Securing roof racks

[Harold1950]

Don't know where this should go so I put it here, please move it if it is in the wrong place. I was just wondering how those with roof racks secure them to the truck to keep them from "walking away." I am referring to the ones that fasten to the OEM roof cross rails. Pics would be good also. I don't recall seeing this anywhere on here. Thanks in advance. Harold

 

[Harold1950]

I guess I was asking for recommendations for rack locks, anything reasonably priced that one would recommend?

 

[Nodd]

Well my cage rack is attached to my stock roof rack using eight U-bolts...

If someone wants to spend 20 minutes undoing 16 nuts then I guess they'd have my rack. Otherwise I'm fairly confident it'll stay put.

If you're looking to actually lock the rack &/or stuff to your stock rack then maybe something like this might do the trick.

 

[javendan]

sorry, i don't have pics ATM...

i have a coleman roof rack that attaches to the factory crossbars of our 2000 4runner and 2009 odyssey.

they simply attach using the included hardware.

basically, they use 4 u-shaped hooks that attach to the bottom of the basket and into retaining bars and finished off with retaining nuts.

i'll try to post a pic a bit later.

*** pics added ***

similar setup to nodd

here is the basket on the odyssey

secured using the u-hooks

thumbscrews with plate

*** end of pics ***
joel

 

[Harold1950]

Hey Nodd and Javendan I appreciate the info and pics I've ordered a Black Widow roof rack without the extension and am just looking at ways to inconvience someone from taking off with it..............I may look at putting extra nuts on the factory hardware if the U bolts are long enough, if not, maybe something like you've done.....

 

[Duhockey]

Just like javendan my Yakima rack attaches with those same connections, I have a heavy 33" tire on there and have locked it to the factory rails with one of these from Target

Wordlock 4-Wheel Cable Bike Lock : Target

I dont think I should have any problems, I dont even want to have to get my spare off there, in fact, i bought a true locking spare tire carrier like this
Amazon.com: Yakima Spare Tire Carrier: Sports & Outdoors

and have not put it on cuz I dont feel like pulling the tire off the roof to get to it.

 

[javendan]

@Duhockey - yeah... i wouldn't want to have to get that 33" tire either! lol.

joel

 

[Harold1950]

Thanks guys.......I appreciate your input. Would not even want to think about putting a spare up on the rack much less get it down......you've given me good ideas with what you have done and I know which way to go. My rack is at UPS in Sac now and will be here tomorrow, can't wait to put it on and see what it looks like on the truck. I park on the street and have a street light, the neighbors are nosey enough to keep an eye out hopefully if someone tries to take it. Again thanks especially for the pics.....................Harold

 

[javendan]

post a pic if you can!

joel

 

[Nodd]

...Would not even want to think about putting a spare up on the rack much less get it down...

I'm a fairly big guy so not too worried about heaving big off-road tires about but I hear you. Its not quite the same as lowering the spare from underneath. I like the look of the spare on the roof though. Makes the truck look like its just returned from a safari. Rhino burgers anyone? J/K

 

[1fast_e]

Yakima sells an accessory lock for about $15. You just lock it to the threads of your bolt.

 

[Harold1950]

I got the rack on this weekend. It was so noisey, it sounded like you were driving next to a large lifted truck with the big worn off road tires. I had to make a air dam/deflector for it, now it you can't tell it is on the truck, hopefully it won't affect my gas mileage too much. I put double nuts on the U bolts and then put the factory plastic knobs over that, should slow down someone trying to get it off, I park in a lighted area and we have a good neighborhood watch on my street.

 

[Nodd]

Looks good. Great idea adding extra nuts for security.

 

[javendan]

nice!

i hope you get a lot of use out of it.

i just took my basket off of the van so i could wash the van.

joel

 

[Harold1950]

Thanks Nodd, just hope the extra nuts discourage them and they move on to something easier and parked in a darker place.:ak472: