Built for Adventure Vans
A strong camper roof rack adds valuable space and utility to your van. From carrying rooftop tents to transporting outdoor gear, roof racks make camper vans more capable for travel and adventure.
At The Vansmith in Boulder, Colorado, we install high-quality camper roof racks designed for Sprinter and Transit vans. Our systems support rooftop tents, solar panels, storage boxes, bikes, and other equipment commonly used for outdoor travel.
Each installation is carefully mounted and sealed to handle highway driving, mountain terrain, and changing weather conditions, whether you need a rack for camping gear or a complete roof rack camper solution.
What We Install
Roof Racks for Camper Vans
Several types of camping roof racks are available depending on how you plan to use your van. Our installations support a wide range of systems designed for strength, flexibility, and long-term durability.
Full-Length Racks
Full-length systems span the entire roof and offer maximum mounting surface for tents, solar panels, and gear carriers in one integrated system.
- Maximum cargo capacity
- Full solar panel support
- Rooftop tent ready
- Multiple crossbar positions
Modular Racks
Modular rack systems let you customize your configuration, add sections as your needs grow or rearrange components for different trips.
- Expandable configurations
- Removable sections
- Adaptable to gear changes
- Compatible with accessories
Low-Profile Racks
Low-profile slimline racks reduce wind drag and height clearance issues while still providing solid mounting points for solar and light cargo.
- Reduced wind resistance
- Better fuel efficiency
- Garage clearance friendly
- Clean, streamlined look
Rack + Solar Combos
Integrated rack and solar mounting systems that support panels flush with the roofline, ideal for off-grid van builds needing both structure and power.
- Integrated panel mounts
- Clean wire routing
- Maximizes roof real estate
- Pairs with our solar installs
Compatible Platforms
Vans Compatible with Roof Rack Installation
Our camper roof rack installation services support the most common adventure van platforms, built and sealed specifically for each roof structure.
Mercedes Sprinter
Sprinter vans are widely used for camper vans due to their roof space and structural strength. Sprinter-compatible racks can support:
- Rooftop tents
- Solar panels
- Cargo storage boxes
- Outdoor gear carriers
Ford Transit
Ford Transit vans are another popular platform for camper vans. Transit roof rack installations can support:
- Rooftop tents
- Solar panel systems
- Cargo carriers
- Adventure gear
How It Works
Our Camper Roof Rack Installation Process
Installing a camper roof rack requires careful planning to ensure safe mounting and weather protection.
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1
Consultation and Rack Selection
We discuss how you plan to use the rack — whether for rooftop tents, solar panels, modular cargo, or general adventure gear — and select the right system.
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2
Mounting System Planning
Our team plans the mounting layout based on the van's roof structure to ensure the rack distributes weight properly and maintains structural integrity.
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3
Professional Installation
Technicians install the rack using secure mounting hardware designed specifically for Sprinter and Transit vans, ensuring stability on any terrain.
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4
Weather Sealing
All mounting points are sealed after installation to prevent water leaks and corrosion, protecting both the roof structure and the van interior.
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5
Final Inspection and Testing
Every rack installation is inspected for mounting strength, hardware security, roof sealing, and overall system stability before the van leaves our shop.
Why Choose Us
Why Choose The Vansmith for Roof Rack Installation
The Vansmith team has years of experience installing equipment designed for camper vans and outdoor travel.
Expertise in Camper Van Conversions
Our technicians work with Sprinter and Transit vans daily, giving us strong knowledge of van roof structures and proper installation techniques for long-term durability.
Premium Roof Rack Systems
We install durable camping roof racks built for long-term outdoor use, supporting rooftop tents, solar panels, cargo boxes, and outdoor gear carriers.
Professional Installation Team
Our team ensures each camper roof rack installation is safe, secure, and properly sealed to prevent leaks, whether it's mountain roads or long highway miles.
Built for Van Life and Adventure
The systems we install are designed for real travel conditions including mountain roads, highway driving, and extended outdoor adventures, compatible with rooftop tents and gear carriers.
Common Questions
Roof Rack FAQs
Do I need special roof racks for a rooftop tent?
Yes. Rooftop tents require strong camper roof racks designed to support both the tent weight and occupants while parked. Standard crossbars are typically not sufficient, the rack must be rated for dynamic and static loads.
Can I put a rooftop tent on a trailer?
Yes. Many trailers support rooftop tents when equipped with proper roof racks for tent trailers or reinforced rack systems designed to handle the load.
What kind of roof rack is best for a tent?
A full-length camping roof rack or modular rack system is typically best because it distributes weight evenly across the roof and provides multiple anchor points for the tent mounting hardware.
What are the cons of tent trailers?
Tent trailers can take longer to set up, may offer less insulation in extreme weather, and often require additional storage space compared to rooftop tents or van-based sleeping systems.
