Roof Shade Ladder Rack on Luggage, Mini

[cherterr]

I forget where.. but someone was discussing using a piece of plywood on top of their ladder rack (full size van) for better shade, attaching solar panels, etc.

Question:   I have a Toyota Sienna mini van.  It HAS a luggage rack (almost full length) with adjustable cross bars but they are Curved (not completely flat across top from side to side).

???  HOW could I attach a flat piece of plywood or something up there for shade,
AND
What about the NOISE factor when driving.  (Since, for sometime I will be doing more driving than camping).

(I carried a ladder up there once and (forgetting it was up there) once on the highway, I thought the entire vehicle was falling apart.. lol

 

[highdesertranger]

you need to use plywood that you could flex to make the curve. 1/8-1/4 would work, 3/8 might. however I would find out what the rack is rated at. some plywood and solar panels you might be at or over your weight rating. plus while diving at highway speeds you might get a lifting effect. that rack was never designed for lifting loads. highdesertranger

 

[cherterr]

I guess I'm not necessarily stuck on 'plywood'. Just 'shade'!

 

[LadyJo]

I guess I'm not necessarily stuck on 'plywood'.  Just 'shade'!

Could you use the reflective side of a tarp? Put it up and take it down as needed.

 

[highdesertranger]

I have plywood on my rack so my truck is always in the shade. believe me this really helps. plywood is not the best choice. aluminum would be much better, that's what I am planning on doing. I am not saying don't put plywood up there I am saying make sure your rack can handle it. highdesertranger

 

[Free Range Chicken]

I have plywood on my rack so my truck is always in the shade. believe me this really helps. plywood is not the best choice. aluminum would be much better, that's what I am planning on doing. I am not saying don't put plywood up there I am saying make sure your rack can handle it. highdesertranger

Hello high desert ranger. Did you put protective coats on your plywood? Which product did you apply?

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[RVTravel]

Some just paint their roofs white?

 

[highdesertranger]

on this one I didn't coat it. it was just temporary 16 years ago, hahahaha. the last one I put polyurethane deck paint. that worked great. but you can't buy that in Kalifornia anymore. still want to go with aluminum. highdesertranger

 

[Free Range Chicken]

on this one I didn't coat it. it was just temporary 16 years ago, hahahaha. the last one I put polyurethane deck paint. that worked great. but you can't buy that in Kalifornia anymore. still want to go with aluminum. highdesertranger

Thanks. I guess 16:years sounds good to me for temporary. I may even put spar varathane

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[highdesertranger]

"I may even put spar varathane" that would work. highdesertranger

 

[ArtW]

Some just paint their roofs white?

A lot of 'dwellers use the 'snow roof' type coating, especially on the tops of dark vans