Detachable Roof Rack Systems

[cdepuydt]

I was just wondering...has anybody found or tried a detachable roof rack system for the RL?

Reason I ask, is I would like to have the versatility of having a roof rack but I really don't want a permanent roof rack on my vehicle. I remember, years ago, I bought a cheap roof rack system for my '76 Olds Cutlass, because the trunk was about the size of a decent sized glove box, and I needed to haul stuff (Skis and the like) on occasion. If my memory serves me correctly, it worked pretty well.

Anyway, just wondering if anybody else out there had the same thought and acted on it. I have found several roof rack systems out on the net, but I would like to know if somebody else had the same idea, bought a set, tried it on their RL. I would like to know how it worked out for them.

Thanks.

[Kepeli]

Originally Posted by cdepuydt

I was just wondering...has anybody found or tried a detachable roof rack system for the RL?

Reason I ask, is I would like to have the versatility of having a roof rack but I really don't want a permanent roof rack on my vehicle.

Anyway, just wondering if anybody else out there had the same thought and acted on it. I have found several roof rack systems out on the net, but I would like to know if somebody else had the same idea, bought a set, tried it on their RL. I would like to know how it worked out for them.

Thanks.

I used this removable Thule rack on my Ridge because I did not want something permanent. Some days call for me to haul a ladder for work but for those days that I don't have to I can take this off. The only thing I did not like about the rack was the wind noise (whistling) that would start at around 35mph but again I only had to deal with that on the days I needed the rack. Removing and attaching the rack is simple and takes a few minutes and with the thick padding under the clamps it never leaves any scratches in the paint. You can also order different attachments for skis, canoes, bikes etc. In the pic I used the canoe guides so that it prevented the rack shifting from left to right.

[cdepuydt]

Thanks, Kepeli, that looks like a nice roof rack system. I noticed several websites selling Thule roof rack systems out there, but I wasn't sure if they were quality roof rack systems. Sounds like you like yours and looks nice. Did you order your roof rack from a website or buy it local? Do you remember what it set you back? You know what model yours is?

Looks like that might be something that might work for me. I still have a roof-top cargo carrier from a previous vehicle we owned (a Chrysler Pacifica) and it sure came in handy on a few occasions. There has been a few times I could used it on my RL, but no roof rack...so there goes that idea. Like I said, I would like to get a removable one so I can use it when I need to but don't want a permanent mod.

Thanks again, CD.

[Kepeli]

Originally Posted by cdepuydt

Sounds like you like yours and looks nice. Did you order your roof rack from a website or buy it local? Do you remember what it set you back? You know what model yours is?

CD, give me a day or two to locate the receipt so I can get the price and model. I bought it from a local dealer due to all the help he gave me in trying to come up with some kind of ladder rack since nobody makes one.. The pic with the attachment in the hitch is for canoes but worked well for the ladder. So with their help in figuring this out I fealt like I should purchase from them even tho most likely could have found it cheaper online.

[hofffam]

Thule (pronounced toolee) and Yakima are the best known brands for aftermarket multi-purpose racks. They are widely sold at bike shops, outdoor/camping stores etc. Both are very good and differ primarily on Thule's rectangular cross bars and Yakima's round ones. Both have dozens of different fittings to carry bikes, skis, canoes, etc. and generally can be bought to fit just about any vehicle.

[BillB]

I did a Yakima set up for my Ridgeline and installed over the bed, but it would do just as well on the roof. You need to install permanent tracks, but they come in a few lengths and can be cut down further for perfect length. You will use the "plush nut" mounting technique and these are like pop rivets with screw holes attached that go through the roof, but do not need to have the headliner disturbed in the inside of the truck. Then you buy components to attach to the rails called landing pads and then attach towers to those and then attach the poles to the towers and you are ready to go. When you don't want the roof rack on, you can lift it off in 1 piece from the point where the towers join to the landing pads. My rack kit cost: 2 rails - $75; 4 landing pads - $100; 4 towers - $ 100; 2 poles - $ 100; 4 tower locks - $ 50. I purchased mine over the phone from a firm called Rack Attack in Boston. They were quick and easy to work with and knew their stuff.

[cdepuydt]

Thanks for the info., BillB, but I am looking for a system where I don't have to put in a permanent rail system. I'm looking for something that you can put on and take off, with nothing permanent or anything like that. I'd rather not do any drilling into my truck if I don't have to.

Do you have to put a permanent rail on with the Thule roof rack systems?

[Kepeli]

CD, i just traded in my RL tonight, if you want my roof rack for free I can send it to you. All I ask is that you pick up the shipping cost.

[Otter68]

CD,
You're very lucky - take him up on the Thule rack for shipping. Thule and Yakima are the most reliable non-permanent systems (and probably the easiest to get parts for). They aren't the cheapest, but having worked in a few ski/bike shops, I'd say they're 2 of the best.

[ewaynek]

If Otter68 doesn't want them I will gladly pay shipping for them.