Attach J-bars for surfboard to Trident roof?

The trident is 1998, on a T4. I contacted Autosleepers and was told there's no metal frame in the hi-top. But I have seen that people have successfully attached J-bars to the side of the hi-top for carrying surf boards. Obviously, the issue is how I might attach them safely, so wind doesn't rip the bars and board off! Any advice/ suggestions very much appreciated. Thanks, Chris.

Hi,

Have you tried the VW T4 owners forum, there are a lot of surfers on there and threads for this particular problem.

Thanks Daisy Mae. I've looked at it, but the issue's really about how to attach to a Trident roof, and most don't have Tridents... I'been thinking maybe I need to get a T5 with regular roof, but would prefer not to!

I've removed the interior panelling in the roof section in the past and I would say no.
There aren't any struts or strengthen ribs on inside of the roof. Even with some sort of internal bracing the flexing of the roof sides would create leaking problems with the upper windows.
The roof bar on top are purely decorative, I wouldn't like to put much of a load on them.
Sorry for the negative  post.

finbar

Did you ever find a fix for your surfboards chris152?

Thanks
Chris

I think the Trident has a GRP high top roof, like my 2002 Symbol had?
I always wanted an habitation AirCon which fits on the roof but was told they could not be fitted as this type of roof is not strong enough. An AC is less than 20kg so not that heavy.
I think it could be the lateral forces when cornering can bring the roof off.

AS understand how the GRP roof is attached to the van.  If AS say no then personally I would not do it.



just realised this is an old thread, oh