by Rack James on August 26, 2011
Killer example of roof rack excellence, this VW Eurovan roof track rack system and luggage carrier is using the Yakima Control Tower System with 2 sets of #1 Landing Pads mounted into a set of Yakima 60" roof tracks and the Thule 605 Ascent 1700 cargo box.
This is the kind of rack magic we love to see, especially under a bluebird sky. I wanted to praise the owners but I was worried that they may have been taking a snooze after a long day on the trails. This Volkswagen Eurovan permanent roof tracks rack system with cargo carrier is using a set of Yakima 60″ roof tracks mounted to the pop top. The Yakima Control Tower system is installed into the tracks using two sets of #1 Landing Pads (LP1). A Thule 605 Ascent 1700 cargo box is attached to the Yakima 66″ crossbars.
by Rack James on August 16, 2011
Nice image of a Scion Xa kayak rack system using the Yakima Q Tower base rack system with Q120 and Q7 Q-Clips. One kayak is being carried with the Yakima HullRaiser J-Style kayak rack and the other is using the combo of the Yakima Mako Saddles kayak saddles and the Yakima HullyRollers kayak rollers.
Here is a great example of how even a smaller car can carry the gear you need, even if it is two full size kayaks. This Scion Xa kayak rack system is using the Yakima Q Tower base rack system with the recommended 48″ crossbars and one set of Q120 Q Clips and one set of Q7 Q clips. One kayak is held in place with the Yakima HullRaiser kayak carrier which tilts it on its side in a J-style cradle. This allows for the other kayak to be carried flat using the Yakima Mako Saddle and Yakima HullyRoller kayak rollers combo.
by Rack James on August 16, 2011
This Ford Focus rooftop cargo box could use a proper base rack system, such as the Thule 480 Traverse system with Fit Kit 1565 or the Yakima Q Tower base system with Q102 Q-Clips.
I had to get a shot of this Rack King cruising down the highway because no one would’ve believed me. I got the shot then I slowed down and let him get a few miles ahead, which I assumed would be a safe enough distance. With a set of foam canoe blocks, a pair of Yakima crossbars, and a pair heavy duty straps running through the interior of the car, this Ford Focus luggage box system is held together with a homemade base rack system and a prayer. If all goes well, it just might not fail at 65 mph. However, just to be safe and prevent a potential catastrophic rack disaster, I would strongly recommend investing in a proper base rack, such as the Thule 480 Traverse base rack with Fit Kit 1565 or the Yakima Q-Tower System with Q102 Q-Clips. As far as the luggage box mounted to this “base rack system” it is doing the job, but in case you’d like to view a wider range of options, there are a lot of rooftop cargo boxes available to choose from in various shapes and capacities.
by Rack James on August 8, 2011
Great shot of a Honda fit kayak rack with roller system using the Yakima Q-Tower base rack with Q99 Q-Clips and the Yakima Showboat kayak/canoe roller system.
Here is a shiny red Honda Fit kayak rack system with an extension roller for easier loading and unloading using the Yakima Q-Tower base rack system with Q99 Q-Clips and the Yakima Showboat kayak roller with what I assume (I didn’t have my tape measure on me!) are 58″ extension bars, but could possibly be 66″ bars. If you have a Fit, you can measure and decide which bars will allow for enough extension so that the roller overhangs the bumper and feel free to let us know which size worked for you. Thanks!
by Rack Magic Woman on July 29, 2011
Q: Can you suggest a rack that will work with my 2010 Chevy Silverado Extended Cab Pickup Truck?
A: For a rack for your 2010 Silverado Extended Cab, here are a couple of rack options:
For a rack that attaches into the bed of the truck you could consider the Thule 422xt. Or, if you wanted a rack over the cab of the truck, check out the Thule 480 Traverse Complete System.
