Recommendations Sought - Affixing Solar Atop Roof

[commenting_with_you]

Hi. I have a 2020 RAM 1500 PROMASTER CARGO 136" WB- HIGH ROOF.

Regarding mounting the panels, I am exploring the option of using a rack system like Vantech Heavy Duty 3 Bar Ladder Roof Rack Fits: RAM ProMaster High Roof All Years as seen at https://www.walmart.com/ip/Vantech-...s-RAM-ProMaster-High-Roof-All-Years/851480636


or AA-Racks Model AX302 Aluminum Van Ladder Roof Rack System Fits for 2013-On RAM ProMaster/ 2015-On Transit - 3 Bar 72'', White as seen at https://www.amazon.com/AA-Racks-Pro...er+High+Roof+All+Years&qid=1620425363&sr=8-17 and I am opting out of the idea of using primary adhesive directly panel-to-roof.


Or

Alternatively, I could skip using the above-mentioned racks and just use a SnapNRack roof base/foot as seen here:


In case it helps, here's the 2020 RAM 1500 PROMASTER CARGO 136" WB- HIGH ROOF roof dimension info:
https://www.iseecars.com/car/2020-ram-promaster_cargo_van-specs#styleId=NDA3ODkyOA and also https://www.iseecars.com/car/2020-ram-promaster_cargo_van-specs#styleId=NDA3ODkyOA

Thank you.

 

[commenting_with_you]

Here's what the top of my actual van looks like:

 

[fratermus]

I assume you know this but in case you don't: the doodad in the roof channel over the driver is a rack-mounting stud. There are (I think) 3 sets of these on the 136" Promaster and 4 sets on the 159". PM-specific rack kits have bases that attach to these studs then the rack mounts to the base. Those studs are what the WM and AA kits [appear to] attach to; no drilling.

Looks to me like the snapnrack would require holes to be drilled, which seems like needless risk when the rack studs are already on the roof.

I found the Vantech H3 two-bar for with the Promaster on sale for $215 (shipped) a few years ago and it's been a great rack. The Vantech base can be seen in this pic, but all the PM-specific bases work similarly.

 

[fratermus]

(ugh, dupe)