Approach Packages

The Approach

The approach is the essential rack to take your van life to the next level. Attach gear, mount solar panels, or simply hang out and enjoy the view.

shop approach for Promaster, transit, and sprinter below. 


The Rooftop deck advantage

All-Aluminum
Lightweight, durable, weather and corrosion-resistant, and recyclable.

No-Drill Design
Easy to install and adjustable to reconfigure according to your needs.

Roof Access
Easily attach the Van Cafe side ladder, awning, road shower, and even hang out on your roof!

Space Saving
Affix your rocket box, gear, shovel, firewood, gas cans, skis, you name it.

In Stock
Fabricated in Fort Collins, Colorado and always available. No supply chain issues.

Frequently asked questions

  • Of course! It wouldn't be a deck without being able to enjoy it! Whether you just want to hang out and catch a sunset or need a spot to mount solar panels and gear, the rooftop deck can accommodate the load. However, it is not recommended while the vehicle is in motion.
  • The Approach package includes:

    Base Perimeter Rack
    Made of extruded aluminum, the Base Perimeter Rack consists of extruded aluminum outer rails, the Riser Kit, and all hardware to mount to your factory mounting points. The Perimeter rack is flush mounted, making it low and tight to the van, while still allowing for easy access to tie-downs.

    3 Planks
    The Rooftop Deck planks run perpendicular to your van (driver side to passenger side) and provide cross support and deck surface. They sport gridded mounting points for maximum versatility. All necessary hardware included.

    2 Deck Boards
    The Deck Boards create additional stability on the walkable, usable surface of the Approach roof rack and bolt directly into the Planks. All necessary hardware included.
  • The total weight of the Approach rack is 65.53 - 86.99lbs depending on model and length.
  • Shipping
    In most cases we ship your rack the same business day! The Rooftop Deck (RTD) Package is modular, which means it ships in just a few standard-size boxes without the need for oversize freight. Plus, since we fabricate the RTD in Fort Collins, we are always in stock. All orders over $99 ship free to the continental United States.

    Returns
    We also offer shipping insurance. Learn more about our shipping policies.

    Please Note: All orders that are returned within 31 to 90 days of being received by the customer may qualify for a refund as store credit with a 15% restocking fee, or to the original form of payment with a 20% restocking fee. An additional 10% restocking fee is added to products that are powder coated.

    We allow returns on the RTD when it is in new, unused condition up to 90 days. Learn more about our return policy.

    Warranty
    We at Van Cafe stand behind our products 100%. We are confident you will be happy with the quality and craftsmanship of your Rooftop Deck. However, should something arise we warranty the RTD for up to one year from the purchase date. Learn more about our warranty policy
  • We estimate about six hours for installation.

    You will start by attaching the Riser Kit to the factory mounting points, then the Base Perimeter Rack (the extruded aluminum rails), followed by the Planks and finally Deck Boards. You can view the instructions via the links below: