grid panels
Another new option for 2019, you can now add a 2’ x 4’ grid panel to your roof rack. This is an alternative to the metal grid floor and drop-down baskets, offering a flat surface to catch smaller items, or create a floor beneath your cargo bag. It’s strong enough to stand on, will support a chair, and it’s easily removable using the same tools you used to install your rack- all matching stainless bolts, aluminum spacers, and steel backing plates.
One bolt-on panel includes hardware to install into 2 of the slotted plates in the rack, and hardware to wrap around one of your cross bars. It will take you about 10 minutes to bolt this on, and about 5 to remove it. One snap-on panel includes 4 plastic clips, backing plates, and bolts and nuts to attach them to the grid, it will take you about 15 minutes to install the first them, but then just seconds to remove it, then add it again. Snap-on is definitely the way to go.
Benefits of plastic panels…
Lighter weight & lower cost compared to grid floors or drop baskets
Plastic panel is scratch resistant, will not rust or get very hot in the sun.
Increase the versatility of your roof rack- add the panel for those trips when you need to haul smaller items like firewood or use as flooring beneath your gear bags, then remove when you install your RTT or bring lumber home from the home store.
Great alternative to other sunroof opening panels, provides “pergola shade” inside.
Use as a way to mount solar panels.
Option to use clips for instant on/off capability.
Grid panels ship for free with your roof rack, or ship together if purchased separately at one flat rate. All racks can support up to 4 panels, each one creating a 2’ x 4’ platform, to cover the entire rack requires some minor trimming of the 4th panel.
videos
First video is an overview of the panels, benefits, and installation methods.
Second video is a more in depth explanation for how to set up the snap-on grid panels.