roof rack info needed

[gbc]

Hello all,

I want to install roof rack for my bikes....I am a bit confused about the requirements.

Do I need to replace factory rack if I want to go with thule or yakima?
or do I need to purchase crossbars only?

thx

 

[gaterose]

Hello all,

I want to install roof rack for my bikes....I am a bit confused about the requirements.

Do I need to replace factory rack if I want to go with thule or yakima?
or do I need to purchase crossbars only?

thx

If you don't already have crossbars then you will have to buy some. I carry a yakima megawarrior cargo rack(44lbs), 2 bikes (~55 lbs combined), and a cooler on my factory rack crossbars all the time with no trouble. I use rockymount pitchforks mounted on the megawarrior (round bars), but they fit (as do yakima and thule racks) on the stock flat crossbars too.

You should look into rockymounts. I really like my pitchforks, they're really easy to use and that counts when you're putting an awkward 30 lbs on the roof. I was set on yakima then did a lot of research about yakima and thule mounts (mostly mtbr.com) before I decided on the rockymounts. They come in a bunch of colors, with all stainless hardware, and claim to be more aerodynamic. They also require only 2 lock cores to be locked onto the rack vs. 4 lock cores with thule or yakima.

 

[MATT-X]

If you have factory crossbars then you can get the "feet" that fit the t4r. The t4rs crossbars are much wider than other suvs so be sure you get the right ones- I leared this from trial and error... :cry2:

 

[gbc]

If you don't already have crossbars then you will have to buy some. I carry a yakima megawarrior cargo rack(44lbs), 2 bikes (~55 lbs combined), and a cooler on my factory rack crossbars all the time with no trouble. I use rockymount pitchforks mounted on the megawarrior (round bars), but they fit (as do yakima and thule racks) on the stock flat crossbars too.

You should look into rockymounts. I really like my pitchforks, they're really easy to use and that counts when you're putting an awkward 30 lbs on the roof. I was set on yakima then did a lot of research about yakima and thule mounts (mostly mtbr.com) before I decided on the rockymounts. They come in a bunch of colors, with all stainless hardware, and claim to be more aerodynamic. They also require only 2 lock cores to be locked onto the rack vs. 4 lock cores with thule or yakima.

so if I am looking to configure 2 bikes + a cooler then the only thing I would need would be the megawarrior basket in order to accomplish this?? Remeber I have stock crossbars.....

thx

 

[gaterose]

so if I am looking to configure 2 bikes + a cooler then the only thing I would need would be the megawarrior basket in order to accomplish this?? Remeber I have stock crossbars.....

thx

You need bike mounts unless you're just going to throw the bikes up there & strap them on to the basket. I had a friend who just strapped his bikes onto his megawarrior & it worked out for him, but I prefer to have them solidly mounted. If you plan on carrying a cooler or anything else up there you will probably need a cargo basket.


Yakima, Thule, and RockyMounts have fit guides that tell what'll fit based on what you have and what you want to carry.

This is mine

 

[gbc]

You need bike mounts unless you're just going to throw the bikes up there & strap them on to the basket. I had a friend who just strapped his bikes onto his megawarrior & it worked out for him, but I prefer to have them solidly mounted. If you plan on carrying a cooler or anything else up there you will probably need a cargo basket.


Yakima, Thule, and RockyMounts have fit guides that tell what'll fit based on what you have and what you want to carry.

This is mine

that's exactly what I'm looking for!! that pic of the white 4runner.
In order to pull that off I would need the basket(megawarrior)+2 bike mounts?! correct? Also I presume the cooler would be strapped down with some sort of belts or straps

 

[edgilmer]

I have had cars before with the roof mounts but the hitch stlye bike carriers are so much easier to use. You don't have to climb up to the roof and remove the front tire, just strap the bike on the rack and go. I have this one: 957 Parkway - Thule - Thule Bike Racks - Rack Bike Hitch

It's also much cheaper. I got mine on Craigslist for $80. Just a suggestion!