rack profile need to match. Fiamma F80 suits the Low Pro, the F45 suits the Standard.
Questions about racks and bumpers
Low Pro or Standard rack?
Low Pro for low height and decking. Standard if you want solar recessed inside the rails or a rooftop tent.
Do racks require drilling?
Most mount to factory roof tracks or rails without drilling.
Can I keep my 270 degree doors?
Some accessories work with them, but Flatline and Owl rear accessories need 180 degree hinges.
Can you install an awning too?
Yes. We install Fiamma F45S and F80S awnings, including removing an old one.
Why an aftermarket bumper?
Durability and looks. Aluminum and steel bumpers from Aluminess, Backwoods Adventure Mods, Agile Offroad, RoamBuilt or Flatline Van Co shrug off rocks and parking-lot bumps that crack factory plastic, and they give the van a stronger stance.
Get a rack quote
Send a few details and we will call you back with ideas, options and a ballpark.
- 6771 Emigration Canyon Rd, Salt Lake City
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