New rack - Vantech H2 full system

[ASD Dad]

Recently found this rack.  All aluminum, modular, bars have slots to add accessories and bolts, built in rear roller, several sizes.

 

https://www.carid.com/vantech/h2-series-cargo-rack-system.html?relationshipId=1479766764

 

Comes in around $1100 for the 12' length which is full length with the roller hanging over the back so you cant dent your van.

 

Only negative I have read about is the roller rattles and that would drive me crazy!  Not sure how to stop the rattle but I would need to figure that out first before installing.  I love the rollers though, makes getting boats, plywood, anything really, that much easier up on to the rack.

 

My Topper rack was rattling quite a bit but that was just bolts working loose and my additional kayak mounts rattling.  I used locktite and that helped short term but the rough roads got things rattling again.  I ended up tack welding all the joints together!  No more rattles...

 

**EDIT**  I have zero affiliation with CarID, they just had an easy link and pricing to the rack!

Edited August 30, 2018 by ASD Dad

[radin2son]

I think the assumption is most of us are just offering info and our own user views. It would be great if more manufacturers offered and posted products for NVs.

[GrooveChampion]

Have you seen the Alurack? The site has the 12’ model for less than $900. It also looks like it might be slightly more aerodynamic.

https://www.industrialproducts.com/prime-design-ar1900-alurack-aluminum-rack-with-rear-rollers-for-nissan-nv-cargo-vans.html

[GrooveChampion]

Here’s a link to a video of an AluRack installed on a sprinter. It also has a roller on the back.

 

 

I wish it came in black.

[ASD Dad]

Only complaint I have seen on the roller racks is the roller rattles and it transfers all that rattling into the van.  That would drive be crazy so I never pursued it further.

[GrooveChampion]

I asked the manufacturer if it would be possible to get one that was black anodized. They said no. I’m thinking that the Smittybilt 50125AM might be the way to go. They may not have the slats or perforated floor of the Aluminess but they are about half the price.

 

I hear you about annoying rattles. I have three autistic kids who have a hard time tuning out noises. So, if the rattle didn’t drive me nuts, the complaints from the kids surely would. Although the H2 and AluRack appear to be assembled from kits. You should be able to omit the roller when you assemble it.

[ASD Dad]

3 kids on the spectrum?!  I am right there with you!  See my screen name...  

 

I think I would go crazy with a rattle and nobody seems to know how to easily stop it.  I actually really like the roller idea, it would be easier to load long or heavy items but not at the expense of a constant rattle.

 

I have a Topper Galvanized steel rack if you want to check it out.  I have had issues with the mount breaking but they replaced the mounts.  It is a bare bones contractor rack but it is 12 feet long and very strong.  About $400 or so online.  You definitely need two people to install.  I have a mini review of it along with updates with the broken mounts on the forum.

 

I like the idea of aluminum with much less weight.  One nice thing about the steel rack is that I could easily modify it with my welder.  I added wider bars to hold extra racks for our big family kayaks.  

[GrooveChampion]

Yup. Three of my four kids are on the spectrum. That is a good part of why I bought my NV. There is a lot more room so there is less, “He is breathing my air!”

 

I saw your post about the topper rack. The breaking mounts are worrisome. I just found out that the Smittybilt weighs 170 lbs. That’s 1/3 of the roof capacity. I don’t see the point in getting a huge rack that can’t carry much. Seems like it would be far better to go with an aluminum rack.

[ASD Dad]

Let us know what you pick out and how it goes.

 

How much weight are you planning on putting up there?  I can tell you getting two very heavy multi person kayaks up there is a giant pain!  With a full rack of 3 kayaks and gear plus a few bikes the rack was 100% full for space.  We try and avoid bikes up there just due to being hard to do.  You have to remember the rack is over 7 feet off the ground!

 

I bought two Gorilla aluminum folding step stools with a really wide top platform.  They use them for hanging crown molding or painting the wall/ceiling line a lot.  Super light but very stable.  Makes it perfect for my wife and I to get the boats and other gear up there.

[GrooveChampion]

I just like to keep my options open. Before my NV, I had always drove a truck. I got used to being able to throw things in the bed when I needed to without having to think about it. I bought a trailer to replace my truck bed for trips to the dump but that is a bit of a pain when you just want to pick up a few sheets of plywood. I wish that Nissan had designed the backs of the passenger seats to fold down so it wouldn’t be necessary to pull them out to use the van for cargo. Not as much cargo as when you remove the seats but enough for a few big items from the hardware store. I suppose this is officially a commercial vehicle and most businesses have a very specific purpose inmind when they buy a vehicle. They either buy the cargo van for hauling stuff or the passenger van for hauling people. But would it really be that difficult/expensive to keep regular consumers in mind when designing these things? Sure you can remove the seats but that is a big pain too. I am a big guy and am used to lifting heavy things but those double seats are no joke!