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Custom Install

PERMANENT CUSTOM MOUNTED ROOF RACKS

Sedan Custom Install Yakima

sedans & Truck cabs

Metal Roof

Trailer Custom Install Yakima

POP-TOPS, TRAILERS, & RV's

Fiberglass

Camper Van Custom Install

Camper vans

Fiberglass

Truck Cap Custom Install Yakima

Truck Caps

Fiberglass

Jeep Custom Install Yakima

Jeeps

Fiberglass

Why a custom install

Custom applications provided a tailored fit, increased load rating, and flexible cargo-hauling capabilities.

No Official Yakima fit for your vehicle

For vehicles that don’t easily fit with out-of-box rack components, a custom install may be the route for you. Not sure if your vehicle has a fit?  Add Your Vehicle.

Looking to increase load rating and carrying capacity?

Load rating depends not only on your vehicle but also on your roof rack and how it’s installed. Although your vehicle may have an authorized fit, it’s not always capable of the highest load rating possible. A custom install will give you more flexibility in how and what you can carry.

Pro Tip: Great option to use a SkyRise Roof Top Tent

Looking for a clean factory polished aesthetic?

Some prefer the sleek look of a vehicle’s roof rack that just came off the dealership floor. A custom installed roof rack can lead you right down that path. With a fixed point install you can have your cake and eat it too – modern styling that blends in with the vehicle, with the load rating to carry all your gear.

Pro Tip: Looking for an even more good looking option? Check out our FlushBar roof rack option. 

What is a custom install and How Does it Work?

For vehicles that don’t easily fit with out-of-box rack components, or for those looking to carry heavier loads, a custom install may be the best option. There are two types of roofs that allow for custom installs, Metal and Fiberglass. A rack system can be attached by fixed point or tracks, both are permanent and involve drilling into the roof of your vehicle. Custom installs can be done DIY at your own risk or at an authorized rack installer.

Find a custom installer

We don’t recommend drilling into your vehicle on your own. Although it is not difficult, mistakes can be costly. Find a Yakima custom installer that does installations near you. 

Types Of Custom Installs

Tracks Vs. Fixed Point Installations

There are two ways to attach a custom installed roof rack. Option one is to install tracks first that the roof rack then clips into, or second, a fixed point option. 

Tracks

A track installation consists of permanently drilled and installed tracks that run the length of the vehicle roof, truck cab, or RV. The roof rack then sits in those tracks and has the freedom to move forward or backward.

  • A great option for Truck Bed Caps and RVs
  • Pair with SkyLine Towers, Landing Pad 1, and Crossbars to complete the roof rack
  • Allows for roof rack spread variation for different lengths of mounts and gear
  • Tracks can easily be cut down to custom sizes
  • Available in 42″, 54”, or 60” track kits

fixed Point

A custom installed fixed point roof rack is just that, fixed in place at 4 points on the roof. 4 small holes are drilled into the roof and the roof rack is then fixed to those anchor points.

  • Strong attachment option for a roof rack
  • Easy removal and attachment of roof rack
  • Pair with SkyLine Towers and Crossbars to complete the roof rack
  • For use on sheet metal or fiberglass roofs

Metal roof custom installs

fixed point
in roof ditch

A great choice for a naked roof vehicle with a roof ditch. Four small holes are drilled into the roof and the roof rack is then fixed in place to those anchor points.

Metal Roof - Truck (weight rating up to 220 lbs)

  1. 4x Landing Pad 21 (4-pack)
  2. 4x SkyLine Towers (4-pack)
  3. Crossbars (4 styles to choose from) 

Tracks
on a Metal Roof

Metal tracks are installed to the roof of your vehicle via drilling. The tracks can be customized in length to your vehicle, and then the roof rack attaches to the tracks. Allowing for easy mobility and removal of the rack.

