Getting a low profile roof rack in SoCal...by this Saturday

[bzuni]

So my family was planning on going to King's Canyon National park this next weekend (leaving Sunday). We were planning on taking our mini-van which gives us plenty of room for luggage and has a roof basket on top. Well the forecast is for snow, and while I think the van should be fine, we're considering taking the Land Cruiser just in case. Since we've got way less space in there compared to our mini-van, I'm wondering if there is somewhere I could get a low profile roof rack by Saturday. It needs to be low profile because our garage has about 7" of clearance to the gutters (about 4" to the roof). I'm unaware of any shops in SoCal (I'm in Riverside) that would carry something like this, but I'm also pretty new to this world.

Not gonna like, I also see a great opportunity to get the budget approved for a new roof rack if I could pull it off before our trip.

Do I have any options, or would this be impossible?

 

[NLXTACY]

Front runner in Calabasas has a low profile rack

 

[Golgo13]

For a quick solution: Bolt some plywood to the roof and use some ratchet-straps or cargo netting... Then it will look like hell and you have more justification for a pretty roof-rack!

 

[bzuni]

Had no idea Frontrunner was in Calabasas. A little ways away but still more local than Colorado. I'll have to double check my garage dimensions because I'm thinking their rack might be a half inch to tall. I guess I can always load up with sandbags though!

The plywood option sounds crude but effective!

 

[LS1FJ40]

Let air out of your tires... That will solve the 1/2"

 

[NLXTACY]

Let air out of your tires... That will solve the 1/2"

Or drink some more beer, another way to lose 1/2" of...wait what are we talking about?

 

[bzuni]

Or drink some more beer, another way to lose 1/2" of...wait what are we talking about?

Full of helpful tips!

 

[1973Guppie]

bajarack is in south san diego......

 

[dirtyboots]

Take the van. Hands down you'll be much happier not rushing in to such an expensive purchase with so many options, and variables to consider. The van will do just fine in the snow, slogged through plenty of high mountain and deep snow winters with rear wheel drive only. Min van = MAV = Mormon assault vehicle...Mormons live in Utah...you get the picture.

 

[82much]

Dependable Offroad in Anaheim has roof racks for $300 plus mounts. The racks are not powder coated but you can do that later.

 

[bzuni]

Take the van. Hands down you'll be much happier not rushing in to such an expensive purchase with so many options, and variables to consider. The van will do just fine in the snow, slogged through plenty of high mountain and deep snow winters with rear wheel drive only. Min van = MAV = Mormon assault vehicle...Mormons live in Utah...you get the picture.

Very wise advice, and the one we went with. Everything went great, and while we were on a little bit of sleet, snow and ice, the minivan was fine. Thanks for being the voice of reason!

 

[LS1FJ40]

Reason is BORING!