June 17, 2013
Rack Attack Team
We get quite a few inquiries about how to install Yakima Landing Pads directly to your vehicle roof, and decided to write a quick little guide for you all.
We take the Yakima load bars and loosely install the control towers onto the bar. Then you can attach the Landing pad 6 or 7 (use Landing Pad 6 for fiberglass roof and Landing Pad 7 for a metal roof). With the roof clean we then do a mock up where we would like the rack to sit. At Rack Attack we usually mount the front bar about 5-7 inches from the edge of the front windshield and the bar spread (distance between bars) anywhere from 24-36 inches.
To fit the widest range of accessories make your bar spread between 30-34 inches. Then ideally you want to mount the towers out wards as much as possible; about a 1/8-1/4 inch in from the two rain gutter strips on the roof.
Once the rack is all set up where you would like it to be you can use a punch to mark where it is going to be drilled. Use a pilot bit first, 1/8th of an inch is a good choice, then use the bit it recommends in the Landing Pad 6/7 instructions. We use a Rota bit, which drills a perfectly round hole, but you can also use a normal drill bit. Blow away any metal shavings then use some touch up paint on the bare metal.
Proceed to put the Landing Pad 7 insert into the roof. And put a nice bead of silicon around the fastener and into the mounting hard wear. We use plus nuts to fasten the hardware to the roof. While it requires a plus nut fastener tool, it's one of the easiest and most reliable ways to perform this type of job.
Last step is just tightening the LP6/LP7 bases to the roof then the control towers to the bases. And if you did purchase the locks just pop the plug out and line up the pin with the hole and turn to lock
Frequently asked Questions!
Q) How do I know what base's to order?
A) If you are drilling into a metal roof use Landing Pad 7's.
If it is a canopy or camper top (fiberglass) you will want to use Landing Pad 6's.
Q) What if I hit another layer of metal or a brace?
A) You will want to drill through that as well. (But not the headliner so use tape or a drill stop) If the second layer obstructs the fastener use a punch to push it out of the way of the fastener.
Q) Do I have to remove the headliner to install landing pads?
A) No, that's one advantage of using the LP7's they use what is called a blind fastener.
Q) Is there anything else I should know before I start?
A) Make sure you read the instructions fully before starting and give Rack Attack a call if you are uncertain about installation. It's better to do that then be in over your head half way through with our stores closed for phone calls.
Q) Any last minute tips before I start?
A) Always measure 3 times and drill once.