Onto either of these racks you could attach a Thule kayak rack. The Thule Hullavator is by far the easiest solution for loading a kayak, or the 883 Glide and Set is a nice solution that is less expensive.
by Rack James on July 20, 2011
Great shot of a Toyota Tacoma hitch bike rack and roof top kayak rack system using the Yakima SwingDaddy hitch mount bike rack. The rooftop rack system consists of a set of Yakima 42" tracks, the Yakima Control Tower System with Landing Pads #1, two sets of Yakima Mako kayak saddles, and the Yakima BoatLoader kayak lift accessory.
Here is a nicely racked up rig that I recently spotted on my way to somewhere. This Toyota Tacoma hitch bike rack and roof kayak rack system is using the Yakima SwingDaddy hitch bike rack mounted to the 2″ receiver and is ready to carry up to four bikes.
On the roof, a set of Yakima 42″ tracks has been installed and is supporting the Yakima Control Tower system which uses two sets of Landing Pads #1 to connect to the tracks.
For transporting kayaks, two sets of Yakima Mako saddles are attached to the Yakima crossbars, and the Yakima BoatLoader kayak lift assist accessory, which integrates into one of the crossbars, is ready and waiting to help with the job of loading and unloading the kayaks.
by rackdawg on July 18, 2011
Picture of the Yakima Whispbar Flush Bar roof rack system, now available from select Yakima Racks dealers across the United States and Canada.
Picture of the Yakima Whispbar Rail Bar roof rack system, now available from select Yakima Racks dealers across the United States and Canada.
Just announced by Yakima Racks is the launch of an entire new product line called Whispbar Roof Racks, a premium, up-scale line of complete multi-purpose base rack systems that features the quietest and sleekest cross bars in the industry. Though collaboration with Rolls Royce engineering laboraties and extensive wind tunnel testing, the aerofoil shaped cross bars produce no wind noise, whistling or humming that is a common headache with other roof rack models from competitors. There’s no need to spend extra money for a rack fairing to try and eliminate nose beacuse there’s no noise in the first place! Whisper quiet is how Yakima Racks describes them. The Whispbar Racks model options include the Whispbar Flush Bar system, Whispbar Through Bar system, Whispbar HD Bar system and the Whispbar Rail Bar system. All but the Rail Bar (which attaches directly to any factory side rails directly) use the patented SmartFoot in combination with any of several different Base Fitting Kits for a universal, compatible fit no matter what type of roof mounting style a specific vehicle requires. The result is a very cost effective solution when you need to transfer the car rack over to another vehicle. All you need to buy is a new Whispbar Fit Kit. Also, locks are included free with the roof racks.
PRWeb: New Yakima Racks Product Line Called Whispbar Roof Racks Now Available
PRLeap: Whispbar Racks, From the Yakima Rack Company, Released to Select Dealers
Tagged as:
car rack,
roof rack,
Whispbar Fit Kits,
Whispbar FlushBar,
Whispbar HD Bar,
Whispbar Racks,
Whispbar Rail Bar,
Whispbar roof racks,
Whispbar ThroughBar
by rackdawg on July 15, 2011
Image of the various Whispbar Roof Racks Base Fitting Kit Clips. Fit Kits are for use with patented universal Whispbar SmartFoot & Cross Bars on vehicles with bare roofs, factory installed fixed-points, side rails, roof tracks, raingutters and more. Whispbar Racks is owned by the Yakima Rack Company.
An important aspect of the Yakima owned Whispar roof rack systems is the modular component design that allows for a cost-effective way to transfer the same roof rack over to a new vehicle. In most cases all that is needed is a different set of Whispbar Fit Kit attachments that connect to the base of the patented universal SmartFoot on any of the Whispbar Racks general-purpose base rack systems (Flush Bar, Through Bar, HD Bar etc.). Using the correct specific Whispbar Base Fitting Kit with the SmartFoot will allow the system to mount to a vehicle with a roof mounting requirement that the specific Fit Kit is designed for, such as automobiles with completely bare roofs, factory installed fixed-points, factory side rails, roof tracks, raingutters, even custom permanent roof rack mount applications. There are many different models of Whispbar Fit Kits available to match virtually all specific vehicle year, make and models. Please note that the Rail Bar factory side rails car rack does not require Fit Kit attachments. It will transfer directly over to another vehicle with factory side rails.
