dimensions? for temporary board rack in van?

windward1 · Joined: 18 Jun 2000 Posts: 1400

Wood is light, strong and renewable. By using the right hardware to join it, you can make it folding as well.

peterbelden · Joined: 09 Apr 2001 Posts: 56

Thanks for all the tips! I suspect PVC will win out today since I want the family to be exited about having a van full of gear that is easier to manage for the week. (particularly if I can get the pieces pre cut at Lowes and thus assemble with few or no tools).

I'll just have to hug some extra trees later to make up for it. ; )

dllee · Joined: 03 Jul 2009 Posts: 5329 Location: East Bay

1" PC cutters cost $5, cuts 500 pieces.
Complete rack with pipe insulation tubing, glue, screws, for $90.
Weight of gear holds it in place.

NOVAAN · Joined: 28 Sep 1994 Posts: 1549

At temp rack that folds could end up causing serious injures if you get in a crash. Even a low speed accident can send things flying. Unless the van has a metal screen dividing passengers from gear...seen it happen

peterbelden · Joined: 09 Apr 2001 Posts: 56

Hmm thanks for the word of caution. I'll have to give that some thought.

isobars · Joined: 12 Dec 1999 Posts: 20935

I'd give it much more than "some thought". The boards must be restrained from hitting anyone in front of them. Suggestions:
• A substantial fence of metal or webbing (pickup truck bed net).
• Bag the boards and heap 'em low (i.e., below seatback height).
• Organize the heap and tie them down with clever use of tie-down straps and existing hardware (seat belts, seat belt anchors, seat frames, etc.)

Besides, will the space behind the second row of seats in an Econoline accommodate your longest board? If not, will a huge crew-sized pickup truck bed accommodate it?

The Econoline vans have been replaced by the Transit series, for MANY length, seating, and height options. I think the larger Transits have 11 feet of floor space behind the second row of seats.

dllee · Joined: 03 Jul 2009 Posts: 5329 Location: East Bay

Most windsurf boards are 4 to 5.25" thick. Footstraps add 3" min.
That's why the 7" spacing. Add foam pads.
Tie front of rack to rear of van.
Rack never slides back.

isobars · Joined: 12 Dec 1999 Posts: 20935

U2U2U2 · Posted: Fri Jul 10, 2020 8:52 am Post subject:

Would a 150, a have 4 seats , and room behind for board of any length?
If your going to fuss over PVC, as an environmentally issue, get a horse and buggy.
For a weeks period, I feel that a rack isn’t necessary, nice to have, yes.
You can lay boards on edge, or on top and use cushion from what avail, wetsuits clothing etc.
My mini van with pvc rack, was totaled, enroute to Hatteras, full of gear,I rented a E150, front seats only , the hardship was the board I wanted was always the least accessible.
And finding things like fins.
By careful packing in front of the boards, regardless of how they are stacked or set, the cargo will be mostly safe.
The use of pool noodles on the bars, is overkill, some thin carpet.
If I perused this, I think I would use wood, some 2x4 , some 2x2. Nail it together , or screw them. Wedge things in front for an un avoidable accident. Pool noodles of noses, dollar store ones.

Brian_S · Joined: 11 Jun 2005 Posts: 249 Location: SE Michigan

I have an E150 with simple board racks that are made from 2 x 3" lumber. I originally thought I would make some PVC racks, but the wood is way easier to work with than the PVC, I think a bit stronger, and you don't have to breathe those nasty fumes from the glue. If you price out the PVC, the fittings and the glue, I'd guess the 2x3's plus screws are cheaper. Some sort of power saw is nice to have, and a drill/screwdriver and a few screws - that's all you need. However, you can brace it with metal repair plates (home depot or anywhere) or plywood scraps.