great little car
I’d agree that’s a bad design
For my money, if I were buying a new car, I’d try to find a car with the roof grooves covered with that rubber membrane, and order the less “temporary” towers that connect to that, instead of the ones that clamp to the roof/door opening. I know they don’t all have that feature, but many still do.
Unfortunately, when it comes to racks…
– Last Updated: Feb-04-16 12:33 PM EST –
when the inexpensive ones that can be attached to Anything...you have to look at the physics of the solidness and angles of the target hw and the rack's footings...for matching shapes giving you a bombproof hold.
For me, it might be worth checking into
– Last Updated: Feb-04-16 12:36 PM EST –
My rack clamps to the factory rack side rails. It's always worked well enough, but the factory rack is mostly plastic and I've been considering removing that rack entirely and bolting home-built mounting plates to the roof using the factory-rack bolt holes. Still, the roof is not nearly as solid there as it would be where the groove is that you speak of. If there's a semi-permanent rack base that can be anchored to that groove, it might be the best option.
If you think
the “clip” rack is so secure, instead of shaking it side to side to demonstrate its on good, try to lift it UP off the car. If it holds then you rack is pretty secure.
I don’t think you heard me
– Last Updated: Feb-04-16 1:33 PM EST –
I've used this type of rack for over a decade. I've pulled on it, pushed on it, lifted it and pressed down on it. My kayaks have done the same. I've backed into the garage overhang with my kayak loaded, hard enough to leave a dent in the wood fascia. They simply haven't budged.
If it was an inherently insecure design I'm not sure it'd still be on the market with our litigious climate.
Different systems
When I bought my 2015 Fit, “T” rack co kept telling me for four months they’d have a fit kit soon. Never did by the time I needed one. Good to hear they finally came up with something. They make good stuff.
So, I called “Y” rack co, and they said they’d never make a set for any fit newer than 2014. Claimed the new design of the car couldn’t handle a load. Shame, ‘cause they also make good racks.
By chance, I found Inno racks. I talked to them, and they already had a fit kit. I then asked if they had a stretch kit for it, and they had a design engineer call me, and he said yes it would work, and they hadn’t thought about it prior to my asking.
All components fit their bars, and I’ve carried 2 sea kayaks, and a kayak and bike, with no problems. I check the tightness all the time. Always have. Their stuff I’ve found to be every bit as good as any other big name system.
Now if you want to talk about racks coming loose on cars, try putting 2 Sea Kayaks on top of a 1995 Mustang, even with a top name rack system on it………bow & stern lines saved the day.
that was you in the toyota?
http://wp.clickmechanic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Toyota-MR2-Roofrack.jpg
You sure could carry a few
boats in that rig!
Necessity is the mother of invention.
All I can say is no
A rack popping off is not normal. I sure as heck wouldn’t trust any rack that pops off unloaded, yikes!
Either get another brand rack that fits better or if the car you have just doesn’t work well with clamp on racks then go with a light weight trailer. Your going to kill some one other wise. Even small cars can pull say Yakima’s aluminum trailer with a couple of kayaks on it.
If my car didn’t have a good clamp on rack then I would either get a trailer or drill into the roof. I think Yakima has something they call landing pads. I wouldn’t risk killing someone with a bad rack setup or car that just doesn’t take a rack well. No excuses period, like I don’t have the money or I don’t want to drill into my cars roof it will kill resale value is no excuse in risking killing others. That’s my 2 cents worth.
I agree
– Last Updated: Feb-05-16 8:28 AM EST –
With rnsparky
jack L
typical metals costs
– Last Updated: Feb-05-16 9:48 AM EST –
Metals Depot software works….
T311218-6061 1-1/2 x 1-1/2 x 1/8 wall 6061 Aluminum Square Tube 4 Ft.6 Ft.8 Ft.12 Ft.24 Ft. Cut to Size
$214.74
T111211 1-1/2 X 1-1/2 X 11 GA (.120 wall) A513 Square Steel Tube 2 Ft.4 Ft.6 Ft.8 Ft.12 Ft.24 Ft. Cut to Size $105.78
for an all metal grid 2 runners 4 cross
for 2 runners 4-2x4's x/6*2+$20.....plus 8 bolts/nuts studs....4 bushings at ?
http://goo.gl/eql0kc
basic rack $100 plus DIY saddles at $20 ?
grovel Dude grovel
Aha!
It turns out a metal piece in the tower was defective, hence the loud pop. It is covered by Yakima’s warranty.
I still asked for a refund as I have zero confidence in the product. I-75 from Detroit MI to Naples Fl is a long long distance to drive.
I have another roof rack that I jury rigged with ratchet straps that loops through the inside of the vehicle to the cross bar towers. It’s a great system but it scratched up the paint and damaged the door gasket on my last car. However I have driven thousands of kilometers with the rig w/canoes and kayaks and no problem. Malone has a similar system called the ‘Universal Rack’.
plese
– Last Updated: Feb-10-16 10:00 PM EST –
show some intelligence
http://www.google.com/#q=removing%20%20headliners%20site%3Ayoutube.com
hahaha
Good luck putting it back the way it looked before you took it out.
patience
– Last Updated: Feb-11-16 8:08 PM EST –
http://www.google.com/search?q=tools+remove+headliner&biw=1050&bih=528&source=univ&tbm=shop&tbo=u&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjGmfvlgfHKAhUGKh4KHbn9B-EQsxgIHA#tbm=shop&q=tools+automotive+interior+panels
http://www.google.com/search?q=tools+remove+headliner&biw=1050&bih=528&source=univ&tbm=shop&tbo=u&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjGmfvlgfHKAhUGKh4KHbn9B-EQsxgIHA
the vinyls are durable n flexible.
For example, the instrument panel facing on an E250 removes along the perimeter seam for repair access.
http://images.hgmsites.net/lrg/2008-ford-econoline-cargo-van-e-250-commercial-instrument-panel_100285433_l.jpg
idea vehicle immediately depreciates is far fetched as in 4-5-6 years more toll than removing a headliner will occur.
That concept is foisted by the rack people.
Headliner
– Last Updated: Feb-12-16 9:02 AM EST –
may not 'remove'
Necessary getting your hand in check surface for free space, clean burrs, paint smears (2), place bolt/washer/siliconed.
Layout would come from outside with measuring n tapping
A roof stud for roof rack install video would be monumental.
Pro Rack
You sure this is an actual Yakima Product? I have been using Yakima products exclusively since 1985 and never heard of this line. I must admit I have had zero failures, sorry about your misfortune.