Tagged as:
car rack,
permanent roof rack,
roof rack,
Whispbar Fit Kits,
Whispbar FlushBar,
Whispbar HD Bar,
Whispbar Racks,
Whispbar roof racks,
Whispbar ThroughBar
by rackdawg on July 13, 2011
Picture of the Whispbar Rail Bar roof rack system, the Whispar Racks product offering from Yakima (Yakima Racks owns Whispbar) for mounting to cars and pickup trucks with factory side rails.
Now available at select Yakima Racks dealers in Canada and the United States is the latest product offering in the Whispbar Racks general-purpose base rack systems line-up, the Whispbar Rail Bar roof rack for factory side rails. Yakima owns Whispbar, the high-end, premium styled roof racks for all types of vehicle roof mount applications. The Rail Bar model shares many of the same features as the Whisbar Through Bar, Flush Bar and HD Bar models such as the aerofoil shaped cross bars that effectively reduce wind drag to such a minimum that no rack whistling, humming or other noises are heard from the roof rack when driving down the highway. Better fuel economy is also achieved in comparison to all other leading manufacturers with similar products for factory side rails. Most other roof racks have a tendency to produce some noise, and many owners are forced to spend extra money to buy a wind fairing to try and eliminate the noise, whistling or humming. But with Whispar roof racks this isn’t necessary. They are whisper quiet by design! The Rail Bar also includes Yakima locks and keys to lock the roofrack to the vehicle and prevent anyone from stealing it. Most roof mount gear carriers, whether from Whispbar, Yakima, Thule, Inno, SportRack, Malone, RockyMounts etc., will attach directly to the cross bars with no additional adapters necessary. Where the Rail Bar differs from the ThroughBar, FlushBar and HD Bar systems is the SmartFoot attaches directly to the side rails without the need for a Base Fit Kit. Thus the Rail Bar system costs less than the other options.
Learn about Whispbar Racks | View all Whispbar Roof Racks
Tagged as:
factory side rails racks,
roof rack,
Whispbar Racks,
Whispbar Rail Bar,
Whispbar roof racks
by rackdawg on July 12, 2011
Picture of the Whispbar Racks HD Bar combination sport-work rack, the ideal choice for any professional applications, commercial work use as well as playing and having fun. Whispbar is owned by the Yakima Rack Company.
Now available at select Yakima Racks dealers thoughout the United States and Canada is the all-new Whispbar HD Bar roof rack system, the ultimate multi-purpose base rack system for anyone seeking to combine work applications with sport and having fun. Whispbar Racks is owned by Yakima, and the product line is a premium high-end option for those seeking the ultimate blend of aesthetics, universal ease of use, durability and whisper quiet cross bars that produce no noise, whistling, humming etc. The cross bars also effectively reduce wind drag and deliver better fuel economy than any other roof rack options on the market today. The Whispbar HD Bar system uses the same SmartFoot engineering as other Whispar rack models. The Smart Foot is a proprietary Yakima innovation that allows the SmartFoot to combine with any number of different Base Fit Kit options to mount to any vehicle rooftop style. Whether you need a roof rack that mounts to a completely naked rooftop, factory side rails (both flush and raised types), fixed-points, roof tracks, raingutters or even a custom permanent rack mounting application, the Whispbar HD Bar SmartFoot and appropriate Base Fit Kit will do the job. The HD Bar roof rack differs from the other Whispbar options (FlushBar, ThroughBar and Rail Bar) because the cross bars are more heavy duty and can handle up to 220 lbs of weight while the crossbars on the Flush Bar, Through Bar and RailBar models hold up to 165 lbs of weight. The HD Bars also have a uni strut T-slot running the length of them to allow for attaching many different work rack accessories such as tie-downs, load stops, ladder holders and ladder rollers, ratcheting cargo buckles, pipe and conduit holders and more. The HD Bars also have integrated tie-down points to secure any gear load. Also has rubber stripping running down the bars to protect the gear load and the crossbars themselves. Also serves to prevent the load from shifting laterally when in transit.
