Re: [Paddlewise] Car Racks and Paint Damage

Alright, someone has to chime in on the negative side, guess it will be 
me.  I've got a two door Integra with the Yakima rack (including 
extender to get enough spacing between the bars.)

Where the racks grip the car they've actually scratched off little 
sections of paint (nothing big, about the same as a rock ding on the 
front of your hood).  This was over the course of a summer, since then 
the spots haven't grown and I've wrapped tape around the metal feet 
even more.  I paint it and it still wears off though.

Where the rack feet rest on the roof (on big rubber pads) they've left 
shadows.  Not noticeable unless you're looking for them but they are 
there.

All said it's enough to make me say that if my next car doesn't have 
built in factory racks I'm getting a trailer.  I'm tempted to do it 
anyways for the Integra, I've already got a Hidden Hitch to make it 
easier to haul bikes.  Plus a trailer could have a much greater rack 
spacing.

If the Beetle does have factory made spots to attach a rack go for it.  
If it doesn't and it was me I would explore the option of a lightweight 
trailer:

http://www.magnetatrailers.com/products.html

http://www.mrglobal.com/page5.html

http://www.eze-float.com/

http://hdtrailer.fix.net/

Good luck,
Mel
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