Edits: I idiotically said the roof racks lowers your center of gravity… it raises it.. cause ya know you’re putting it on the roof… 🤦🏽‍♀️🙆🏽‍♀️🙅🏽‍♀️ LOL… silly me ✨ Also, I found this helpful video about how to avoid rust on DIY 80/20 roof racks: kzfaq.infopfLGi6hDp1U?si=7aJMMv9JMdHeVFWR

Erratum: Roof-top weight does not *LOWER* the center of gravity. It *RAISES* the CG. Carry on.

I was thinking this video is so professional , but you a professional even if you don’t always feel like it ! You produce some of the easiest to digest information for people who don’t know things like me, thanks for doing so much research!

I have watched so many campervan videos. So many are entertaining, but low on quality helpful information. You did your research and it is appreciated. Great video.

Really informative video Tory! Honestly, of all the van-builds I’ve been watching, yours is the only one to mention roof loading capacity. Kudos!

Thanks for Sharing! Tory people will now be advised and make wise choices from the info you have giving! stay safe out there.

Brilliant as always 💚 great advice learned alot about roof racks

Thank you. You gave me some good ideas. Also, I bolted a lockable box to the back door which holds a lot of stuff I used often but don't want inside my van. That is below the windows so helps lower the center of gravity and I put a lot of bulk in it but not a lot of weight so it will not tip my van to the back. Most of the weight of it is in the metal box and straps that it fastens to, rather than its content. Although, I do keep some firewood in the bottom of it. I also added a 2nd fuel tank to the bottom of my van and that helps me go longer without fill ups and helps the center of gravity, especially when it is full.

An extremely informative video with great visual effects for the presentation. Very high quality and you did it without a lot of filler.

Also consider the vehicles total weight capacity. If your car is carrying its full weight internally , you cannot put anything on the roof

Such a warm smile. Always enjoy following your journey. Stay smart out there :)

The height increase is a real issue when building an overland truck or van. It could prevent you from going in your own garage or underground parking as well.

Great job, Tory!😊

Great tips. You definitely have the perfect rack for your build.

Great video 😊 🌹

Good video! Informative!

Good information

I've been looking into getting out of a truck camper and getting a Van. I notice all of the large commercial van builders, like Winnebago etc ALL are featuring Solar systems, around 300 watts of panels. So be sure your roof rack has room enough to install many panels to have a high tech van. On that note, I just watched your Renaissance Faire video and saw your lack of A/C dilemma. A lot of the newest van builds now have DC Air Conditioners, where you don't need a generator for off grid air conditioning. When you go to get your electric power station installed, discuss with them how much solar power would be needed to run a DC Air Conditioner. As much as you enjoyed (?) Western winter weather, wait until you experience Western severe summer heat! 115 degrees in Arizona, New Mexico and Texas is becoming common.You will NEED A/C to live in your van full time...

That rack on your van looks awesome 👍 and your solar should be invisible from the ground 😎👍

Here's a question: Have you considered suspension modification, to (better) control handling? That's my 2 cents, for free ((wink)) That was (another) informative edit.

Omg...I really hope you have a good man to go home to...I envy him! Really good information as well. More content plz.

I was just about to say raises, but n/m. Just consider a sturdy low profile (less noise and resistance) roof rack only for solar panels and maybe an awning. Not for storing anything else. Vans are build for cargo inside, not on top. Putting a lot of wood, etc on the ceiling and walls already makes it top heavy. Some even forget about the max load capacity of the van, usually less than you think. Also the more weight, the lower the gas mileage.

Super informative video Tory! One thing to note, I think you meant that a roof rack raises your center of gravity, not lowers.

As a cdl driver who hauled 9 Car trailers, The clarence thing is something i'm absolutely not Worried about considering the fact that the biggest anxiety that I had was sometimes. I would be 17 feet high and the fact that I can't be hitting branches. Because I have brand new 2020 vehicles up above, So that being said, it wouldn't be something I would personally be concerned about anyways. I just subscribed to you. Appreciate the video

put a company name on the side, something like septic repair then no one would break in to your van or even knock on the door if they think its full of poop or think of another type of business that would make people think twice about bothering you. just an idea

Remeasuring and knowing your new height is useful if you drive under height restrictions often such as car parks.