Learn about Whispbar Racks
Tagged as:
camper shell roof rack,
commercial truck rack,
ladder rack,
tonneau cover rack,
truck cab roof rack,
Truck Racks,
Whispbar HD Bar,
Whispbar Racks,
Whispbar roof racks,
work rack
by Rack James on July 12, 2011
This 2010 Toyota Tacoma truck cap cargo rack and bike rack system is using the Yakima 1A Raingutter rack system and a Yakima SkyBox Pro 12 cargo/luggage box and a Rocky Mounts Pitchfork bike rack.
Even with a truck, you can always use more gear storage space. In the case of the owner of this nicely racked up Tacoma, he is moving to Montana and ran out of room, so he just simply needs more space. Now thanks to a cargo box, he doesn’t have to leave anything behind with a “Free” sign on it. This 2010 Toyota Tacoma truck cargo rack and bike rack is using the Yakima 1A Raingutter Complete roof system to work with the raingutters on his Leer cap. Attached to the crossbars is a Yakima SkyBox Pro 12 roof cargo box and a RockyMounts Pitchfork bike rack. He even has room left over on his crossbars for a rooftop kayak carrier.
by rackdawg on July 9, 2011
Image of the Yakima Racks owned 80050701 Whispbar ThroughBar roof rack system that universally fits all styles of vehicles including pickup truck, van and car rooftops with bare naked roofs, rain gutters, factory side rails, fixed-points, roof tracks and more.
Already reviewed and discussed in a previous post, the Whispbar FlushBar roof rack system has a closely related cousin called the Whispbar ThroughBar roof rack system. It includes the same core features as the Flush Bar model, including universal Whispbar SmartFoot technology that combines with any of the different Base Fit Kits for mounting to automobiles with all styles of rooftop configurations such as totally bare roof tops, factory side rails (both raised and flush side rail styles), fixed-points (also called fixed rack attachment points), roof tracks and more. Even serves as the ideal choice for applications that require mounting a custom, permanent roof rack. Where the Whispbar Through Bar car rack differs from the the Flush Bar model is that on the Though Bar model the cross bars are longer than on the Flush Bar version and extend further out beyond each SmartFoot. This provides more crossbar space for those users that need additional crossbar space to attach multiple gear carriers for transporting lots of gear and equipment. The design of the Whispbar cross bars are the same on the ThroughBar as on the FlushBar, totally whisper quiet and do not create any roof rack noise, whistling or humming that is commonly found on other manufacturers’ roof rack systems. Includes locks and keys. Besides Whispbar gear carriers, the Through Bar roof rack universally accepts virtually all roof mount gear carriers from other makers such as Thule, Inno, SportRack, RockyMounts, Malone and more.
learn more about Whispbar Racks
Tagged as:
car rack,
roof rack,
Whispbar Racks,
Whispbar roof racks,
Whispbar ThroughBar
by Rack James on July 6, 2011
2004 Nissan Titan Crew cCb pickup permanent mount rack system using the Thule TP54 54" roof tracks and the Thule 430 Tracker II rack system with TK1 Tracker Kit.
Sometimes your best option for a rack system requires a bit of drilling. While drilling into the roof of your vehicle may seem less than ideal, once you wrap your head around the idea, the end result is a clean, secure, factory-installed looking system. Plus, you can tell all your friends that you yourself drilled, yes drilled, into the roof and installed the system yourself. This 2004 Nissan Titan permanent mount rack system is using the Thule TP54 54″ tracks with the Thule 430 Tracker II base rack with the TK1 Tracker Kit and LB58 58″ load bars. Although we are thoroughly impressed with this job, we may suggest proper kayak carriers for those kayaks. Sure, tying a boat directly to crossbars will do the job, but your boat will be much happier with something like the Thule 883 Glide and Set kayak saddles.