Metal Roof - Truck With Tracks

Tracks With SkyLine
  1. Tracks with Plusnuts (42″ or 54″)
  2. 4x Landing Pad 1 (2-pack) 
  3. 4x SkyLine Towers (4-pack)
  4. Crossbars (4 styles to choose from) 
Tracks With TrackTower
  1. Tracks with Plusnuts (42″ or 54″)
  2. TrackTower (4-pack) Note: HD SL Adapter required to use Yakima’s HD Bar
  3. Crossbars (4 styles to choose from)
Tracks With RuggedLine HD
  1. Tracks with Plusnuts (42″ or 54″)
  2. RuggedLine HD, Track Kit
  3. LockNLoad Platform 

fixed point
on a Metal Roof

Four small holes are drilled into the roof and the roof rack is then fixed in place to those anchor points.

Metal Roof - Sedans or Trucks (weight rating 100 lbs max)

  1. 4x Landing Pad 7 (2-pack)
  2. 4x SkyLine Towers (4-pack)
  3. Crossbars (4 styles to choose from)

Fiberglass roof custom installs

Tracks
on a Fiberglass roof

Metal tracks are installed to the roof of your vehicle via drilling. The tracks can be customized in length to your vehicle, and then the roof rack attaches to the tracks. Allowing for easy mobility and removal of the rack. An internal support structure allows for platform racks and rooftop tents.

Fiberglass - Jeep

Tracks With SkyLine
  1. RibCage JL or RibCage JK 
  2. 4x Landing Pad 26 (2-Pack)
  3. 4x SkyLine Towers (4-pack)
  4. Choice of Crossbars (4 styles to choose from), or LockNLoad Platform
Tracks With TrackTower
  1. RibCage JL or RibCage JK 
  2. TrackTower (4-pack) Note: HD SL Adapter required to use Yakima’s HD Bar
  3. Crossbars (4 styles to choose from) or LockNLoad Platform
Tracks with RuggedLine HD

Fixed Point
on a Fiberglass roof

Four small holes are drilled into the roof and the roof rack is then fixed in place to those anchor points.

Fiberglass - Jeep

SkyLine (weight rating up to 165 lbs)
  1. 4x Landing Pad 6  (2-pack)
  2. 4x SkyLine Towers (4-pack)
  3. Choice of Crossbars (4 styles to choose from) or LockNLoad Platform
Tracks With TrackTower
  1. Tracks with CapNuts (54″ or 60″) or HD Tracks with CapNuts (54″, 60″, or 72“)
  2. TrackTower (4-pack) Note: HD SL Adapter required to use Yakima’s HD Bar
  3. Crossbars (4 styles to choose from) or LockNLoad Platform
Tracks With SkyLine (weight rating up to 165 lbs, can't support a Roof Top Tent)
  1. Tracks with CapNuts (54″ or 60″) or HD Tracks with CapNuts (54″, 60″, or 72“)
  2. 4x Landing Pad 1 (2-pack)
  3. 4x SkyLine Towers (4-pack)
  4. Crossbars (4 styles to choose from) or LockNLoad Platform

Tracks on a Fiberglass truck cap

Metal tracks are installed to the roof of your vehicle via drilling. The tracks can be customized in length to your vehicle, and then the roof rack attaches to the tracks. Allowing for easy mobility and removal of the rack.

Fiberglass - Truck Cap With Tracks

Tracks With SkyLine
  1. Tracks with CapNuts (54″ or 60″) or HD Tracks with CapNuts (54″, 60″, or 72“)
  2. 4x Landing Pad 1 (2-pack)
  3. 4x SkyLine Towers (4-pack)
  4. Crossbars (4 styles to choose from) or LockNLoad Platform
Tracks With TrackTower
  1. Tracks with CapNuts (54″ or 60″) or HD Tracks with CapNuts (54″, 60″, or 72“)
  2. TrackTower (4-pack) Note: HD SL Adapter required to use Yakima’s HD Bar
  3. Crossbars (4 styles to choose from) or LockNLoad Platform
Tracks With RuggedLine HD
  1. Tracks with CapNuts (54″ or 60″) or HD Tracks with CapNuts (54″, 60″, or 72“)
  2. RuggedLine HD, Track Kit
  3. LockNLoad Platform 

Tracks
on a Fiberglass RV

Metal tracks are installed to the roof of your vehicle via drilling. The tracks can be customized in length to your vehicle, and then the roof rack attaches to the tracks. Allowing for easy mobility and removal of the rack.

