The best lumber/toy racks?

[dustboy]

Originally Posted by rainsb

I really dig my kargo master rack. It is a very capable "truck" rack that has hauled many a 16 footer and more. It is easy to install and remove with 2 people- not so much for one person though. I don't know if they still sell them- but someone locally (east SF bay area) has been trying to sell one on craigslist on and off for a great deal.

Thanks for the tip--I bought it today!

Seller helped me install it, but due to time constraints we didn't get all the bolts tight. I really hope that's why it was humming like a mofo as I hit 70mph on the freeway!

UPDATE: Nope. I got all the bolts tight, and it still hums like crazy. I believe the issue is that the round crossbar over the cab is behind the windshield, which means it's right in the high-speed laminar air flow coming over the windshield. Seller said specifically that there is NO wind noise...but he has a bug deflector. I'm no expert on aerodynamics but I reckon this made the difference, he seemed like a very decent person and I really hope he wasn't lying to me.

A buddy of mine once fabricated a lumber rack for a friend, and he placed the crossbar just above the windshield header. They learned that it made tons of noise. He had to cut-and-rebuild the section so it was about 8" ahead of the windshield. Knowing this, I shouldn't have bought the rack but I figured an established fabricator like Kargo Master would know what they were doing.

Getting all the bolt holes aligned was a real PITA, the legs don't line up right and at the least they should have designed more slop into the mounting holes.

The rack looks great, and the way it fits the truck is very well thought out, except for that one thing...

[dustboy]

Going to try this:

http://bowhuntelk.blogspot.com/2011/...mber-rack.html

Dude wrapped a piece of rope around the bar in a spiral, kind of like what you see on a car's radio antenna to stop it from whistling.

Also, Kargo Master makes this spoiler thing:

http://www.kargomaster.com/products/...tor-31570.html

[Vantech_guy]

ANODIZED. All our new systems are anodized finish.

Originally Posted by ridgeline wanter

Hi Vantech Guy - You say in your post that the rack has an anodized finish but on the website it says powerder coat????

Vantech: Anodized finish (will not chip or flake off like powder coat)
USrack: powder coated


Can you confirm it is an anodized finish.

Thanks!

[dustboy]

Well the rope wrap helped a lot, no more hum. There is still some noticeable wind noise but it's pretty tolerable.

I might fabricate a tube to replace the front crossbar, that would extend another foot forward. My buddy has a bender so that would be an easy Saturday project.

[34Thrills]

I have two kayaks on the Vantech with hully roller. You won't be disappointed.

[RKTridge]

I have a Vantech Gen2 on the way. ONLY $199!!! Good to know the rollers work on the rack.