Attaching the "landing pads" for a rack

I have an ARE shell with the tracks factory installed. I'm trying to figure out if I'm supposed to remove some of the bolts that hold it on and go through to the inside to attach the landing pads or use those square nuts that go in the track. As near as I can tell, those nuts don't come with the landing pads (haven't purchased yet) but they do come with the rounded "nuts" that look like the ones that go on the inside of the shell and hold the track on.

Also, what a stupid system with all the extra parts - at least the Yakima stuff. Does anyone make something more simple that just connects to the track without the extra landing pad piece? I know it's a quick release gizmo, but now you need locks and it just gets more and more expensive.

 

So I'll take a stab at this since no one else has. Is this cap installed and was it installed by a factory rep?
Zim
Also a picture might help.

 

The landing pad should come with a square nut that goes in your rails and they can be tightened wherever you want. These are the ARE tracks, btw. Once you get past the cost, the system works well. I have them on both trucks and do occasionally use the quick release system depending on what I'm hauling.

 

Thanks for clearing that up. I'm out. LOL
Zim

 

I'm not sure it's the system that's stupid. Want to know how I know you didn't look at the instructions before posting? If the square nuts (with an A on them) are not already in the tracks there will be some with the landing pads unless you bought the wrong kit (it sounds like you bought the kit that is designed to mount directly to the roof instead of the kit that is designed to mount to the tracks; you can buy the nuts as a separate kit if you need them). Remove one mounting bolt on either end, slide the plastic end piece off and insert as many nuts as you need/want. Put a dab of sealant on the track mounting bolt and reinstall. Install whatever landing pads you want. Install whatever accessories you want.

The rounded nuts are called capnuts and they are designed to go on the inside and keep you from gouging your head when you inevitably climb in the back and bang your head against one- spend much time climbing in and out of the back and you will, it just happens.

Allow me to help you- the kit you want will look like this:
https://www.rackattack.com/permanent-custom-mount-roof-rack-systems/yakima-landing-pad-1/
Side note, if you type "Yakima landing pad" into Rackattack's search box you will get examples of the different style bases they make.

Here are the instructions:
https://assets.yakima.com/Product/instructions/8000221/1

By being two pieces it allows one design to fit multiple applications since it allows for different roof curvatures. They are designed to be removable to clean up the looks of the vehicle, prevent theft, damage, improve gas mileage, etc.

Some of the OEM racks will fit depending on the distance between your tracks but you'll have to measure to figure out what will work.

 

I didn't buy anything yet so, no, I didn't read the instructions. I looked at what was included online and I didn't see the square nuts as being included. That's why I asked.

 

Thanks. I guess I'll just have to make sure I get the landing pads with the square nuts. Ordering online so it's not clear what all is included.

I've also been looking at the Prinsu and other CNC'd racks. I'm wondering what the pros/cons might be compared to a Yakima type rack.

 

Modularity- you can add or subtract components as wanted/needed. You can add crossbars to a Prinsu, especially if you make it yourself, but the Yakima, Thule, etc. have a lot of options and you can mix and match many of the components just by changing the mounting brackets.

Think of what you know you will be carrying, think of what you may carry, and go from there. Example, I carry a mountain bike, often one of more kayaks and occasionally a cargo box or basket so I wanted wider bars. They have the added advantage of sticking out a bit from the shell (as wide as the fender flares; 66") which allows me to hang things on them such as sleeping bags, a wetsuit or an LED lantern.

 

Thanks. That helps. I do have a Thule cargo box but I never really use it. With a rack, I might more often, but most of my stuff fits in the bed. Really, I think I'm more likely to just carry a Rubbermaid type box or two or toss my knock off traction boards up there to free some space in the bed. Probably things I don't really expect to use but might need. I might also add an awning but I've read they might not work with the 270 degree ones. I prefer something over the tailgate as it serves as my kitchen when camping.

 

As others have said, the square nuts come with the Yakima Landing Pads. The pads are sold in pairs, so you’ll need to buy 2 sets for one complete rack (4 pads in all w/ 8 square nuts). All the main camper shell manufacturers use standard size “C” channel tracks, so if you go with Yakima, the ones you’ll want to buy are Landing Pad #1.

You won’t need to take the tracks off the shell. They have little end caps that are either held on by a small screw (or a clip for some brands). Remove one of the end caps, slide the 4 square nuts onto that track, replace end cap, then screw the pads to the square nuts. Then repeat for the other track. You can then tighten the pads down wherever you like with the included allen key.

 

Regarding the awnings, it depends on the setup and you'll have to evaluate each style- some will, some will with some modification and some won't.

I'm still using a "tailgating" tarp that I picked up somewhere along the line before the resurgence in car camping, I mean Instagram overlanding. It's just a medium weight nylon tarp that attaches to my rear cross bar with Velcro loops and uses a couple of poles and guy lines. It's not as fancy as an ARB but it's worked well enough for years; I've also got an ENO awning that I sometimes use. I would really like an ARB tarp with room but haven't gotten around to buying one.

Before the nylon one I had a canvas awning (still have it) that I sewed some ties on to and used with a couple of different vehicle's racks. I also sewed a channel in it to slide in a tent pole- yeah, I'm cheap, I mean frugal. If I were doing it today I'd drop the money on an ARB awning and the room attachment.