What is Reddit's opinion of Highland 2006200 Black Heavy Duty Bar Carrier?

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Highland 2006200 Black Heavy Duty Bar Carrier https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002MABL4/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_i_dCerFb53KVGCW

Just got them off amazon, seems like they have pretty solid construction and the coating they used on them looks cooler then just black IMO.

That they do. Not going to lie though, I cheaped out and went with the Amazon special. We'll see how long they last.

Link for anyone interested: https://www.amazon.com/Highland-2006200-Black-Heavy-Carrier/dp/B0002MABL4/ref=mp_s_a_1_19?crid=MI79WM2EUO9A&keywords=van+gutter+rack&pscroll=1&qid=1654196802&sprefix=van+gutter+rack%2Caps%2C247&sr=8-19&wIndexMainSlot=31

The brand is Highland. I wanted to be able to use the XJ to haul my canoe around and ended up searching for work van cross bars. They sit just high enough to clear the lights. Not the cleanest look but it’s sturdy and functional. It was also only ~70 bucks, so that’s a bonus.

Highland 2006200 Black Heavy Duty Bar Carrier https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002MABL4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_YBPPGWMSXA1PVQ3BNGCH?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Here’s a link to Amazon. You can pick up a set now for only $65.

Haha, the roof rack is just an out of the box system, was $64 on Amazon, attaches right to the rain guards, rock solid, can perfectly accommodate 4x8 sheets of plywood as seen here. Here’s a link to these racks on amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Highland-2006200-Black-Heavy-Carrier/dp/B0002MABL4/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=highland+roof+rack&qid=1596333149&sprefix=highland+roof+rack&sr=8-3

Not sure what if your van has rain gutters or if you can get these, but rain gutter ladder racks provide a good base to mount L Bar, prevents you from needing to drill holes, and is easily removable.

I modified a set of these: https://www.amazon.com/Highland-2006200-Black-Heavy-Carrier/dp/B0002MABL4/ref=pd_sim_263_1?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B0002MABL4&pd_rd_r=KWB1PJ39NQWAW8EH4YSA&pd_rd_w=incEB&pd_rd_wg=03zCY&psc=1&refRID=KWB1PJ39NQWAW8EH4YSA

and built the rack out of conduit tubing from home depot

I machined some aluminum extensions that I bolted on to these roofrack feet so that I could clear the hightop. http://www.amazon.com/Highland-2006200-Black-Heavy-Carrier/dp/B0002MABL4/ref=sr_1_3?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1464196496&sr=1-3&keywords=van+roof+rack

Then used conduit tubing for the rest of the frame work. I happened across some really wonderful tubing connector pieces a few years ago that I held on to because I knew they would come in handy at some point and they helped out big time form mounting the crossbeams.

Used angle beams for nesting the solar panels.

These Vantech mounts are the longest you can buy (I have a 30 inch top so have searched from months). They would fit off the shelf. https://vantech.us/product/h1-diy-rack-system-for-conversion-vans/
Highland: These are not high enough but they are very strong and easy to add on to.. Only $60 for 4 mounts (and two bars). https://www.amazon.com/Highland-2006200-Black-Heavy-Carrier/dp/B0002MABL4/ref=sr_1_36?dchild=1&keywords=ladder+rack&qid=1600046750&sr=8-36

I have an older Econoline with a bubbletop that I've made a detachable awning system for. I live in a not so nice area of town and store the awning in my van when not camping/not in use. Basically, if you have a sturdy rain gutter at the roof line of your van you can make it work.

I ended up purchasing this roof rack system from Amazon just for the brackets:

Highland 2006200 Black Heavy Duty Bar Carrier https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002MABL4/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_RMT4N463GKTKQQ4EBC05?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

I also purchased this quick release bracket set made by ARB (I purchased an ARB awning):

ARB 813409 Awning Bracket Quick Release Kit 5, Compatible for All ARB Awning Models https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KCSW4F1/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_6RZ2T6ZPXCSWWA2K1VFC?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Basically you attach the flat quick release brackets to the roof carrier brackets. Then you attach the roof carrier brackets to the the rain gutter of your van. Do some measuring to get the distance between the two mounted carrier brackets (that now have the quick release brackets attached to them) and slip the other half of the quick release bracket system into your awning and screw them down at that distance.

The flat ARB quick release bracket mounting holes align perfectly with the roof rack carrier bracket holes, which normally would have been the holes for the roof carrier tubes. There is enough room for the quick release bolts on the awning side to slip into the quick release brackets. I did have to buy some washers and extra nuts and bolts to make it all work, but it works perfectly in the end.

