Roof Racks... Rola or Thule?

[WhiteGTB]

Been looking at the different racks available for the wagon and two brands pop up everywhere. Rola and Thule.

Anyone recommend either one?

Parts I'd be looking at down the track are universal locking arms for the snowboards/skiis and fishing rods, occasional ladder.

[Hobber]

Okay! Something I know about!

I have the Thule roofracks and Thule ski holders. Can't compare Thule to Rola, but the Thule work...

One important thing to be aware of with the ski holders is the separation between the front and rear roofracks and where the bindings are on snowboards.

I am a skier, so it's not a huge issue for me, but a couple of boarder mates have their bindings separated by a distance that means if you try to centre the board between front and back, one or both bindings block the arm from closing. ie you can't lock the arms down with those snowboards on top. I *think* the designed separation of the front and back racks (and hence arms) is 725mm (off the top of my head). If you shuffle the boards so that one binding is between the two roof racks the overhang at the front or rear of the car is such you get a wicked vibration at speed - I was worried it would eventually fatigue the arm lock and it would spring open.

There are some board and ski holders that hold them vertically or at an angle rather than flat (parallel) to the roof, and it might be worth considering these or another option if the binding separation is going to be a problem.

edit: found a pic of what I mean:

[Kevlar GT]

I bought Thule roof racks about 2 months ago when I purchased my kayak, also got the Thule kayak carrier set up. Top quality but you get what you pay for and it isn't exactly cheap. Definitely recommend them as a quality product.

[smythie]

Trieu's looking to take out Best Mummy Wagon 2008 by the looks of it

[Hobber]

Hmmm.. I didn't realise he had a wagon

The spacing may not be such an issue?

[Ric]

Rola racks on mine.
No complaints, but I've not seen the Thule ones close up.

[WhiteGTB]

Thanks for the pics Ric

I gotta source some pricing too... or keep an eye out on eBay.

Anyone else with recommendations?

[GT25]

Got Rola Racks and the matching ski rack for 4 sets of skis for the wagon. No complaints and they don't look too ugly.

The Thule racks look like they belong on a truck (or a Volvo).

Greg

[XRC15T]

I forgot to post these in the other roofrack thread... http://forum.liberty.asn.au/viewtopic.p ... roof+racks
And excuse the poor quality photos ...

Flat clamp down holders might be a bit flappy esp if you have a really flexy jib board and may require ugly raisers to give that extra binding clearance when carrying top and bottom.

I ended up getting ones from roofraks, to get a sleeker look and vertical fit and to avoid bindings possibly scraping the paint. The fittings can be changed according to the type of car you have wagon/sedan screw in/clip on or whatever.
Also equipment specific attachments can also be added to carry other toys eg kayaks, bikes etc.

The racks themselves are lockable and each snowboard attachment can can be locked and holds 2 snowboards, I have 2 so can hold 4 boards without taking bindings off. If you want to fit more boards then just get more attachments. ( i havent measured, but i reckon a looney could fit 8 easy, maybe 10 boards)

You can see my mate behind me also has same ones but in silver.
And yes they are secure even at ....um... "velocity"

[domgtb25t]

i just got a set of thule rack for my wagon only prob i noticed is the feet for the racks don't cover the whole in the rail. but racks and ski clamps are awsome look really good on the car to will post some picks next time i put them on.