I own a FVC low profile rack and I like it for several reasons: low profile, easy to install and modular. The ladder is awesome and solid. Again modular so the location can be adjusted. Draw backs: the sides of the rack angle in which narrows the roof space. It also doesn’t have a light bar loop and with the fairing I haven’t taken the time to find a work around on that one yet. Overall I love the rack and it’s going on 2 years of use, also the people at FVC are fantastic.
Hi Brendan. Thanks for the comparison. I just purchased a 2004 high roof 158 sprinter which did not come with roof rails. Wondering if once the attachment rails are installed if either of the racks would work on my unit? Also, this van is fully built out on the inside so attaching the rails without punching holes large enough to get to the nuts on the inside is a concern…. Do you believe an expanding bolt of some sort would work for my application? Thanks!
I’m in between a walkable aluminum deck vs flatline style with wood deck. Seems like having the railings and extra space on the aluminum style decks would be nice, but a lot of people hate on them for price and weight. Do you think having the extra width and length is worth it?
I really do like having a walk on deck on the racks. It makes for another space to hang out in. They don’t weigh all that much actually. It’s the lead time for us that makes them hard to use on builds. We can finish a build in 4-6 weeks, but a custom rack might take 12 weeks. That makes it hard for us to keep things moving.
Thanks for featuring us on your builds!
Awesome to see a comparison like this. Love it!
Love it, Brendan! Thanks for taking the time to put this video together.
Thanks for making awesome gear!
How are these for gas mileage? I’m looking at the pioneer platform
I own a FVC low profile rack and I like it for several reasons: low profile, easy to install and modular. The ladder is awesome and solid. Again modular so the location can be adjusted. Draw backs: the sides of the rack angle in which narrows the roof space. It also doesn’t have a light bar loop and with the fairing I haven’t taken the time to find a work around on that one yet. Overall I love the rack and it’s going on 2 years of use, also the people at FVC are fantastic.
Totally agree!
Thanks, What is the difference in price, assuming DIY in both cases?
Hi Brendan. Thanks for the comparison. I just purchased a 2004 high roof 158 sprinter which did not come with roof rails. Wondering if once the attachment rails are installed if either of the racks would work on my unit? Also, this van is fully built out on the inside so attaching the rails without punching holes large enough to get to the nuts on the inside is a concern…. Do you believe an expanding bolt of some sort would work for my application? Thanks!
You left out one of the most important consideration for most people. How much do they cost?
Costs vary, but around $2K for the Low Pro rack and ladder and a bit over $3K for the Aluminess rack and ladder.
I’m in between a walkable aluminum deck vs flatline style with wood deck. Seems like having the railings and extra space on the aluminum style decks would be nice, but a lot of people hate on them for price and weight. Do you think having the extra width and length is worth it?
I really do like having a walk on deck on the racks. It makes for another space to hang out in. They don’t weigh all that much actually. It’s the lead time for us that makes them hard to use on builds. We can finish a build in 4-6 weeks, but a custom rack might take 12 weeks. That makes it hard for us to keep things moving.
what do u think of the safari rack from fvc
We love the Safari rack from FVCO. We’ve installed them on 9 of our last 10 builds.
Nice video Brendan! How's the wind noise on either of these racks? Looking forward to more videos from the channel.
I was wondering the same thing about wind noise.
Awesome thank you for the information
Excellent video. 👍
Thank you!
Sick builds!
Thanks!
Super!
Great job!
Thank you!