So i need some suggestions and opinions on a rack setup for the top of my camper top. I just bought a camper top and i want to put a rack system on top for my kayak and mtb.
First off which is better/what do you prefer Thule or Yakima?

Did you install the tracks or are there mounts that i can get without having to buy the more expensive tracks? Model names would be really helpful

Are all of the towers interchangeable? So if i bought mounts online then bought the towers and bars off CL will they fit past years? Dont want to buy it if it doesnt fit you know.

Any ideas on a dimension guide for spacing/locations to install the mounts/tracks on the topper?

Any other tips/suggestions are greatly appreciated! I plan on using this for my summer road trip. Sleep in the camper with gear on top.

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Or would doing something like this be easier and cheaper where i just pull some racks off an explorer and mount them on?
http://www.fordrangerforum.com/exter...lots-pics.html

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1998 Ford Ranger XLT
2wd 30' BFG A/T KOs
Black Truck Box w/ custom tie downs

Rack or basket? I just have a basket

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Yakima and thule are both excellent products, both are us manufactured and have life time warranties. It comes down to fit for your vehicle.

You can do an artificial gutter mount or tracks, tracks are cleaner.

For thule you need tp54 tracks, 460 podium feet 50in or larger bars and the track fit kit 3130 I think but I will double check.

As for spacing follow the track install information for your topper, they have specific mount locations the tracks need to be located to.

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Supercharged and DBR long travel 2003 FX4 on 305/70R16 MTRs, Torsen LS FR ECTED RR 4.56 Yukons with cobra brakes, lots of expo parts and other mods

Build thread http://www.fordrangerforum.com/proje...cue-truck.html

Support Search and Rescue ... GET LOST!

I love my Thule system, I don't have it mounted to a cap but it is right to my roof, no complaints, have had them on non stop since last January, no problems!

I had a rack built to go on my shell. I use Yakima cradles and like them real well. The PVC tube is for my Greenland paddles.

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2000 XLT 4.0
220k miles and counting

Very Nice Set-up, clean and simple

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2011 Ford Ranger Sport 4x2,
4.0 L SOHC Stock 5 Speed
Custom aluminum rack with tool box
Firestone Ride Rite Air Springs PN 2531
Westin Off-road Light Bar Hella 500FF Driving Lights

thanks for the suggestions, i bought 54in yakima tracks off ebay and i'm waiting for a rack to come up for sale on CG for a decent price that may bundle in a bike mount rack

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1998 Ford Ranger XLT
2wd 30' BFG A/T KOs
Black Truck Box w/ custom tie downs

I really need to get a rack for my topper so I can haul my kayaks. I've already got Thule kayak racks that mount on the crossbar, and removable crossbars that I bought for my Blazer, so I just just need the side rails. I need to head to a junkyard and see if I can find the side rails.

I'd assume that any old side rail will work, be it Explorer, Blazer, or even some kind of minivan that has a rack. So long as I don't mind drilling holes in my topper (which I don't).

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2000 Ford Ranger XLT
Extended Cab
3.0 Flex
4x4
Manual Transmission
Offroad Package

if you don't want something so expensive, a buddy of mine just pulled the stock rack from a Toyota 4 Runner to put on his shell. He said he did the 4 runner because it was flatter than the explorer's so it fit the shell better.

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Why does everyone think prerunners just jump stuff?

Please click HERE to watch this video!

Not the best pics..but i have an explorer roof rack mounted on my topper and a BVG cargo basket.

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1999 Ranger 3.0FFV-ExtCab-4x4-My 99 Build
1998 Ranger 3.0-ExtCab-4x4-PROJECT TRUCK-My 98 Build

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I have yakima racks on mine. I bought the camper top in the condition of the first pic. Need to repaint it. I love the racks. Can't wait to get my kayaks and mounts and then I'm gonna put my camper top back on. Right now I have my toolbox on.

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1997 B2300 reg cab 2.3 Lima, 15x8.5 Mickey Thompson classic 2, 31x10.50 cooper discover at3, 7.5 open 4.10 rear, dynomax super turbo catback, alpine iva-w200 w/ nav, kicker 6x8s, alpine type R 8, alpine 250W mono amp, power bass 400.4, tool box & camper shell, compustar alarm/remote start.
1956 Ford F100 rust bucket with big plans!