Complete install details for 2004 Nissan Titan Crew Cab pickup permanent roof rack system.
by rackdawg on July 5, 2011
Image of the Whispbar Flush Bar multi-purpose roof rack system (owned by Yakima Racks) and universally fits vehicles with all types of rooftop mounting designs including completely bare rooftops, fixed-points (also called fixed rack attachment points), factory side rails, roof tracks, raingutters and more.
Huge news from Yakima Racks headquarters, who has just launched the all-new series of Whispbar Racks, a premium product line from Yakima that completely turns the general purpose roof rack category on its head. The result of extensive engineering, wind tunnel testing, research and design, this series of roof racks delivers a host of features never before found on any product from any manufacturer. Included in the new product line is the Whispbar FlushBar roof rack, Whispbar ThroughBar rack, Whispbar HD Bar rack and Whispbar Rail Bar rack. Each system will be covered in more detail with subsequent postings, however for this post the Flush Bar system is the focus. The core of the roof rack system is the SmartFoot, an incredibly advanced development that combines with any of several different Base Fitting Kits to fit the entire range of vehicle roof styles that include totally bare roof tops, fixed-points, factory side rails, roof tracks, rain gutters, even applications that require a custom permanent install. The elegant system also makes it very cost effective to transfer the Whispbar FlushBar roof rack to any other vehicle if necessary, as all that is needed is to purchase a new Base Fitting Kit. The included crossbars insert into each SmartFoot and do not extend out further, this results in a very clean, finished and flush look (hence the name FlushBar). There are several lengths of FlushBar cross bars available to fit every vehicle rooftop. The quality of the components is unrivaled and the styling results in a sleek, aerodynamic and low-profile look. The aerofoil cross bars are the quietest in the industry so you can rest assured you won’t be annoyed by roof rack noise or humming while traveling down the highway. Better fuel efficiency is also achieved. The crossbars also allow virtually all roof mount gear carriers from any manufacturer to attach directly to the bars. Locks also included with the system. Simply put, by combining the Whispbar FlushBar SmartFoot with the appropriate Base Fitting Kit, this system will install on virtually any automobile roof rack configuration.
Tagged as:
roof rack,
Whispbar FlushBar,
Whispbar roof racks
by Rack James on July 1, 2011
Picture of a 2011 Volkswagen GTI Type VI 5 Door roof rack luggage rack system using the Thule 480 Rapid Traverse base rack system with Fit Kit 1323 and the Thule 686BXT Atlantis 1600 cargo box.
This is a great install photo showing a 2011 VW GTI 5 Door roof luggage rack and crossbar system using the Thule 480 Rapid Traverse base rack with Fit Kit 1323 and RB53 Rapid Aero Bars and the Thule 686BXT Atlantis 1600 cargo box. As you can see, the VW GTI’s rear hatch is wide open and completely unobstructed by the box while the front end of the box doesn’t overhang the windshield too much. Cargo boxes are great to provide extra cargo storage for smaller vehicles. Just make sure you choose the the right box like these folks did!
by rackdawg on June 29, 2011
Image of the all-new Yakima Racks RailGrab Jeep Roll Bars Roof Rack Kit for mounting the roll bars on Jeep Wrangler Soft Top models.
Superb news for owners of Jeep Wrangler Soft Top models. Yakima Racks now offers a roof rack cross rails system that mounts directly to the roll bars on the Jeep Wrangler. Called the Yakima RailGrab Jeep Roll Bars Roof Rack Kit, it includes a set of four Yakima RailGrab Towers and four large-size Claws as well as a pair of 58″ crossbars with end caps. The RailGrab Towers and large Claws quickly tighten down firmly on the Jeep Wrangler Soft Top roll bars using just an allen wrench, a far superior solution compared to options that require permanently installing a roof rack to the Jeep Wrangler roll bars. The Yakima RailGrab system also removes easily when not needed. And the included 58 inch Yakima round cross bars provide plenty of room for attaching all kinds of gear carrier configurations for transporting gear and equipment on Jeep adventures. The roof rack can easily lock to the Jeep roll bars using a 4 pack of Yakima locks and keys. As an added bonus, besides the large size RailGrab Claws, the system does also include all the other sizes of Claws to allow the rack to also install on any cars with factory side rails.