Height is an important factor. My high roof sprinter sits at 2.9 meters. There are a ton of 3 meter bridges around so you might only have 10cm to play with

I love you TR, I don't know what ot is about the TJ Bomb but I'm just not feeling it. I like the Fire Thunder Driver better. But im a nerd so don't listen to me lol keep doing you cause you are awesome!

Merlin solar panels are the best that’s what I put on mine I got about $12,000 it’s all aluminum with the best solar panels you can get it’s like they say you get what you pay for I can walk on my panels they hold up to 750 pounds

Excellent advice and really love your rack!

Unless you can find a company that sells aluminum racks, or something as light

Since I'm getting an SUV, I probably will require a roof rack bc I'm going to have a thule box for extra stuffs

If u buy strong and bigger tiers u can carry more weight.

I saw a missed you we need more videos this

Tory, please correct me if I am off point, but is it an 'east coast' thing to say 'forward wheel drive'? I call it front wheel drive as opposed to rear wheel drive and not 'rearward wheel drive'. Thanks for the roof weight rating video. I plan on getting a Chevy Express extended wheelbase and putting a high roof on it. Keep up the good work.

Question .I have a custom Mark 3 , 97 Chevy Express van 2wd fully loaded except for solar panels I got this van for the reason of moving to Florida well Im looking to install Panels But NYC is getting worst and time is short so I dont care where i go as long I leave alive...,QUESTION,,, How many watts you use one solar panels ?....how are they wired Seperate or linked to one wire into to control regulater unit.?...how many batteries do you use ?...... whats the battery hours you can get out on 100 watts on one battery? ......how can I get max power on a $500 budget?.....what kind of solar panels do i need to get and how many watts are they each?..I need to get this information ASAP ...............................................Im leaving NYC after seening immigrants beating my landlord half to death to rob him and the police doesnt do nothing but protect the immigrants and seriously they are taking over the streets after the burning 4 school buses in the area and they stuck around to see how the fire dept taking out the fire for entertainment,, I seen them from my window ... This city is going to hell big time,, I know you came to NYC in your video some time back and that was a gamble since criminals would steal your cat while you would be sleeping or the van put on fire..I know My bosses vans were burned down in front of the shop one night outside in the industrial area... NYC is out of bounds now

hi luv

I've researched so much I'm about to go crazy. I've been trying to find a roof rack example kinda like yours but I want it higher than the Max Air fan open and AC in the back but on the rack I want at lease 4x300watt panels or whatever I can get the most of. I gotta have AC after stroke need it. But I have time to look not got disability yet

Hi tory is it possible to give the weight in kgs to for your audience outside off the USA. I can't visualise how heavy a pounds are thanks great video.

❤

I love you

Be careful of what you are putting up their ? Raising the center of gravity can be very dangerous! Keep heavy things on the floor!

So instead of the log scene in final destination, its with roof racks? Not as scary but way more unfortunate.

I wonder if she got the sound of the roof rack on video 🤔

@tory Delore idk if I spelled it right but I love your Van I'm actually thinking about trying van life

Thats a great rack!

Oh and, if you want your van stealthier, paint your roof rack to the color of your van.

The back of ur van gives crackhead energy 👀

second

I think you would look much better without those Black Pointy things on your Eyes! Just Saying!

Looks like a spambot has infested your channel..

u doin everything but building the inside

I guess that would depend on weather your off roading at mud or desert or mountain range and what kind of mountain range

Girl can u just stop talking and joking around and build this van 🚐 lol Jesus what are u doing all day ??? Lol 😂

You are amazing lady, I don't want to lose you,you my life.shamim ⚘👏🤝💏🎎🕊👥💔🫂