Looking for Feedback: Perm. base rack or Tracker Kit

[Peter Dk]

Well, to start off, this is my first post . I picked up my 2007 RL last fall and have been doing some research on racks. I did not get the OEM version of Honda's rack as it just didn't appeal to me.

I'm impressed by the options that people in the forum have dug up, but there's 1 or 2 that I'd like more information on. I like the idea of the base rack - Thule more specifically as I have a bunch of gear that's already Thule, but I'm not sure whether its a better choice over the 'foot pack'. An example would be: (base rack)
Thule TP54 54 inch Top-Track with Flare-Nuts - Thule Permanent Base Racks
or the foot pack model:
Thule 400xt Aero Foot Pack - Thule Without Rain Gutter Foot Packs

So my questions would be: (1) has anyone had any leaking from the base rack model. I live in an area where we get plenty of snow and ice, and I wonder whether this has created any leaks, lifting, warping of the base rack models.

(2) How easy and how much time would it take to put the rack on the base rack model vs the 'non-rain' gutter/foot pack models? (I'm not talking about the install but rather just the attaching of the riser and cross-bar). I read in one of the posts that it may take about 40-50 minutes each time they put the system on the roof. Seems like quite a long time to me.... the permanent base rack model would be quicker wouldn't it?

(3) I spoke with one of the fellows from "Rack Attack" who mentioned they usually install Yakima permanent base racks over the Thule as they have thicker bases. Anyone notice any problems or advantages of one over the other?

Anyways, this forum has been helpful, hope someone can volunteer the information.

thanks

[Altamont]

I have the Yakima tracks, installed them myself. they have never leaked, and I live in Washington State where it rains a lot. I didn't look at the Thule tracks, seems like they would be as durable as Yakima. you could try the clip on type to see how you like them - if you set them up then mark where the clips go with colored plastic tape inside the door jamb, at the top, you can get em off or on in no time. all you have to do is wipe the roof clean where the pads go, line up the clips to the tape and voila they're on.

lots of people here have different setups that work for them. one thing I will say is the Thule bed rider (Bike bar) is really handy for carrying bikes in the bed. if that's all you carry I wouldnt even get a roof setup.

[Peter Dk]

Thanks for the reply Altamont.

The in-bed option is tempting but I'm hoping to use the roof system to carry a canoe as well. I have a t-bar for the hitch and am looking for something that I can load up really quickly and then trow my gear into the bed (I'm looking at a tonneau cover as well).

I haven't been able to find any close up photos, but I'm guessing the permanent tracks fit into the existing rain gutters. I recall someone recommending that we get a 'template' from my local Honda dealer to help install the tracks. I'm not sure why we would need a template though?

[Altamont]

unfortunately the permanent tracks don't fit on the molding that covers the mounts for the stock Honda rack. you'd have to mount it just inboard of that, on the roof. what color is your Ridge?

[djeaux]

I found this note interesting:

Works ONLY on metal and aluminum surfaces

Um... And what is alumnium? A rock? Wood?

[Peter Dk]

unfortunately the permanent tracks don't fit on the molding that covers the mounts for the stock Honda rack. you'd have to mount it just inboard of that, on the roof. what color is your Ridge?

I didn't know the permanent tracks can't go in the existing molding (I think people also call it the rain gutter - ?) - My RL is black by the way. That's a major downside to my way of thinking. The roof membrane is pretty flexible so I don't understand how the permanent tracks would work without buckling the roof?

Does anyone have any close up photos of how their permanent tracks are mounted?

[Altamont]

when you bolt the tracks on, the bolts/tracks are right next to the roll in the steel roof, very strong there. if they were more towards the center they would "oil can". black tracks would blend in nicely to the roof

[Beaullieu]

Originally Posted by Peter Dk

I didn't know the permanent tracks can't go in the existing molding (I think people also call it the rain gutter - ?) - My RL is black by the way. That's a major downside to my way of thinking. The roof membrane is pretty flexible so I don't understand how the permanent tracks would work without buckling the roof?

Does anyone have any close up photos of how their permanent tracks are mounted?

I got my inspiration from Altamont over a year ago and mounted Yakima tracks to the roof of my RL. Like Altamont, I've not experienced any leakage and they are very secure. I've carried canoes and kayaks many times without any issues and there's no deflection in the roof panel.

I've attached a couple of pics... BTW, I painted mine to match the truck....

[gimli]

Well by now you've probably taken care of installing something up there roof wise but I had great luck with the Thule Top Tracks. Yeah......drilling that first hole is always scary! But it's pretty easy and I'd totally recommend having a vacuum cleaner on hand as you drill to totally pick up the shavings so they don't get under anything.