Tagged as:
Jeep Wrangler Soft Top,
roof rack,
Yakima Racks,
Yakima RailGrab Jeep Roll Bars Roof Rack Kit
by Rack James on June 28, 2011
Image of a 2011 Toyota Prius roof bike rack system using the Thule 480 Traverse base rack with Fit Kit 1566 and 2 Thule 599XTR Big Mouth upright bike racks with a Thule 872XT wind fairing.
You can’t very easily fit two bikes inside a Prius, but as you can see here, a Toyota Prius roof bike rack system for two bikes is no problem. This particular 2011 Toyota Prius bike rack rooftop system is using the Thule 480 Traverse base rack with Fit Kit 1566 and LB50 50″ load bars and two Thule 599 XTR Big Mouth bike racks. Wind noise is eliminated with the Thule 872XT wind fairing/noise deflector and theft of the rack and bicycles is prevented with the Thule 596 6 pack of locks.
See complete details for 2 bike rack system for 2011 Toyota Prius.
by Rack James on June 25, 2011
by Rack James on June 23, 2011
Here's a shiny Toyota Prius roof bike rack system for two bikes using the Yakima Q Tower base rack with Q5 and Q124 Q-clips and two Yakima Raptor upright mount bike trays. An SKS 6 Lockpack secures both the rack towers and the bikes from theft with one key.
This Toyota Prius roof bike rack system is using the Yakima Q-Tower base rack with Q5 and Q124 Q-clips and 58″ Round bars. With this fine base rack system in place, two Yakima Raptor bike carriers are attached and ready to transport two bicycles. For security, the SKS 6 Lockpack puts a lock core into each of the four Q-Towers and a lock core in each of the bike trays, thereby protecting both the rack system and the bikes from theft with one key.
Complete installation details and more info for Toyota Prius roof bike rack system for two bikes.
by rackdawg on June 17, 2011
Picture of the all-new Inno Racks IN-AR roof rack crossbars system for vehicles with factory side rails. An inexpensive, cheap car rack option for virtually any car, van, SUV, pickup truck and minivan with siderails only and needs the cross bars for connecting gear carriers to transport equipment.
Photo of the Inno IN-AR Stays, packaged as a set of four INAR Stays (also known as Towers) and ideal for any Inno Racks car rack owners that already have crossbars and need to transfer their current Inno roof rack system over to a vehicle with raised factory side rails.
Now available as an alternative to the premium Inno Racks IN-FR roofrack systems for vehicles with side rails is the Inno IN-AR factory side rails roof rack, a complete system that manages to offer a suite of high-end features yet still remain in the cheap roof racks category. The Inno IN-AR car rack cross bars general-purpose system combines super budget friendly pricing with maximum strength durability, sleek, modern good looks and universal compatibility with virtually all styles of factory rack side rails. The integrated clamps on each INAR Stay bite down and securely grip any style of side rails, even fat over-sized models. Also includes a set of 4 Inno locks and keys to lock the car rack to the vehicle. Also available are the set of 4 Inno IN-AR Stays only. This is a great option for any Inno Racks owners that already have Inno crossbars and just need the IN-AR Stays to transfer a current Inno Racks system over to a vehicle with side rails.
Tagged as:
factory side rails racks,
Inno IN-AR Stays,
Inno Racks,
roof rack
by Rack Princess on June 7, 2011
Image of 2010 Toyota Corolla Sedan Roof Rack featuring Yakima Q Towers roof rack with q5 clips and q83 clips and Yakima 44 inch wind fairing.
This 2010 Toyota Corolla 4 door Sedan Roof rack consists of a set of 4 Yakima Q Towers, a pair of Yakima Q5 clips and a pair of Yakima Q83 clips (needed for a 2010 Toyota Corolla roof top) along with a set of 58 inch length cross bars. It also features a 44 inch wind fairing.
