It's Time For a Roof Rack

[Russic]

Car: 2007 Toyota Matrix

Every year we drive to BC for Christmas but this year is set to be different as we'll be taking the dog with us (some nonsense about him being "a part of this family"). With two kids and now a serious lack of space in the hatch, it's time for me to invest in a roof rack for some added storage.

Anybody have any wisdom in the area? My current roof is bare, so I believe I'd need a whole setup. Is there a way to save money here or do I need to have a "Gift of the Magi" moment and sell the dog to buy a Thule?

One rack I was looking at was this: http://www.autoanything.com/roof-racks/61A4839A0A0.aspx Any opinions on that would be more than welcome.

[Table 5]

I got a Yakima system last year from Racks Unlimited in Bowness.

I went in thinking that Thule was it, but the guy convinced me this was a better buy. It's really solid and easy to work with (although having a little height helps), so I would definitely recommend it.

The one big downside of a roofrack is that sometimes you completely forget they are there and therefore you can drive into things (such as a building structure of some sort), wrecking your bike and ego in the process. Don't ask me how I know that.

[fleuryisgod]

My first bit of advice would be to get a fairing for it or look into a more aerodynamic model. My vehicle lasted all of one ski trip before I went out and bought a fairing to reduce the noise the bars make.

Also I know Sports Rent actually rents the Thule's themselves if you don't feel like forking over $500-$700 for the cargo box. Finally just remember it's actually on top of your roof and don't drive into any garages that you won't fit under, it's a very simple mistake that will instantly destroy your $500 box.

[Tron_fdc]

Check Kijiji. You can find a lot of stuff on there for waaaaay cheaper than Racks Unltd. Thule boxes and rack attachments fit Yakima bars now (they're both round) so you can go back and forth. I have a yakima rack with the yakima skybox pro ($500 on Kijiji), and it's huge. You can easily fit 4 or 5 pairs of skis and boards in it, plus boots and and other odds and ends. I love it.

http://yakima.com/shop/cargo/cargo-boxes

If you're worried about fit get a new set up (rack attachments and crossbars only) at Racks Unltd (it's going to be $300-$400) but buy all the accessories on line somewhere to save some dough.

And yeah, get a fairing. The racks hum and it's super annoying on long trips (especially for dogs).

[psyang]

I did a bit of research a couple years ago, and ended up getting a Whispbar system (which Yakima has since bought out). It is basically silent, so no faring required. This video sold it for me:

[socktape]

Take a look at the manufacturer's website as they have fitting systems build into their website that help you narrow down their product range depending on your vehicle... taking a quick peek Thule doesn't have a system for a Matrix so looks like you'd be on to Yakima or others.

At least going into racks unlimited or somewhere like that you have an idea of what direction and price range you are going to be in. If you have a buddy that has an Entertainment book they used to have cupons in there for Racks unlimited for a discount.

[AR_Six]

I'm a fan of the Yakima stuff as well. I just use my roof for skis, but they make a good product.

[Bill Bumface]

Originally Posted by Table 5

The one big downside of a roofrack is that sometimes you completely forget they are there and therefore you can drive into things (such as a building structure of some sort), wrecking your bike and ego in the process. Don't ask me how I know that.

Can you share pictures so at least it wasn't all for naught? Did you go 3/3 with the damage? Car/Rack/Bike?

I live in fear of ripping my bike off on my own garage and going 4/4, car/rack/bike/garage.

I should really put some tape over the opener buttons on the visor when I have bikes up there...

[Russic]

Thanks so much guys, awesome advice!

[MoneyGuy]

I've had a Thule for over 25 years but don't use it any more. I'll probably give it to one of my kids as someone needs it. It's noise free and easy to install.

[habernac]

Originally Posted by hulkrogan

Can you share pictures so at least it wasn't all for naught? Did you go 3/3 with the damage? Car/Rack/Bike?

I live in fear of ripping my bike off on my own garage and going 4/4, car/rack/bike/garage.

I should really put some tape over the opener buttons on the visor when I have bikes up there...

That's why I got a hitch rack. Saw too many bike buddies with mangled carbon frames.

[Bill Bumface]

Originally Posted by habernac

That's why I got a hitch rack. Saw too many bike buddies with mangled carbon frames.

I would love a hitch rack. No wind noise, less bug guts on the bikes, easier to get the bikes on and off... the only problem? No hitch...

[Northendzone]

99 problems and the hitch is one?

[Table 5]

Originally Posted by hulkrogan

Can you share pictures so at least it wasn't all for naught? Did you go 3/3 with the damage? Car/Rack/Bike?

I live in fear of ripping my bike off on my own garage and going 4/4, car/rack/bike/garage.

I should really put some tape over the opener buttons on the visor when I have bikes up there...

I was too busy descending into a shame spiral to take photos at stage.

One of the bike rack arms is totally bent. There might we a way to salvage it if I can buy that pipe section....but otherwise I have to buy a whole new arm.

The bike fell from a good 5-6 feet, so sustained a good chunk of damage. It still works, but definitely doesn't shift as smoothly anymore. Luckily the other bike/rack cleared the beam just enough to come away unscathed. So if there' a positive, that's it.

The roof has a nice sized dent in it, as the rack arm was bent into the roof as we drove on. Luckily a hail storm was kind enough to roll through Calgary two weeks later and damage the roof even more, so the bike dent is getting rolled into the other damage.

The thing is that we weren't even going fast.....maybe 3-4km/hr....but I guess when you're up against a giant wooden beam, something had to give, and it wasn't going to be the beam.

I'm not sure what the solution is to prevent this. The sad part is that knowing myself, I'm pretty sure I could do this again at some point.

[habernac]

I bought my last rack from http://www.orsracksdirect.com/
Prices were way lower than here (though I haven't compared in a few years). And I don't know if they ship here, i had the free shipping send it to my folks' place in the US.

[Huntingwhale]

[Northendzone]

I was just thinking that Scarlett Johansson has a nice rack - but it does nto appear that is what you are looking for.