I have a 1983 Dodge Xplorer 228 and its got a round roof. I don't think a typical ladder rack would mount on the roof, for one there is nothing to mount onto. But I wonder if I could modify an existing rack to work somehow. Or do you think I'd have to get a custom made rack entirely? Here's a link to someone with the same van as me and they made a custom ladder rack.. but seeing as I don't know how to weld nor do I know anyone familiar with the trade that might not be an option. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2rnJHJ93lA I have the same van and you can see the ladder rack 3/4 of the way through the video. I'm looking forward to seeing what you guys come up with. Any advice is appreciated. Thanks!

Does the van roof have rain gutters? Most van racks clamp onto the gutter rails.How rounded is the roof? Most van racks are either spaced up, or curved/angled up, to clear the roof, since the gutters are lower than the center of the roof.It wouldn't be hard to extend the legs of an existing rack to give it more height to clear a more rounded than standard van roof...

Yep, its got rain gutters but it doesn't seem like they are strong enough to support any significant weight. Plus I think they may be too far down on the side to reach, but who knows I may try it. I guess I might have to drill through the roof and learn how to MIG weld. -_-

what are you planning on putting up there...how will you get it up and down?mike

My plan is to disguise my xplorer the best I can to be a work van for when I'm stealth camping in the city. This old Xplorer is the next best thing to converting an actual work van. So I plan on putting a lightweight aluminum ladder on top, a pvc pipe (which I might paint black and fill with water for an outdoor solar shower), a solar panel, and some random luggage. I also plan on having a wood stove inside so the ladder rack will help the flue pipe blend in as well.I suppose I can just get the facade ladder down and actually set it up for when I need to get other stuff down. :)

Luggage on top would easily give your vehicle away as not being a work van...I have made extended gutter mounts for a rack on a bubble top van. It's not difficult and the clamp set of the original mounts can be used with an extended version of the original mounts.The gutters are reasonably strong on most vans, unless they're rusted out, which could happen in Kansas.

Creative ideas on ladder rack for Dodge Xplorer

daboognish88
Explorer
Aug 27, 2016
My plan is to disguise my xplorer the best I can to be a work van for when I'm stealth camping in the city. This old Xplorer is the next best thing to converting an actual work van. So I plan on putting a lightweight aluminum ladder on top, a pvc pipe (which I might paint black and fill with water for an outdoor solar shower), a solar panel, and some random luggage.
I also plan on having a wood stove inside so the ladder rack will help the flue pipe blend in as well.
I suppose I can just get the facade ladder down and actually set it up for when I need to get other stuff down. :)
mkguitar
Explorer
Aug 26, 2016
what are you planning on putting up there...how will you get it up and down?

mike
daboognish88
Explorer
Aug 26, 2016
Yep, its got rain gutters but it doesn't seem like they are strong enough to support any significant weight. Plus I think they may be too far down on the side to reach, but who knows I may try it.
I guess I might have to drill through the roof and learn how to MIG weld. -_-
SoCalDesertRid1
Explorer
Aug 26, 2016
Does the van roof have rain gutters? Most van racks clamp onto the gutter rails.

How rounded is the roof? Most van racks are either spaced up, or curved/angled up, to clear the roof, since the gutters are lower than the center of the roof.

It wouldn't be hard to extend the legs of an existing rack to give it more height to clear a more rounded than standard van roof...

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Creative ideas on ladder rack for Dodge Xplorer

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