Elevate Your View: A Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Your AVC Roof Deck Panels

Welcome back to the shop, van adventurers! On today's AVC Chronicles, we're going to walk you through how to install one of our popular products: the AVC Roof Deck Panel System. These panels are designed to transform your roof rack into a versatile, sturdy platform, perfect for enjoying sunsets, setting up camp, or mounting additional gear.

While we offer many different panel shapes and sizes to fit various roof racks and van models, the installation process is always the same!

What's in the Box?

Each AVC Roof Deck Panel kit comes with everything you need for installation:

• Your Appropriate Roof Deck Panel: Custom-sized and shaped for your specific roof rack.

• Hardware Bag: Contains the necessary fasteners, which vary in quantity depending on the panel size.

  • Stainless Steel T-nuts: These slide into your roof rack's T-slot track.

  • Stainless Steel Washers: For a secure fit.

  • Stainless Steel Quarter-20 Fasteners: The bolts that secure the panel.

Now, let's get to installing!

Installation: Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these steps to easily install your AVC Roof Deck Panel:

Step 1: Dry Fit Your Panel & Mark

1. Carefully place your roof deck panel onto your roof rack in the desired position. For a full-width Ford Transit panel, aim for about a quarter-inch gap on each side.

2. Once you have the panel positioned correctly, take a silver Sharpie (or a marker that shows on your rack) and mark the center of each T-slot opening where the panel will attach to your crossbars. These marks will help you align your T-nuts later.

3. Remove the panel and set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare Your Crossbar (Loosen & Insert T-nuts)

1. Identify the crossbar(s) that your deck panel will attach to.

2. Loosen the crossbar from one side of your roof rack. You don't need to completely remove it, just loosen enough to slide it slightly and create an opening at the end of the T-slot.

3. Slide half the required T-nuts into the end of the crossbar's T-slot. For example, if your panel needs seven T-nuts, slide in seven.

4. Reattach and loosely secure the crossbar back to your roof rack.

Step 3: Position Your T-nuts

1. Using the marks you made on the crossbar in Step 1, carefully slide each T-nut into its designated position beneath the corresponding slot on the crossbar. This helps ensure precise alignment for the final attachment.

Step 4: Final Panel Install & Tighten

1. Carefully place your deck panel back into position over the marked crossbar(s) and T-nuts.

2. Take your hardware (stainless steel fastener and washer) and, if desired, add a small dab of anti-seize to the threads of the fastener. This helps prevent seizing and makes future removal easier.

3. Start by inserting all the fasteners into their respective T-nuts and hand-tighten them to get them all started. Don't fully tighten any one bolt yet.

4. Once all hardware is in place, go back and snug up each fastener to ensure the panel is securely attached.

5. If your panel extends to the end of your roof rack, take a moment to adjust your very last crossbar (if applicable) so that it is as close to the end of the panel as possible, creating a tight and secure capture.

Enjoy Your New Roof Deck!

With your AVC Roof Deck Panels installed, your van is now ready for a whole new level of adventure!

• Relax & Recharge: Set up your favorite camp chairs and enjoy unparalleled views, perfect for watching sunsets or stargazing.

• Hard-Mount Gear: The panels include quarter-20 holes, allowing you to hard-mount various equipment directly to your new deck.

• L-Track Compatibility: Some panels also feature L-track sections, giving you the flexibility to use quick-connect fittings for securing additional gear.

Ready to take your van's functionality to new heights? Install your AVC Roof Deck Panels and experience the difference!