At this moment, my van has the two roof carrier brackets attached at all times. When I arrive at a campsite, it's as easy as taking the awning out out of the van and slipping it into the quick release slots. I usually only hand tighten the nuts. So far with this setup the awning has handled 30 mph gusts with 10-20mph sustained winds and I have no doubt it could handle a lot more. I definitely guy-wire my awning posts though. So you're talking two fairly major connection points at the van and two posts held down by paracord and thicker 12in stakes. When I'm ready to go, the awning goes back in the van and I don't worry about it flying off on the highway, or getting stolen (as much).

It's actually crazy how easy this system all came together without any modifications to the van, or otherwise. Best part is I can replace the mounting brackets whenever or return the van to its original condition at any time.

I have a rack like this, with half of an extension ladder spanning them that my two 100w panels are mounted to. There's also a 2x8 mounted up there as a walkway because I occasionally have a kayak up there too. My roof vent has a cover like this all the way at the rear of the van.

I got 13-16.x mpg before all that. With everything added I get about 12-15 mpg. The kayak definitely affects it more than anything else. I moved my ladder rack forward a bit and did notice a slight increase in mpg but am not sure if it was that or maybe I've just been staying more on top of maintenance.. I've occasionally tried to find information on the aerodynamics of roof accessories but never come up with anything meaningful.

We just bought these on Amazon for our '93 high roof. Highland 2006200 Black Heavy Duty Bar Carrier https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002MABL4/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_S31PNM9W9FFPVS69NCSV?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 Nice budget option and the low roof won't require the modification detailed here. https://starwagon.info/high-roof-gutter-racks/

I know it's not the answer you're looking for, but, do you have "gutters" on your van?

I was pretty worried about drilling holes as well, so I installed these - Highland 2006200 Black Heavy Duty Bar Carrier https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002MABL4/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_FMKCBCGPD5WEFNG9C1AJ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

I mounted 2x4s with uBolts to the ladder racks, then bolted the solar panels onto the wood. Only hole I drilled was a single tiny one for the wires.

Photo - https://imgur.com/a/mk2RuaH

I've got two pair of new crossbars I purchased from Amazon and decided not to install ( I kinda like being able to run through the local car wash - I'm lazy like that). Could work a deal if interested. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002MABL4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

These Vantech mounts are the longest you can buy and made for your conversion top (I have a 30 inch top so have searched from months and these are the highest). They would fit off the shelf. https://vantech.us/product/h1-diy-rack-system-for-conversion-vans/
Highland Rack: These are not high enough but they are very strong and easy to add on to.. Only $60 for 4 mounts (and two bars). https://www.amazon.com/Highland-2006200-Black-Heavy-Carrier/dp/B0002MABL4/ref=sr_1_36?dchild=1&keywords=ladder+rack&qid=1600046750&sr=8-36

What are your load requirements?

Easiest solution is two crossbars, 4 gutter brackets and a small cargo basket or cargo clamshell. Longer roof baskets will require more crossbars and gutter brackets.

Mounting the basket toward the front allows you to access it easily from the driver or passenger areas without a ladder.

The cheapest crossbars are sold for cargo/ladder racks for work vans. They're ugly, heavy and can rust over time, but they're cheap. (May not clear the high roof towards the back.)

For the Yakima round bar system you need the gutter mounts + the 1A height extensions to clear the high roof.

Thule square gutter brackets system has three heights. The mid range can work (Thule 387, 8" clearance), but they're very close to the roof at the back. (There are gaps in the roof ribbing that will allow the bars to just squeeze by, but a heavy load might deflect the the crossbars into touching the roof surface.) Otherwise use the tallest ones (Thule 953, 11" clearance, which to my eye are too tall aesthetically towards the front,) but they'll work fine.

Both of those systems will accept locks if you want them.

Both of those systems come with a variety of bar lengths (which can be cut down if they're too long.)

I've found all this stuff on Craigslist and eBay for way cheaper than new, but it's a waiting game to get exactly what you want on eBay, so local sources are better.

Roof baskets like the Yakima Megawarrior are nice but also pricey new, though I've seen them for about half price on Craigslist every now and then.

There are a bunch of roof baskets on Amazon that are pretty cheap (but they're cheap for a reason.) But if all you need is a basic basket, they work fine and will have room for a spare tire and a few backpacks or a cooler.

If you have a basket, or platform, you'll also need nylon strapping with cam buckles to cinch all the cargo stuff down securely. You DO NOT want stuff flying off the van at highway speeds, because you can kill people that way.

The rack was purchased from amazon. Its from a manufacturer named Highland.

https://www.amazon.com/Highland-2006200-Black-Heavy-Carrier/dp/B0002MABL4/ref=sr_1_cc_2?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1518734098&sr=1-2-catcorr&keywords=van+roof+rack

The mounts are the gutter mount plates from a gutter mount ladder rack from amazon. $40 http://www.amazon.com/Highland-2006200-Black-Heavy-Carrier/dp/B0002MABL4/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1459209030&sr=8-3&keywords=ladder+rack+gutter