In a message dated 2/5/2004 2:19:33 PM Central Standard Time, michaeldaly_at_rogers.com writes: > Don't bother - we need good design, not a step backwards. What we > need to do is convince more auto makers to add built-in rack mounts. > Some Swedish cars have these as do several VW models. > As much as I would like to see quality rack design available for all cars it may not happen. I drive a nicel little Subaru because that maker makes a car (yuck...sorry truck) with a good rack system. There is another possibility. And that is to utilize the gutterless brackets found on police/fire/ems vehicles for affixing lightbars to rooftops. These brackets are not made for the endlessly changing variety of autos out there but they do exist for cars not served by Yakima or Thule. In my case I had a company supplied Crown Victoria and no personal vehicle. I purchased standard towers, bars, saddles, etc from Yakima and 2 sets of gutterless roof brackets and high tensile strength stainless steel bolts. As the car could not keep my personal gear on it was a small matter of a 5 minute installation every weekend or when I paddled. Any Law Enforcement supply store will sell you lightbar gutterless mounts for 25 or 30 bucks a pair. Manufacturers such as Code 3, Whelen or Federal Signal offer the greatest diversity in autos served. Europeans can look for Vama (Spanish) mounts. A good on line source is Galls (www.galls.com). I used this system for 2 and a half years and drove my kayaks all over the Northwest with no problems. However, you assume all the risk for doing so. The companies manufacture these brackets for lightbars on automobiles and light trucks, not 60 pound seakayaks. Nevertheless, lightbar designs do contribute as little as 1% drag and up to 20% drag on speeding cop cars so they are made very strong. If you would like further details feel free to email me back. Rob G *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
In a message dated 2/6/2004 8:55:24 AM Central Standard Time, Rick.Sylvia_at_ferguson.com writes: > Okay - not my lucky day. The guy working the store seemed very > suspicious of my motives, even after I detailed why I wanted such a > device.  It's not illegal in any of the states I lived in at all to own, purchase or possess lightbar mounts. I don't know but I doubt it is in Virginia, too. There are an awful lot of tow, construction, funeral procession vehicles utilizing the same lightbars. It's just the red and blue colored lenses and lamps that the laws are designed around. THAT is what people get fussy about it. I spent 11 years in the law enforcement supply industry and every now and then you run into the unreasonably paranoid. Try this link: http://store.yahoo.com/sirennet/ligmounkit.html Required kayaking content. Yes, I will paddle tonight and tomorrow, but alas I will have to blow a perfect sunday paddle by flying someplace I don't want to go. But its my job and that is good. Cheers, Rob G *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Rob G and all, Seems that something forgotten or just not mentioned on this thread of roof top hauling is that many vehicles are not designed with the forethought of strapping bulk and mass on the roof. After all, the more aerodynamic and lighter a vehicle usually leads to a cheaper production cost and better operation economy which seems to sell more units these days. Just adding beef to the anchor points, securing into structural cross supports, or redesigning the geometry of attachments helps but ignores overall unit strength limits. So are we surprised that there are reports of structural failures and poorer than advertised performance and economy stats? Maybe so in the report from Geoff and his explorer's damaged roof! The main message should be that just because it is a truck or suv in category, it's significant to understand the structural strengths and limits. And that manufactures might overstate the toughness and utility. Those factory roof racks might be more cosmetic than function. Better to error on the overbuild side. Steve *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
We put a Yack rack on the Corolla but when we put 2 boats on it the roof developed a dimple and we don't try to put 2 boats on it any more. We figure the car just isn't made to carry roof weight :< Joan So are we surprised that there are reports of structural failures and poorer than advWe made tertised performance and economy stats? Maybe so in the report from Geoff and his explorer's damaged roof! *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
I've had several racks on various Toyatas. The trick to avoiding the dimple is (1) be sure the foot of the rack is out to the edge of the roof (where there is support underneath the sheet metal), and (2) avoid overtightening. Tighten the rack down to the point of dimpling -- if it happens at all out near the edge -- and then loosen to get rid of the dimple. Then, to check for safety, firmly grasp the foot and try to yank if forward and back. If it doesn't move, you're golden. Works for me. Bob V *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
The rack is fine. The rack had been used for only 1 boat for some time and when a second boat was put on it for a short trip a dimple formed about 1/4 of the way in from the rear rack. We used the exact measurements in the directions for installation so I have to admit to being disappointed but . . . What does this mean? <<(1) be sure the foot of the rack is out to the edge of the roof >> The bracket for the tower clips to edge of the roof. <<I've had several racks on various Toyatas. The trick to avoiding the dimple is (1) be sure the foot of the rack is out to the edge of the roof (where there is support underneath the sheet metal), and (2) avoid overtightening.>> *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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