A few months back I picked up a 2021 Sprinter 144 4×4 van. Specifically because I wanted to up my overlanding experience. I have built some beautiful Jeeps in the past, but felt like it was time to get a rig with more comfort.
There’s so many upsides for the ones who love roadtripping, camping, and hitting the trails for multiple days at a time with a rigs like this. Like most vehicles though, they don’t exactly come 100% ready to go so you have to do some modifications. Some hire builders while some decide to DIY the build. I chose the DIY plan and I’m happy to tell you why, that’s a story for another time though.
One of the first things I did was install a roof rack. To me, that’s one of the most important add ons of the build. It holds your solar panels which power everything, you attach an awning to it which is critical for protection from the weather, and of course you have a place to store things and keep them out of your living area. Yup, a good roof rack is very important.
As I searched around I found several good options. So, I decided to make a list of what’s important to me and go from there. First, aluminum! I definitely want to avoid heavy, rustable steel as much as possible. Second, it has to offer a stable platform to mount solar too, the solar panels are the heart of conversion so make sure you get the good ones. Third, it has to fit in the factory channels so I don’t have to drill any new holes up there. Last and certainly not least, four. I want to install it myself.
Turns out, there are some options that fit all of this criteria so why did I chose Frontrunner Outfitters?
Frontrunner Outfitters has been at the top of the industry a long time now, and every time I’ve either tried one of their products or interacted with someone representing the company my experience has been nothing but A plus rated. I’ve used their rooftop tent, I use their camp chairs and storage boxes, and I’ve even used their roof rack on one of my Jeeps in the past. So once I learned they also make a Sprinter roof rack my decision was made.
The Frontrunner Slimeline 2 Roof Rack is a modular system so assembly and install is easy. Honestly, the design is so simple that you really can’t put it together incorrectly. The instructions are clear, and it is actually a two piece set up. Some like that, some don’t, but it definitely makes lugging it up a ladder easier than if came as one really long rack. The all aluminum rack has thick slats that keeps thing stable and feet that bolt right into the factory channels. (You can order the non factory channel option too)
Frontrunner Outfitters uses quality materials with their products. The hardware is nice, and the support team is very helpful if you need them. The Slimline 2 Roof Rack is light weight, strong, easily installed, perfect for mounting lights, awnings, or anything else too. For me, the decision to go with the Slimline 2 worked out perfectly.
Check out the Slimline 2 and a full catalog of Frontrunner Outfitters products at FrontrunnerOutfitters.com
(Pick up some of the new Wolfpacks while shopping too, you’ll love them)
Rob Spencer