Hi all, I'm about to get my sedan (1996 Mercedes C180) fitted with some roof bars for carting my windsurfing kit.
I've narrowed the list down to a few places that install either Thule or Rhino bars, can anyone tell me what type of bar is superior? The price difference of about $30 doesnt worry me if it means I purchase a bar with a good warranty, which is strong + versatile so I can fit other items later on.
Once that's done, can anyone advise me how to safest transport my kit? I've seen people use board carries and equipment bags to store masts/booms, which is necessary seeing as I don't have boot space or fold down chairs. Does anyone know where I can pickup an equipment bag and for about how much?
Cheers
I've always used Thule crossbars, they're really well designed. I do a lot of skiing too and their ski carrier/"aerobar" crossbar combination is hard to beat (and looks good too).
For transporting my gear, I tie it to the roofracks with some tie-downs you can find at a hardware store. All of my gear is in separate bags except for the boom. The board goes on one side with the boom on top, and the sail and mast go on the other side of the racks. It's been secure for as much as a 3 hr jaunt up the highway at a bit over 110km/h.
I've got Rhino racks on my 96 Diahatsu Charade. They cost $400 to fit. I first
tried getting clamped types in Supercheap Autos and Sprint (at a 10th of the price),
but my car required the riveted variety.
I chuck my 148L board on top up-side-down, and use "just-straps" straps (aussie
made) to tie them down. Everything else goes in the car (with all seats down). I
can safely do 90km/h. Passing road trains is a bit of a worry though 
I've always used Rola roof racks. They are good looking, easy to fit and can carry quite a load.
Get proper tie down straps, don't just use rope. Get the webbing type with a locking buckle, so you can pull them really tight and they won't slacken.
I've carried a big learner board with mast and boom 700km on a camry with no movement.
Today I had a 295cm board on the roof with a kayak on top of that!
You don't need a bag to put everything in, but a bag will reduce UV if your gear is going to be on the roof for a long trip. In general, place your board upside down, fin at the back, with your boom and sail on top of the board. Hook the boom over the fin of the board, and tie the mast beside the board.
You need to throw loops of your tie down straps around everything individually, don't rely on tension alone to hold them. And when you've tightened one, go back and retighten the other.
Happy sailing!
Make half hitches with the loose ends of the straps for extra security and to stop them flapping around, and avoid twists in the straps. If possible. Twisted straps are not as secure and they hum when you are driving!
thanks all for the advice :)
I think I'm going to go with the Rhino bars, as the dealer offered the best service and has them currently instock. On all other accounts the 3 brands seem pretty equivalent, in aesthetics, carrying load and design.
Cheers(!)
I use Thule aeros and a Rola roof pod.(Check my avatar)
Can fit 4 sails, a mast and a boom in the pod and two boards on the other side of the racks. Also have lockable tiedowns.
Cheers
I'm a Thule tool, the ones you can remove.
Ensure you have top quality tie downs.
Equipment bags and boardcovers are essential to avoid U.V damage if exposed for long periods.
Done the trip to Gnaraloo in a friends Poojero with Rhino Racks. We loaded them up with 4 boards and 2 kit bags. They were secure, but the fuel consumption was crap.
Pryde, Loft, Flying objects all make excellent equipment bags and are available in Oz
I have the gutterless mount from Rhino which are made by Thule. I have had problems with these. They have come loose about 3 times. the last time I went to check them while the gear was on the car, gave the clamp assembly a wiggle and the whole thing came off in my hands, left a nice dent in the roof. I haven't had problems with these types of racks before...but I'd opt for the solid mount if you have the option.
On the left you'll see a pryde mast bag. I have 5 masts in there with the top half inside the bottom. This set up works well, you can slide the mast or board in/out while still attached to the racks, just loosen the straps.
I'd also recommend to go for slightly longer bars, makes it more useful for loading, especially for 3 boards, 2 bottom / 1 top configuration.
Thanks all, i ended by going for the Rola removable sports rack, the black one in a sleeker one piece design. I'm looking for an equipment bag, thanks for the info whippingboy. Does anyone know of outlets which stock these in WA. I'll ask @ my local store and see if they can dig something up for me.
Wow... waiting4wind, thats alot of luggage, arent you worried about equipment coming loose, or is it all pretty secure? I've got some quality metal clasp tie downs, they're great, so easy to use and secure I'm gonna head out and get another pair.
[}:)]
I've just purchased the "ProRack" model from SuperCheap shop in Brisbane, they are on special at the moment, not sure if a nationwide store and specials nationally. $216. Comes with the bars at three different lengths (1.1m, 1.2m, 1.35m depending on your vehicle), plus clips that are different for each vehicle. I had this set up on different Falcons for 20 years and now my Pathfinder. I can't fault them. Never had a problem with this brand for that timeframe - easy to take off with an allen key if not required.
Cheers!
You can always do what we do in greece,,,,,,,,, use a pick up.
