Did you know that there are a staggering number of choices when it comes to fitting a roof rack to your Transit Custom? Here’s our homage to the roof racks that have come and gone for our favourite medium sized panel van in the UK
So the story starts in 2012 when the never seen before Transit Custom hit the road in the UK. It was and possible still is the only van offered for sale with the option of “Factory Fitted” roof bars from new. This option put the fear of god into every roof rack manufacturer and supplier in the UK as they feared that sales of their aftermarket racks would be lost to this Ford innovation of fitting three fold flat bars on the roof.
The roof bar industry gave a huge sigh of relief however, when new Custom owners realised these three factory fit bars whilst innovative were not able to do the job needed by the busy tradesman or owners who needed to use their roof bars often. Firstly, the bars were not aero dynamic and created a lot of wind noise, horrible if you kept a pipe tube or ladders permently on the roof. Secondly, they weren’t able to accept any accessories such as a rear roller to aid single handed loading and protect the vans roof.
Fortunately, the van roof rack industry in the UK developed a huge array of roof bars and roof racks for the Transit Custom which allows every possible user type to get the best roof rack for their needs. Take the jobbing electrician or plumber, they may need to keep stock of pipe or decorative conduit with them most of the time, depending on the job they may also need to be able to carry ladders or sheet materials, three roof bars just won’t cut it. A full gallery roof rack would however.
This gallery roof rack type differs from roof bars in that most manufacturers include more than the three possible roof bars (due to there being only 3 roof bar fixing points on the roof ) or cross bars. This means the roof rack can carry heavier loads as the weight is more evenly spread and there is more support for things like sheet materials which may sag or need to be tied down in multiple locations. This type of roof rack particularly ones designed for trade van use usually features a rear roller. These rear rollers are really helpful when trying to load and unload ladders or long timber single handedly as the non handled end can be rested on the roller while you lift and push the load on the roof at the other end. They tend to protect the vans roof as a side benefit as well on twin rear barn doored van models. Vans with tailgate rear doors have to have the rear roller positioned further forward so as not to foul on the door when opened. The other feature of this rack type particualrly amongst the better makes of gallery roof racks is that they also include full length side rails, giving more load security and safe hand grabs.
Of course the Ford Tranist Custom roof rack story does not end here. The new V710 model will no doubt spawn even more roof rack styles and uses. Be a part of this ultimate guide story and send us pictures of your Transit Custom’s roof bars or roof rack. And on that bombshell we must go………
FAQ’s
What are the disadvantages of loading the roof rack so high? – Adding weight to the roof of a van will increase the vans centre of gravity impacting on handling. The increased weight will also adversely affect handling in high winds
Is it legal to carry a sofa on a Transit Custom roof rack? – Assuming the sofa does not protrude beyound the fron, rear and sides of the van and is properly secured then yes. Though, it is probably not desirable.
How much weight can you carry on Ford Transit Custom roof rack? – Ford factory fitted roof bars have a reported max load weight of 135kg, these bars are only fitted to low roof height vans. Many gallery rack manufactures suggest 150kg mox load for th H1 low roof Transit Custom. The High roof van has a very limited max load capacity of 75Kg accourding to Rhino Products which includes the weight of the roof rack it self.
What are the disadvantages of a roof rack? – Depending on the roof rack fitted there will be an increase fuel consumption by a bit, travelling with the rack fully loaded will have a significant impact on the overall cost of your journey. Again, depending on the roof rack installed and how it is loaded there will be an increase in the wind resistance of the van impacting your fuel economy and wind noise levels. Van handling will also be affected as the centre of gravity is raised higher