For complete info on 2010 Toyota Corolla Sedan Roof Rack….
by Rack Magic Woman on June 2, 2011
Q: I got a Subaru Impreza 2011 5 door and I have Thule 400 XT Aero Feet with crossbars and attchments from my old car. Is there a fit kit to attach 400 XT to my car?
A: The 400XT has been replaced with the 480 Traverse, which is Thule’s new rack system for naked rooftops. Because the 400XT is being discontinued, they are not making 400XT Fit Kits for newer vehicles. In your case, that is neither here nor there, since your vehicle uses a different system anyway, so you will need to order a new Fit Kit and a new footpack.
Your vehicle requires the 460 podium footpack, which uses Fit Kit 3068 to attach to your fixed factory mounting points. Unlike the 400XT and 480 Traverse, which clips under your doors, this system is much cleaner and more integrated. You will be able to reuse your loadbars, locks, and any attachments that you may have.
by Rack Magic Woman on May 16, 2011
Q: I’m looking for a base rack system for my 2010 Audi Q7 which has factory side rails. What do you suggest? I also would like a cargo box for my Audi Q7 and would like to know which is the largest roof box available.
A: There are a couple of base rack options for your 2010 Audi Q7 with side rails. Yakima recommends the RailGrab Complete System . However, your vehicle uses a pin adapter attachment with this system, which is included at no extra charge (at the time of this posting it is backordered from Yakima until July, so there would be a significant delay on this system).
As an alternate choice, you could also use the Thule 460 Podium Complete System. Any new Yakima cargo box will still fit on the Thule bars.
The largest cargo box available would be either the Yakima SkyBox 21 or SkyBox Pro 21 (you can see the Yakima cargo boxes here). The only difference is the finish on the box, with the Pro series coming in different color options and being glossy. One thing to be aware of with large boxes like this is they may interfere with the ability to open the rear hatch completely when the box is on the vehicle, though this doesn’t affect the performance of the box itself at all and the hatch can still be partially opened.
by Rack Magic Woman on May 12, 2011
Q: I have a 2011 Toyota Sienna with factory siderails – I’d like to be able to carry kayaks, bikes and a cargo basket. Please let me know some dimensions as well as I realize this needs to fit when I pull into the garage!
A: Here are the roof rack options that will work on your 2011 Toyota Sienna with factory siderails:
*Thule 450 Crossroads Complete System
*Yakima RailGrab Complete System
*Inno IN-FR Complete System
All three actually measure the same height of 3 ½ “ tall (this measurement is to the top of the cross bar).
You can attach the Yakima HighRoller onto any of these systems. The Highroller measures 5 ½” tall (folded down without a bike).
As for cargo baskets, I’m not sure you’ll have the clearance you need with the 11” height limitation you referenced. All of our cargo baskets—the Yakima MegaWarrior, Yakima LoadWarrior, and Thule MOAB—are 6 ½” tall without including the attachment hardware. With the hardware the basket height is more like 7” or 7 ½”, which puts you just about at 11”, and too close for us to guarantee you’ll clear the garage!
Lastly, in terms of a swing-away hitch bike rack, we’ve had great feedback about the Yakima SwingDaddy.
by rackdawg on May 12, 2011
Picture of the all-new Thule 3113 Podium Fit Kit which replaces the discontinued Thule TK13 Tracker Kit (as the 430 / 430R Tracker II systems are discontinued and are replaced by the 460 / 460R Podium roof racks for applications such as permanent install racks, fixed-point racks, roof track racks, flush side rail racks, factory roof track racks etc.) The Thule 3113 Fit Kit is for drilling and permanently installing a roof rack on fiberglass surfaces such Jeep Hard Top, camper shell, tonneau cover etc .)
Photo of the Thule 3114 Podium Fit Kit which replaces the discontinued TK14 Tracker Kit and is for drilling and permanently installing a roof rack on any pickup truck,van and car metal rooftop surfaces etc.