Fiberglass - Trailers

Tracks With SkyLine
  1. Tracks with CapNuts (54″ or 60″) or HD Tracks with CapNuts (54″, 60″, or 72“)
  2. 4x Landing Pad 1 (2-pack)
  3. 4x SkyLine Towers (4-pack)
  4. Crossbars (4 styles to choose from) or LockNLoad Platform
Tracks With TrackTower
  1. Tracks with CapNuts (54″ or 60″) or HD Tracks with CapNuts (54″, 60″, or 72“)
  2. TrackTower (4-pack) Note: HD SL Adapter required to use Yakima’s HD Bar
  3. Crossbars (4 styles to choose from) or LockNLoad Platform

No Raingutters
on a Fiberglass roof

An old school approach to a truck cap roof rack. Drilling brackets to the side of your cap.

Fiberglass - Truck Cap With Brackets

  1. 4x SideLoader Brackets (2-pack)
  2. 4x 1A Raingutter Towers (4-pack)
  3. RoundBars (S, M, L, XL, XXL)

Raingutters
on a Fiberglass roof

This option is best for camper vans that have a fiberglass pop-top.

Fiberglass - Pop Tops and Camper Tops

  1. 1. 4x Widebody Brackets (2-pack)
  2. 4x 1A Raingutter Towers (4-pack)
  3. RoundBars (S, M, L, XL, XXL)

Custom Install FAQ

Some, but not all, Yakima dealers install rack systems.  To find a local installer in your area click here.

No, we are unable to provide drilling instructions.  It is up to the installer to determine the best location for placement on the vehicle. If you are unsure of where to drill it would be best to find a local Yakima Dealer who does install, or to contact a local body shop, most can perform this type of work.

If you decide to install a custom rack, it is a good idea to contact your dealer, if possible, to ask them about the integrity of the roof (weight, capacity etc.) for your purposes.

We recommend following these general guidelines if you choose to drill yourself:

  • Contact vehicle manufacturer to see if they have any information on roof construction.  
  • Avoid drilling in spots where there may be interference with wiring, sunroof, airbag or air conditioning units.
  • Avoid drilling where roof braces are.
  • Drop the headliner of the vehicle (if possible) to find the best location for tracks and drill holes.

When properly installed your vehicle should not leak. Each of our track and custom Landing Pad Kits come with enough silicon to waterproof seal all of the drilled attachment points. 

The image below provides the dimensions of our tracks.  The bolt holes are 6″ on center.

CapNuts dimensions are 1/2” tall x 1-1/4” diameter. Fits #10-32 screws. Bolts use a 1/8 socket head / Allen head wrench.

PlusNuts dimensions are 10-32 Flat Head, Rivnut ID# S10P 175

Tracks are available in 42″54” with PlusNuts and 54″ and 60″ with CapNuts

For our tracks, and most other “C” channel tracks including Thule, A.R.E , and others with a channel measurement of approximately 3mm x 20MM as shown below you will use with the Landing Pad 1 along with the SkyLine Tower.

For larger tracks, measuring 1 3/16 x 13/16,  you will use the Landing Pad 4  along with the SkyLine Tower.

Example of a “C” Channel Track

Yakima Windshield Fairing is a smart fairing that easily attaches to any Yakima crossbar to quiet wind noise and reduce drag.

Fairing size is based on the measurement between your front towers, we refer to this as the M1 measurement, see below.  Once you have this distance see the attached chart for the fairing that will fit your bar spread.

Windshield SizeM1
34″25″ – 30 ¾”
40″30 7/8″ – 36 ¾”
46″36 7/8″ – 42 ¾”
52″42 7/8″ +

If Windshield sits between raised or flush rails, the rail-to-rail distance must not be smaller than the width of the Windshield.

A no fit for Windshield will be called if the roof to bottom of crossbar distance on aero bars is greater than 4”. The windshield will not make contact with the roof of the vehicle.

Have more questions? Visit Yakima Custom Install Support or submit a request.

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