Pop-Top Loading/Securing

[ROVA]

Greetings.
For those of you with pop-tops, I am considering installing a roof rack to my -97 Trakka pop-top. I will use it to carry my Thule box loaded with light weight trip items like pillows, sleeping bags and extra clothes etc. Not a lot of weight and I'm pretty confident the load won't be an issue. The only issue I have is the lift generated by the box and the single, dubious latch that holds the roof down currently. I've looked at the Kea exterior clamps which aren't pretty, but would do the job however, I have an awning which would interfere with the left-hand latch. Now I'm considering an internal clamp (or two). Has anyone added additional clamps to their pop-tops?
I've seen one roof rack on a pop-top and it utilised adjustable tracks mounted to the top ribs. I'm thinking of mounting rails (as for a fibreglass canopy) to the sides of the roof rather than the top to reduce the possibility of water pooling and finding a way in.
Anyone have input to my thoughts?

On a side note; went camping this weekend and have decided that King Springs, Koni or Bilstein shocks and 205/70/15 tyres will have to be added to get a wee more ground clearance for those forest tracks. Pity my insurance won't let me go larger tyres/wheels than 1" over stock.

[Seano]

Talk to Trakka about your concerns. They should be able to reassure you one way or the other.

As for your side note....don't forget to get the reinforced version of a 205/70R15 (the one with the C on the end) so you maintain the load rating. As a long time T4 dirt tracker....I can recommend the GT Radial Maxway in this size http://www.tyres4u.com.au/t4utyresel...9763_show.aspx

Oh...and if yours is a syncro...don't forget the rear diff spacers with the lift...they are needed to reduce risk of rear driveline and CV wear as a result of the lift.

[ROVA]

Talk to Trakka about your concerns. They should be able to reassure you one way or the other.

As for your side note....don't forget to get the reinforced version of a 205/70R15 (the one with the C on the end) so you maintain the load rating. As a long time T4 dirt tracker....I can recommend the GT Radial Maxway in this size http://www.tyres4u.com.au/t4utyresel...9763_show.aspx

Oh...and if yours is a syncro...don't forget the rear diff spacers with the lift...they are needed to reduce risk of rear driveline and CV wear as a result of the lift.

Thanks Seano,
Yeah, been doing a bunch of research on tyres and correct load ratings etc. I'll check out your tyre recommendation.
Unfortunately not a syncro so my off road excursions are pretty tame although I could always add a demountable winch for those hard-to-get-to campsites...probably not.
Thanks again.