I just want roof racks for my car - really not fussed about looks etc, just want to pay the least that will do the job. I have researched and found which fitting kits will work for my car (Thule or ProRack). Then I assume I just get some bars and attach them right? I was hoping to get the fitting kit and then find some second hand bars - but this is where I don't know what I'm doing. I gather there are bars for small cars vs large cars vs…??? It would make sense to stick to the same brand racks as the fitting kit I get - but they all still seem to have lots of different models. Are they all compatible with feet of the same brand?
Help me understand!!
Please!
How to choose Roof racks?
saxlady on 16/02/2016 - 08:43
Comments
This is a great idea - however we have a van with a sliding door - so it's not going to work. Would be perfect otherwise.
it depends on that type of car you have as to what sort of mounts you need. I think you will find most people will sell their complete sets second hand (bar and fitting kit) so I would search for ones that fit your car, you might also be able to see what the other cars are compatible with the fitting kit that fits yours from the manufactures website and then search for roof racks from those cars as well.
To keep it simple I'd stick with thule.
Use http://www.thule.com.au/fit-my-car
Find out the bar and feet you need.
Then search on ebay gumtree for some second hand roof racks.
People may not list the bar and foot number but will list the car that they had it on so you have to be a bit stealthy and then put their car into the thule website to find out if the bar and feet are compatible.
As for the fitting kit it depends on your car model how easy it will be to find. I found the fit kit for my car and it only sits ok but not perfect (was able to sell the one it came with within a week) and a friend of mine doesn't even have the correct fit kit and it works ok
This is what I did. I purchased my racks (feet and bar) for $100! Mint condition too. Bloke I bought it off didn't use them much. I made sure the feet were compatible with my car and went to a Thule reseller and got a new fit kit. All up the set cost me a bit over 160.
Just out of curiosity. Which feet pack and bar pack you got for $100?
I've been looking around. Most of the $100 ones are the older model GL750 with aero bar.
My feet are gl 754 but with aero bars.
thanks (and to tryagain above)
will try this
I'm shopping for racks at the moment too. Rhino rack seem to be a bit cheaper than Thule. Not sure if there's a quality/function difference, but the rhinos are made in Australia I think, so hopefully good.
I've just been checking what suits by using the 'fit my car' on the manufacturer websites. Will generally state model numbers for bars and supports. Try Thule, Prorack, Whispbar, Rhino Rack. Prob some others.
I've used Rola racks for years. Can get them for any vehicle. Now I've got Rola branded accessories (bike rack) I'll stick with them. I have also modified some sets of racks to suit a new vehicle by shortening them or fitting a new set of ends.
What sort of car is it for? If you already have roof rails like on an SUV then you can get all sorts of different solutions, some cheaper than others.
No, no roof rails - our last car did have so we just tied pieces of wood onto them with string when we needed to and were good to go! This car has little indents obviously designed for the feet to be fitted into though, so we have to be pretty specific.
Thanks all for your replies, you've give me some good ideas
After researching the expensive brands I risked a $70 pair of roof racks from eBay, new, no name brand - mine was for roof rails but there are different sorts to fit different styles. Quality is reasonable and completely sufficient for Bunnings runs, lengths of timber etc. Features try to copy expensive brands like Thule and Rhino such as light aluminium rails, up to 100kg load rating, rubber grips, key locks etc. The bars also come in different lengths so you can buy one suitable for the width of your van. Maybe worth a try!
Keep in mind that you have a maximum load capacity when it comes to your roof. Even if you buy heavy duty racks that are rated to 100 kg. You may still only be able to put 50 kgs due to physical weight restrictions of your roof. Check with Supercheap/autobarn or your manufacturer (I wasn't able to find in my cars manual).
try Supercheap Auto - i've seen in their catalogues they have some good advice about Roofracks…
Do the roof racks hold spam?
If it's only for light occasional use you can use temporary soft roof racks like these.
http://www.anacondastores.com/camping-hiking/4wd/roof-racks/…
You open the car doors and tie them through the body of the car.