Van Life: Equipping Your Workhorse for Every Adventure

More people than ever before are taking their travel dreams on the road and converting vans into cozy living spaces suitable for both daily commuting and extended trips away from home. Installing a quality set of roof bars on your van exponentially increases cargo capacity while helping organize gear transportation. Carrying bikes, boats, camping equipment, and more on secure roof racks makes the van lifestyle even more adventurous.

Why Use Van Roof Bars?

Adding a set of heavy-duty roof bars opens up a whole new world of cargo transportation and storage possibilities to maximize your van's versatility. Here are some of the top benefits high-quality van roof racks provide:

Greatly Increased Cargo Capacity

Roof bars allow you to mount full-sized storage boxes, bike racks, traction mats, and other bulky gear on your roof that won't fit inside the van itself. Even smaller work vans can haul extensive cargo loads with a roof rack upgrade. Having a second deck for gear storage doubles your total hauling capacity compared to relying on just the interior alone.

More Organized Gear Transportation

Harnesses, netting, straps, and specific carriers available for van roof racks keep your rooftop items neatly stowed rather than chaotically strewn about. Items stay securely fastened during transport, so you don't have to worry about important gear flying off at speed. Everything also remains conveniently accessible when you need it at your destination, unlike crammed interior piles that must be continually unstacked and repacked.

Improved Fuel Efficiency

Removing heavy gear from the interior passenger compartment and mounting it on the roof lightens the overall vehicle weight and reduces fuel consumption thanks to an improved power-to-weight ratio. Less strain on the engine means better gas mileage for already notoriously thirsty vans, saving money at the pumps. This allows for the overall packing of more gear without hampering performance or economy during long trips.

Increased Interior Living Space

Clearing bulky items from the inside to external roof transport opens up additional living areas if you use your van as a recreational camper or full-time home. The spared volume can be used to install more kitchen equipment, a toilet, a shower, or stretching out comfortably. The roof racks help balance external cargo capacity with internal living functionality.

Enhanced Off-Road Performance

Traction mats are a hugely helpful accessory to keep stored on your roof racks. In situations where your van's drive wheels lose purchase in the sand, thick mud, or similar scenarios away from paved roads, quickly deploying these grippy pads beneath the tires gets you rolling again. Having spare traction reinforcement always on hand above means exploring remote locations well off the beaten path becomes less perilous.

Roof racks greatly expand how you can use your van beyond basic transportation purposes. The unlocked storage potential and utility benefits are well worth the roof rack investment for ambitious van owners.

Choosing the Right Van Roof Bars

With so many roof bar options available from reputable brands like Front Runner, Rhino Rack, and Yakima, selecting the right system for your van involves considering the following:

●      Van Make and Model: Ensure the foot packs and mounting hardware are custom-designed to seamlessly fit your van's roof.

●      Roof Type: Low-profile bars suit smoother high-top vans, while more rugged designs handle guttered work vans.

●      Weight Capacity: Account for passengers and future gear when determining necessary dynamic and static weight limits.

●      Material: Steel bars provide an economical basic function, while aluminum and stainless steel offer increased durability.

●      Style: Besides functionality, the look of roof bars should blend with your vehicle's aesthetic.

Reputable manufacturers like Front Runner offer convenient build-your-own custom roof rack kits featuring all necessary crossbars, legs, and mounting hardware specific to your exact van make and model.

Essential Van Roof Bar Accessories

Once you get the base roof rack installed on your van, adding modular accessories helps fulfill specialized cargo-carrying needs:

●      Roof Rack: Solid steel or aluminum slatted platforms provide a flat base for mounting various carriers and storage solutions. Durable weatherproof wood deck options are also available.

●      Cargo Basket: Large-capacity open-top baskets help harness loose, bulk gear like camping chairs, tools, and backpacks that won't fit in a box.

●      Roof Box: Lockable rigid containers are aerodynamic and protect valuables inside from weather and theft during transport.

●      Bike Carriers: Specialized fork-mount or wheel-strap systems allow bicycles to be safely mounted to the roof, which is perfect for cross-country bike trips.

●      Traction Mats: Gain purchase in muddy or sandy situations by carrying a folding traction pad on the roof to place under the drive wheels when stuck.

With the right accessories, your van's cargo-carrying potential is truly endless.

Beyond Roof Bars: Exploring Other Essential Van Accessories

While roof racks exponentially increase gear carrying ability, installing a few additional upgrades makes actually living and traveling long-term out of your van both comfortable and efficient:

●      Ply Lining: Insulating wall and ceiling panels lined with carpet or wood provide noise dampening and temperature control in the cargo area while looking cozy.

●      Shelving and Storage Solutions: Modular cabinets, nets, and cargo hooks keep essentials organized, accessible, and secure even when traveling dusty backroads.

●      Drawer Systems: Sliding storage drawers under bench seats or beds neatly stow clothes and personal items out of the way.

●      Bulkhead Partition: Safely separating the cab from the cargo area blocks noise, insulates temperature differential, and prevents unsecured items from entering the driving space in the event of sudden stops or accidents.

●      Floor Mats: Durable rubber mats that contour precisely to the van cargo floor will save your original flooring from premature wear and tear. Mats are also much easier to clean after muddy hikes or camping trips.

●      Tow Hitch: This accessory allows you to tow small trailers, boats, ATVs, and other adventure vehicles without overwhelming your van.

●      Reversing Sensors and Camera: Clearing your surroundings when backing up to tricky campsites or parallel parking downtown helps avoid costly dents or scrapes during all your exploits.

●      Phone Mount: This convenient spot to securely dock your phone also functions as a GPS navigational aid or entertainment center.

●      First-Aid Kit: Being prepared for minor injuries when adventuring off the beaten path is reassuring peace of mind for the independent van lifer.

The variety of van roof bars and adventuring accessories means your van can support just about any ambition, from daily workhorse to extended off-grid excursions.

Conclusion

More freedom and adventure await when you customize your van not just as a mode of transportation from point A to B but as a comfortable, long-term living solution that brings you closer to ratings and action.

Whether you're looking to haul bulky gear more efficiently in a work van or planning extended continental road trips while living full-time on the road, adding a set of van roof bars opens up cargo options exponentially. Toss on a rooftop tent, traction mats, and a bike rack, and you'll gain the flexibility to handle nearly any situation.

Match all equipment choices, like rack style and weight ratings, to your specific van model for optimal performance. Include insulating panels, drawer systems, and other smart storage solutions in your buildout to keep daily essentials secure through all the bounces of overland travel.