Installing Yakima Tracks on Camper Top

So I just purchased a CVT RTT and I am going to put it on top of my camper top. My camper top doesn't have any cross bars so I just picked up a Yakima kit including the track system. Has anyone installed these tracks? I plan on installing Saturday and it looks simple, but any tips would be greatly appreciated to avoid a headache.

 

Measure many, many, times. Then measure again. Then have somebody double check your measurements.

Sharp drill bits are your friend.

When I did mine we actually assembled the rack. (cross bars and tracks)
-Ensure it is square.
-Set it on roof.
-Square it up and mark approximate locations.
-Take off and double check those measurements.

Go overkill with sealant around the mounting holes. Nothing more aggravating than having to re-seal it.

Painters tape is always handy.
Can make a wide surface to draw on, prevents scratches, helps prevent cracking when drilling.

I also put a strip of rubber between the rails and shell.

 

Thanks, that's a great idea of setting it up there already assembled. I never thought of that.

I will definitely try to measure 100x and drill once.

 

+1 I assembled my rack as well, placed on the roof and marked holes. Like he said, measure multiple times. You screw it up you're kinda F'd. Good luck!

 

Also, for your mounting bolts/hardware, make sure you have a good sized fender washer on the inside of the shell.

You bolting this thing on, correct?

 

Yes I'll be bolting it on. Its supposed to have washers and caps for the other side. I've got carpet on the inside of my camper so i'm hoping it doesn't twist up in the drill bit. I would also assume starting with a smaller bit then working your way up would create less chance of cracking it.

 

It will. We drilled mine straight to size, through the carpet. Drill bit went right through it and didn't catch.

 

I haven't actually mounted tracks myself, but in other cases drilling where there's carpeting, I've found step drills work better than twist drills (assuming the roof isn't thicker than one step of the drill). Also, implied but I didn't see explicitly mentioned in other comments, is to work off the centerline of the shell, not the sides.

 

@Lots2Learn58 @ready6delta @IPNPULZ

 

All the above, plus take the shell off and do it on the ground. Makes everything much easier to measure and drill!

 

damn. I am going to do this soon when I get my rack.. someday. so is there an easy way to find centerline?

 

Eyeball it. That's what we did.

Used the trucks satellite antenna (shark fin) and center of the shells brake light (if equipped).

Maybe @dman100 has a better way.

 

To find the centerline, loop a string around the shark fin and run it back to the middle of the shell's center high mount brake light or down to the center of the tailgate or even rear bumper, stretch it taut and keep it there till you mark the centerline with tape or finish your measurements.

 

ha! assumption others have a shark fin.. I guess I'll just find the center of my brake lights and go from there

 

Use a long string from center of brake light to center of grill logo.

 

My shell was narrower at the rear, note you will need to compensate for this. The tracks will be closer together at the rear of the shell.

 

Installing the tracks was much easier than I had anticipated. I actually cut the tracks to fit. Here are some pics after the install with the CVT tent on. I took around an hour to install.

 

@CamShaft033 The tracks and tent look great! What length Yakima tracks did you buy? and did you have to cut to fit?

 

Curious what did you pay for the track system. Did it come with bars? I’m ordering a cap soon and was going to have them installed. I think for $500 extra.

 

I ordered an ARE V series and was quoted 390 for tracks towers and bars. I already had a rack so just had them install tracks for 180