What are the Longest Crossbars You Carry to Mount Solar Panels on Tracks?

Updated 04/11/2022 | Published 04/09/2022

Products Featured in This Question

Thule Top Tracks for Roof Racks - 42" Long

(69)

$189.95

Landing Pad 1 for Yakima SkyLine and Control Towers - Qty 2

(915)

$74.95

Yakima RoundBar Crossbars - Steel - Black - 78" Long - Qty 2

(15750)

$160.14

Yakima 42" Tracks for Roof Racks

(69)

$178.95

Question:

Can these tracks be butted togetherfoot to make a smoothfoot longer rack as on top of popup camper roof? To be used to mount solar panels. Thanks,

asked by: Preston S

Expert Reply:

I think you are asking whether you can put 2 of the Thule Top Track System # THTP42 right next to each other in order to have a longer crossbar system. While this is technically possible, you will have the endcaps of the crossbars that interfere. With this interval of space, you will not have connection points at those areas for your solar panels.

All that being said, it is better to get a longer crossbar with the tracks instead of putting two crossbars end-to-end. For that route, I recommend using the following setup:

- Round 78" CrossBars for Yakima Roof Rack System (QTY 2) # Y00411
- Yakima 42" Tracks for Roof Racks # Y01126
- 2x Landing Pad 1 for Yakima SkyLine and Control Towers - Qty 2 # Y00221
- 4x Replacement Yakima Control Tower for Factory-installed Tracks (QTY 1) # Y8890027

This 78" RoundBar roof rack is currently the longest system we carry that can mount via track system. It is important to make sure that you measure from mirror to mirror on your vehicle to make sure that the 78" crossbars do not extend past the mirrors on either side. Doing so is not only potentially illegal, it is highly dangerous.