what type of roof rack?

[LR3_Virgin]

hi, just wanted to know people's opinion on a roof rack. Should I go with OEM, or Thule Yakama?

I don't have the cross bars on my LR3 (2008). I am looking to use the roof rack in the summer as extra storage (surf board), and in the winter (ski's). I am looking for the ability to remove when not in use (ease of removing and installing), Also I am a little concerned about the noise factor.

Your input and specific setup is greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

 

[goinsurfin]

Either brand works but I've used Yakima for 15 years and now have them on my LR3. You'll need the following:
4 Control towers
4 Landing pads which you mount to the roof rails (an Allen key is included) and the control towers sit on top of them
2- 58" crossbars
4 lock cores for the towers (one core for each tower)
44" fairing over the recommended 38". (44"closes the gaps more on either side)
any of the bike mounts and pads for your boards.
Go to the gallery an look me up to view my roof. It has a box and a bike on it. let me know if you have any other questions...

 

[LR3_Virgin]

is it 58" crossbars or 48" crossbars? also any suggested sites to purchase?

 

[goinsurfin]

is it 58" crossbars or 48" crossbars? also any suggested sites to purchase?

48" is too short. 58" works well. there is enough overhang for a bike mount on the outer section. As for where to buy, REI always has good pricing, rackattack, or moosejaw. If you are an REI member, you'll get a dividend back plus they have rack sales throughout the year too. I think there is any REI in NJ or NY, try local bike or surf shops too that carry Yakima..

 

[OffRoving]

I'm delighted with the Baja Rack I have. They made it custom for my roof tent application. Lightweight and authentic tube look. They make these as a standard product line eventhough I don't see them on their site yet.

 

[nwoods]

Adam I though that there was another sort of rack you preferred? The dark haired girl with the MkIII?

 

[Team Jeff]

I just received my Baja Rack this afternoon, first impression is that it looks to be a high quality rack (although probably no where near the quality the rack Mr. Woods referred to ). Powder coat looks very nice and uniform, welds look good, bars look to be aligned. Just need to find someone to help me hoist it up on the roof!

 

[bscmich]

I've always used the Thule square bar stuff. Got my first one with my new 87 Saab 900 and have amassed a pretty nice collection over the years. Bike, kayak, ski and snowboard attachments plus load carriers, straps and more. Each vehicle only requires a new Tracker Foot pack and I'm ready to go. The LR3 pack was only $50 bucks. I also love my Con Ferr safari rack. It always fits and looks great. I don't think they make them any more or they were bought out.

 

[jwest]

While it is probably the least versatile, the OEM rack is likely the quietest. I wouldn't want to deal with continually mounting/removing it though.

The quickest set up would be one using something like the Thule or Yakima mounts so that the whole thing lifts off once the mount is released.

Unless you're going to haul lots of crap, the Thule or Yakima will be the cheapest.

 

[jesus_man]

I just got the yakima for mine a few months ago. We have some whistling issues, but I believe that to be caused by the air rushing under the landing pads. I bought some cheap pipe insulation and shoved a piece under each. The whistle was considerably less, but I need to remove each landing pad and place a piece of that insulation the full length of each pad. I can remove or install the rack in about 5 minutes.

J.D.