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ok I have a question I do some surfing and I have a large board if I got these racks how would I secure the surfboard? I used to do this with soft racks but my boards are too big and heavy for that now.
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Ya that is probably the better way to go. Looks like I'll have to return rack (purchased from REI)... if it's already fallen off once it could happen again, and it just isn't worth the risk/liability/injury. This was with following the recommended fit dimensions within a few millimeters, and checking it was tightened every couple hours. Not sure what I'll do to carry the bike while moving - maybe a trunk/hatch carrier, but I'd be worried about the sheet metal.
I totally agree with you, bwb! I'm just returning from a place where the salesman tried to fix the thule roof racks on my fit, and it just wouldn't fit tight enough... He didn't want me to leave with the racks!
I'm here to relate a horro story involving 2 kayaks on a Yakima roof rack. One kayak was using the flat cradle and the other was mounted with the J hooks (sitting at an angle) The rack used the Q towers mounted to the window frames using Q-clips. We were driving to a paddling site on the interstate when they rack suddenly and catastrophically failed. Both boats and both rails broke free of the car at 65-70 mph. We later determined that the front Q tower on the side with the J hook had slip back about 6". Enough to somehow allow the bow of the kayak to be further exposed to the air stream. At some point the force of the wind broke the entire system from the car. This was a dealer installed rack. We did not have a front and rear tether and thus Yakima is trying to deny our claim against them. Their instructions suggest using these tethers, but do not state that the warranty will be void if they aren't used. We are trying to get them to honor the warranty. Who know?
What a story... thanks for sharing that and good luck with the warranty! I'm also looking for a rack to carry a sea kayak, and i'll probably choose a permanent one...
I would like the permanent solution to roof racks I do not want to have the racks that clip on the sides of the car. What is the kit that is drilled into the roof of the car?
Joe
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Damn, sorry to the guy that had the kayaks fall off his FIT, best of luck and hopefully they will honor their waranty. To everyone else with installed roof racks, would it be to much to ask to have some pics posted with the bikes on the rack? I'm just trying to figure out which is the best way to go, trailor hitch or roof rack... Thanks
With the racks off, all that is visible are the tracks and the stubby little feet. Very discreet (esp on the black car). I cut the load bars down so they fit in the rear of the car so I always have 'em with me. Yakima makes a similar product.
I will try to put a photo up tomorrow so you can see the racks on and off.
I need a rack simply for holding surfboards. After studying this thread, I went to REI with the intention of getting the Thule. I found out that I was pronouncing it wrong, it was pricey and not in stock. The salesperson was really nice though, and referred me to another shop that was down the street.
The place only does racks and they carried a lot of brands. After talking with the salesperson there, I went with an Inno rack. It was significantly cheaper. With the money I saved (sounds like something my wife would say), I figured I would have them install it @ $50. It only took them 30 minutes.
I put some pipe insulation and then added my pads. So far, it's working well with no noticeable noise. Another thing I picked up there was a Realtor style combo lock box. It's big enough to hold the car key and fob. I can attach the lock to the rack as needed. This is a big plus because I didn't feel comfortable taking the key with me in the water and you can't stash your keys on the beach here. People will watch and steal you car.
Damn, sorry to the guy that had the kayaks fall off his FIT, best of luck and hopefully they will honor their waranty. To everyone else with installed roof racks, would it be to much to ask to have some pics posted with the bikes on the rack? I'm just trying to figure out which is the best way to go, trailor hitch or roof rack... Thanks
I would think for ease of use, the trailer hitch would be the way to go. Then you wouldn't have to hoist the bike up to the roof. And you can still go through the drive through at McD's to load up on calories for your bike ride. Plus, there are some pretty cool hitch accessories. If you have a couple of grand lying around, check out the Yakima Rack and Roll.
After many attempts to try and get Honda to send me the Jazz roof rack system, I put a Thule roof rack system on my 2009 AT Fit. If you want to get this system get:400XTR Feet, 2199 Fit Kit (only use the 2199 don't let salesmen tell you different) RB47 Rapid Aero Bars. I put on the 554XT Hang two Surf Rack but you can go old school and just put down some pads and straps. It looks good on the Fit , fits real nice and solid and happy with what it got. Cost was $500 with fairing which i just sent back ($71) for it looked good but ate up about 2-3mpg and made more wind noise then with out it. I'm pretty anal about what i buy and this was a must for i surf and bike lots. Still need to get bike setup. After my warrenty is up i will put a hitch on the car frame and use my hitch mount bike rack. will put pics up ASAP.
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