Unboxing the Vantech H2.1 Cargo Roof Rack for Ford Transit Connect

A crossbar rack carries a ladder and not much else. The moment you need to haul conduit, pipe, a bundle of stock or anything that isn't a ladder, you're strapping it across two bars and hoping it stays put. And on a compact van like the Transit Connect, the roof is the only space you've got left once the cargo area is loaded.

A cargo-style rack solves that by running rails down both sides of the roof, giving you a framed platform instead of two bars. Vantech's answer is the H2.1 — the lighter, easier-to-install successor to their original H2 system.

Vantech H2.1 roof rack for Ford Transit Connect

This unboxing covers the Vantech H2.1 Roof Rack for Ford Transit Connect in the EB configuration — every component, how the configuration codes work, and what to expect when it lands at your door.

It ships in three boxes, and the packaging is worth mentioning

This is the part we notice most, because we're the ones who field the phone call when something arrives damaged.

Vantech packs the H2.1 exceptionally well. Every aluminum component is shrink-wrapped to cardboard backing boards, then individually bagged in plastic on top of that. The void fill is shredded recyclable cardboard rather than packing peanuts, so nothing rattles around in transit and you're not vacuuming foam off your shop floor afterwards.

It's a ladder rack going on the roof of a work van, not an iPhone — but that care in the packing is why we see almost no shipping damage on these.

Understanding the configuration codes

This is the thing to understand before you order, and it trips people up.

The H2.1 is sold as a two-letter combination. The first letter describes the front of the rack and the second letter describes the rear. You'll see combinations like AA, BB, EB and FD.

The rack in this unboxing is the EB:

• E — an extended crossbar at the front
• B — a roller at the rear

That rear roller is the configuration most work vans want. Loading a ladder from the back means you set the end on the roller and push — the ladder rolls up onto the rack instead of you dragging it across bare aluminum. Easier on your back, and easier on the finish of the rack.

We stock the H2.1 in EB and FD configurations, each in short and long lengths, so confirm your Transit Connect wheelbase before ordering.

What comes in the three boxes

• Extruded aluminum crossbars — six in total across the kit
• Two side rails that run the length of the roof, built as twin tubes with an extruded channel along the bottom
• A tubular crossbar
• An aluminum roller crossbar (the B in EB)
• Elbows and fittings to join the side rails together
• Mounting feet and risers
• Rubber bar guards that press into the channel along the top of each crossbar
• Multiple hardware packs — everything needed for the install
• A printed manual, sitting right on top of the third box

Three design details worth knowing

It's all aluminum, finished in black. The H2.1 is the lighter iteration of the H2 while keeping the rigidity, which matters on a compact van where roof load ratings are lower than you'd like.

The side rails have a channel along the bottom. That's what gives you flexibility — crossbars mount anywhere along the rail rather than in fixed positions, so you can space them for the load you actually carry.

The crossbars come pre-threaded. No fishing loose nuts into a channel and lining them up blind while holding a bar overhead. The rubber bar guards then press into the top channel to protect both the rack and whatever you're strapping to it.

The mounting feet bolt into the factory mounting points on the Transit Connect roof, the same approach Vantech uses on their H1 racks — so no drilling into your roof.

Getting up there

Roof storage is only useful if you can reach it. Vantech makes an H2.1 Side Access Van Ladder for the Transit Connect that mounts to the rack and gives you a proper way up. It's one of the most requested accessories for the system, and worth adding to the order rather than buying later.

Shop the Vantech H2.1 Roof Rack for Ford Transit Connect

Still comparing? Take a look at the Vantech H1 crossbar rack if you mainly carry a ladder and don't need the full cargo platform.

FAQ

What does the H2.1 configuration code mean?
It's a two-letter code. The first letter describes the front of the rack, the second describes the rear. EB means an extended crossbar at the front and a roller at the rear.

Which configuration should I get?
If you load ladders from the back of the van regularly, choose a configuration with a rear roller — it makes solo loading considerably easier. We stock EB and FD.

What's the difference between the H2.1 and the H1?
The H1 is a crossbar roof rack. The H2.1 is a cargo-style rack with full-length side rails, which gives you a framed platform for mixed material rather than just bars for a ladder.

Is the H2.1 the same as the discontinued H2?
It's the successor. The H2.1 is lighter than the original H2 while keeping the rigidity, with improvements to usability and ease of installation.

Do I need to drill into my roof?
No. The mounting feet bolt to the factory mounting points on the Transit Connect roof.

How many boxes does it ship in?
Three. Everything is shrink-wrapped to cardboard backing and individually bagged, with shredded cardboard void fill.

Is there a way to access the roof?
Yes. Vantech makes a side access van ladder built specifically for the H2.1 system on the Transit Connect.

Looking to upfit your cargo van and make it work ready? Our US-based upfit pros are ready to help — call, text, chat or email.

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