Thule Racks has completely overhauled the popular Thule 460 Podium Foot Pack and 460R Rapid Podium Foot Pack and included many more Podium Fit Kits (previously the 460 / 460R Podium was only compatible with vehicle rooftop fixed-points) and now works on factory rack flush side rails, factory rack tracks and all Thule Tracks, as well as applications for permanently installing a roof rack on fiberglass surfaces and sheet metal surfaces. Hence, the Podium system now replaces the discontinued Thule 430 Tracker II Foot Pack / 430R Tracker II Foot Pack and all TK Tracker Kits. The Thule 3113 Podium Fit Kit replaces the TK13 Tracker Kit and is for drilling and installing a permanent roof rack on any fiberglass surfaces (applications include pickup truck camper shell, topper & truckbed cap roof racks, tonneau cover racks, Jeep Wrangler Hard Top roof racks etc.) Likewise, the Thule 3114 Podium Fit Kit replaces the TK14 Tracker Kit and is for drilling and installing a permanent roof rack on any sheet metal surfaces such as pickup truck, car and van metal rooftops etc.
Tagged as:
A.R.E. camper shell,
camper shell roof rack,
Fleetwood camper trailer,
Jeep Wrangler Hard Top racks,
permanent roof rack,
pop up camper rack,
Thule 3113 Podium Fit Kit,
Thule 3114 Podium Fit Kit,
thule 460 podium,
Thule 460R Rapid Podium,
Thule Fit Kits,
Thule Foot Packs,
Thule Podium Fit Kits,
tonneau covers
by Rack James on May 11, 2011
by rackdawg on May 8, 2011
Picture of the Thule 3101 Fit kit now available from Thule Racks. Replaces the discontinued Thule TK1 Tracker Kit. The 3101 Podium Fit Kit is for use with any Thule Tracks and many factory rack tracks.
Thule Racks has just released the all-new Thule 3101 Podium Fit Kit, part of the new series of Podium Fit Kits that replace the discontinued Thule TK1 Tracker Kits as the Thule 430 Tracker II roof rack system begins to fade from the Thule Racks product line up. Now the Thule 460 Podium Foot Pack and Thule 460R Rapid Podium Foot Pack can be used on more roof rack applications besides mounting to fixed-points on vehicle roof tops. With the release of the Thule 3101 Fit Kit you can now use the 460 / 460R Podium systems on any permanent mounting Thule Tracks (TB60, TP54, TP42 etc.) as well as a large number of factory rack tracks found on certain vehicles. In fact, Thule has created a Podium Fit Kit to replace each TK Tracker Kit – the 3101 Podium Fit Kit replaces the TK1 Tracker Kit, 3102 replaces TK2, 3103 replaces TK3, 3104 replaces TK4, 3105 replaces TK5, 3106 replaces TK6, 3107 replaces TK7, 3108 replaces TK8, 3109 replaces TK9, 3110 replaces TK10, 3111 replaces TK11, 3112 replaces TK12, 3113 replaces TK13 and 3114 replaces TK14. The Thule 460 Podium and Thule 460R Rapid Podium can now also be used on vehicles with flush side rails.
Tagged as:
factory rack tracks,
roof tracks,
Thule 3101 Fit Kit,
thule 460 podium,
Thule 460R Rapid Podium,
Thule Podium Fit Kits,
Thule Tracks
by Rack James on May 8, 2011
by Rack James on May 6, 2011
by Rack Magic Woman on May 3, 2011
Q: We have a 2008 Ford Taurus sedan, and will be taking a trip –two hockey bags will take up most of the in the trunk – need to be able to fit 2-3 suitcases worth of additional “stuff” in a roof bag any suggestions? I can’t seem to find the Thule rack that will fit our car.
A: The Thule 480R Roof Rack and Thule 480 Roof rack will both work with your 2008 Ford Taurus sedan. The difference between the two is that the Thule 480R is simply just a more upscale looking ( brushed aluminum, aero shaped crossbar) version of the 480. The Thule 867 Tahoe bag is a good recommendation for your suitcases as it has max capacity and weather-proofing.
