Roof Pod Removal/Replacement

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RoadTrippin

Member
Aug 20, 2020
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The roof pod I have is not in the best shape and its installed far enough back that I can only open the rear vent a couple of inches. So this will be something I address soon. Since we intend to do long distance traveling in the near future, I think I want to get another one as we can see the benefit of storing items up there versus inside somewhere.

So the big questions are if we pull it, what is there available to replace it with and how do I deal with the old holes vs. the new holes? Anyone replaced theirs and want to provide their experience?

Thanks!
Brian
 
I took mine off and put in new screws to fill the holes. Wrapped the threads with black butyl before installing. Then dalloped each one with dicor. No more roof top storage for me! Also removed the ladder and rooftop rail and sealed those holes as well.
 
Brian,

I am not at all sure that new roof pods are available at all. When Applied (JimK) doesn't list them, that is kind of grim.
There may be flat ones available, but those for GMC were a curved bottom to match the coach roof.

Matt
 
Not sure about new ones. I have seen a couple out there, just from rv stores.

there are a couple types of old/used ones. One style seems to really be ate up by UV. Other styles are failry good shape today including the one I installed on my coach. And a second one that had tore in 1/2 due to mounting and it easily plastic welded back together. And re-mounted on a friends coach.


lqqkatjon.blogspot.com

Welded roof pod

lqqkatjon.blogspot.com lqqkatjon.blogspot.com


Now as far as mounting I hated to drill such a big hole. But using ruv-nuts was what I choose
To do and worked well. To seal them I used 2 things. Lap sealant on threads and to be sure of a seal. But I actually used nice garden hose rubber washers between roof pod and the roof where it bolts at the riv nuts. That rubber washer sandwitches nice and i am confident it should last, not leak and also roof pod is very secure.

i have seen many just screwed
To the skin of the gmc roof and I cant believe more are not lost on the road.
 
Thanks for the feedback. Looks like Ill lose it and just seal up the holes. Opens up space to install solar panels in place of the pod. Im redoing the rear bed area and will work to build more storage under the bed platform.
 
You could install a Thule car type roof carrier. It's smaller, but would give you some extra space. Make sure you screw into the roof rafters so that the pod is sturdy. The rafters are spaced as follows: From the center of the radio antenna, the first is 41.7 inches back, the second is 83.4 inches back, the third is 129.25 inches back, the fourth is 166.80 inches back. On 26 foot coaches there is one more at 202.80 inches back. The rafters are 1 3/4 inches wide. Use short screws as some wiring runs through them.
 
ttiger said:
You could install a Thule car type roof carrier. It's smaller, but would give you some extra space. Make sure you screw into the roof rafters so that the pod is sturdy. The rafters are spaced as follows: From the center of the radio antenna, the first is 41.7 inches back, the second is 83.4 inches back, the third is 129.25 inches back, the fourth is 166.80 inches back. On 26 foot coaches there is one more at 202.80 inches back. The rafters are 1 3/4 inches wide. Use short screws as some wiring runs through them.
Click to expand...

good to know!

I found that the original pod was attached to the aluminum skin with 1/4" sheet metal screws fwiw.
 
I had my pod gell coated/repainted during our recent paint job. It is just held on by the OEM method of sheet metal screws into the roof. I am working on exterior details at present, then a touch-up visit back to the paint shop. I intend to cold bond aluminum plates (say about 4" square or so) using structural adhesive for the new ladder and pod. Will attach to those plates. The plates will also seal the existing roof holes for the pod.

I could not find a new pod - that's why I had mine reconditioned. I personally like the extra storage. Just what I am doing.

Regards,
Pete P.
 
PeteSr said:
I had my pod gell coated/repainted during our recent paint job. It is just held on by the OEM method of sheet metal screws into the roof. I am working on exterior details at present, then a touch-up visit back to the paint shop. I intend to cold bond aluminum plates (say about 4" square or so) using structural adhesive for the new ladder and pod. Will attach to those plates. The plates will also seal the existing roof holes for the pod.

I could not find a new pod - that's why I had mine reconditioned. I personally like the extra storage. Just what I am doing.

Regards,
Pete P.
Click to expand...
Look at this article. It has the measurements for the rafters in the cei20200930_105519.webpling. You can attach your pod to them.
 
Applied GMC

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