Which roof rack is ...
 
Notifications
Clear all

Which roof rack is best for RAM Promaster 2500?

6 Posts
7 Users
0 Reactions
304 Views
0
[#1281]
Topic starter

Hey everyone, I recently picked up a RAM Promaster 2500 for a camper conversion, and I’m hitting a bit of a wall trying to decide on the right roof rack setup. Since the Promaster has that unique roof curvature and those factory mounting points, I want to make sure I get something that fits perfectly without needing to drill extra holes if I can avoid it.

I’m planning on mounting two 200W solar panels and a MaxxAir fan, so I need a rack that’s modular enough to work around those. I’ve been looking at the Flatline Van Co and Front Runner options, but I’m curious if they are worth the premium price or if a simpler crossbar system like Thule or Yakima would do the trick. My main concern is wind noise on the highway and making sure the rack can handle the weight of an awning on the side. Does anyone have experience with how these different brands hold up over long trips? I’d love to hear about your specific setups, especially regarding ease of installation and how you managed the layout with fans and panels. Which specific roof rack brand or DIY configuration have you found to be the most reliable and quiet for the Promaster 2500 high roof?


6 Answers
16

Honestly, the Flatline Van Co Promaster Roof Rack is the safest bet for stability. It handles heavy awnings and solar panels better than crossbars, and those factory points are super solid.


11

In my experience, before you drop big money on a rack, you've gotta consider the dynamic load vs. static load on those Promaster factory pins. While Flatline Van Co Promaster Roof Rack is a solid choice, I've found that Front Runner Slimpro Van Rack Kit for RAM Promaster offers a bit more flexibility for tricky layouts like yours.

Over the years, I've seen people struggle with wind noise because they didn't account for the air gap under the solar panels. I'd honestly suggest looking into the Aluminess RAM Promaster Roof Rack as well. It's pricey, but it's built like a tank and handles the weight of a heavy Fiamma F80s Awning without any structural groaning. If you're worried about safety, definitely stick to these integrated systems rather than DIY crossbars... the curvature of the Promaster roof makes crossbars a nightmare to level properly. Just be cautious with your weight distribution so you don't mess with the van's center of gravity!


3

Huh interesting. I had no idea. The more you know I guess 🤷


2

Like someone mentioned, those factory mounting points are just not as solid as they look on paper. Honestly, I have been staring at my roof for two weeks now and I am just so disappointed with the options. It is basically a huge headache no matter which way you go. It reminds me of when my uncle tried to build his own setup for his camper:

  • He spent hundreds on steel that was way too heavy
  • The mounting brackets didnt even line up with the holes
  • He ended up with a massive dent after the first windstorm
  • The whistling noise on the highway was unbearable We spent an entire weekend trying to fix the rattling but nothing worked. Tbh I am just worried that no matter what I buy, it wont be as secure as I need it to be for a long trip. Its just frustrating when you want to do it right but everything feels like a compromise... ngl it has been a total downer.


1

I was super worried about the same thing when I started my 2500 build last year. Reliability was basically my top priority because I do a lot of high-mileage trips through some pretty windy corridors. I spent so much time worrying about those factory pins and if they would actually hold up with a full load of panels and gear. Here is what I learned from my own journey:

  • Checking the mounting hardware after every major trip is a must for peace of mind.
  • Using extra thread locker was the only way I could stop the constant rattling on gravel roads.
  • Keeping the layout tight and low to the roof helped a ton with the side-wind stability. Basically, I found that even with a solid setup, you kinda gotta keep an eye on how the weight shifts over time. My current setup has been through some serious storms and held firm, but I still get a bit nervous every time I hear a new whistle from the wind hitting the solar panels. It works well tho as long as you stay on top of the maintenance.


1

Wow ok that changes things. Gonna have to rethink my approach now.


Share: