Roof rack with the most Thule/Yakima compatibility

[GranolaJoe]

After weeks of looking at rack options and many thread searches, I am still unable to decide. My number one priority is compatibility with my selection of mainly Thule attachments - cargo box, ski rack, bike rack, etc - with ease of switching out key. Number two priority is low profile. Otherwise, I'll use the rack for strapping down camping equipment, hauling lumber, duffles, and the like.

I like the FR rack but it doesn't seem like direct attachment to Thule/Yakima would work well. The Gamiviti looks good, but I wish the crossbars were 1 1/4 inch. And, I'm not sure about the Gobi profile.

Who has a stable of Thule (or Yakima) attachments that they are using with their rack with ease? Thanks in advance for helping me get this decision done.

 

[4Peanut]

Subscribed.

 

[nakman]

The Gamiviti looks good, but I wish the crossbars were 1 1/4 inch...

Right, with the 1" cross bars you need to add some type of spacer to make it work- doesn't have to be the true 1.25 OD but enough so the clamp tightens up with some load, before it bottoms out on itself and runs out of travel. What works well is a piece of sprinkler tubing, thin rubber (garage door gasket, or the stuff you get with bike lights), even foam pipe insulation. it's a rig, yes, but for me I don't keep my accessories on all the time so I just need it snug for the trip, then it's off.. I keep the top clean most of the time for less wind drag and to make it easier to haul other stuff, usually other roof racks..


I just got back from camping, and took my mountain bike. I forget what these are called, but it's the kind where you leave your front tire on and that arm swings up to grab the down tube. Anything that sits "on top" of the bars will work, which leaves out some of the bike rack options (like Rocky Mounts), since all the cross bars are fixed at 10.5" spacing.

And all the rocket boxes, space cases, and most RTT's have u-bolts that slide on tracks, so they're obviously less of an issue and bolt right up in just about all cases.

You can see the Thule box and Yakima fairing here:

And here are your Yakima bike rack pics:

 

[nakman]

One more of the Thule box.. you can see the U-bolts pretty clearly, also quick tip I got this roll of Velcro straps from the Depot, and use a couple of those little guys on the sides around the u-bolt, which keeps the box from sliding sideways. This worked well last month in Moab, I wheeled for a week with 2 guitars, 2 fishing poles and a tackle box up there, and the thing never moved. I'd recommend those little straps regardless of what rack you go with.

 

[B-RAD]

Search for Gobi and you'll find I have posted a ton of info under...:first off the line" for the 100 series. Yakima attachments fit perfectly on the cross bars, which I have used a lot.

 

[GranolaJoe]

Search for Gobi and you'll find I have posted a ton of info under...:first off the line" for the 100 series. Yakima attachments fit perfectly on the cross bars, which I have used a lot.

I've definitely checked out that thread - good stuff. My only hesitation is the slightly higher profile (I don't plan on installing lights). However, the ease of attachment use is hard to ignore. How's the noise?

 

[GranolaJoe]

One more of the Thule box.. you can see the U-bolts pretty clearly, also quick tip I got this roll of Velcro straps from the Depot, and use a couple of those little guys on the sides around the u-bolt, which keeps the box from sliding sideways. This worked well last month in Moab, I wheeled for a week with 2 guitars, 2 fishing poles and a tackle box up there, and the thing never moved. I'd recommend those little straps regardless of what rack you go with.

How's the noise with the Expo upside down and no fairing? Seems like I read that it was not great.

 

[nakman]

How's the noise with the Expo upside down and no fairing? Seems like I read that it was not great.

Yes there's wind noise. With a fairing it's almost as quiet as no rack though, same with MPG loss- the worst scenario for both is put a rack up there an no fairing.

 

[B-RAD]

wind noise is not bad with the Gobi rack with the fairing...

 

[GranolaJoe]

Will Gamiviti or Gobi custom make something if I know exactly what I'm looking for?

 

[3D FJ]

Will Gamiviti or Gobi custom make something if I know exactly what I'm looking for?

Gobi should at least.

 

[AATLAS1X]

If I may ask, what all are you looking for?

 

[GranolaJoe]

If I may ask, what all are you looking for?

Sure. My ideal rack would be flat, 1 1/4" tubing to accept Thule/Yak attachments and very low profile. I think I would like it to stop just short of the sunroof with a fairing.

Or, my other thought is a mesh bottom with very short side rails like the Gobi, 1 1/4" cross bars, but without the raised front as I wouldn't run lights and need the lower profile for normal everyday driving. Basically, the Gobi without the raised front and shorter than the sunroof.

 

[AATLAS1X]

Sure. My ideal rack would be flat, 1 1/4" tubing to accept Thule/Yak attachments and very low profile. I think I would like it to stop just short of the sunroof with a fairing.

Or, my other thought is a mesh bottom with very short side rails like the Gobi, 1 1/4" cross bars, but without the raised front as I wouldn't run lights and need the lower profile for normal everyday driving. Basically, the Gobi without the raised front and shorter than the sunroof.

Take a look at my thread on roof rack mounts, I have finished the mounts and almost finished all aspects of my rack. There is several pictures on Thule/Yakima bars that you can place them anyplace you like along the rack, or set inside on the mount faces. Keeping every thing as low to the roof line as possible.

Best,

Shane

 

[GranolaJoe]

Take a look at my thread on roof rack mounts, I have finished the mounts and almost finished all aspects of my rack. There is several pictures on Thule/Yakima bars that you can place them anyplace you like along the rack, or set inside on the mount faces. Keeping every thing as low to the roof line as possible.

Best,

Shane

Shane, I've tried to follow it since it started, but, by no fault of yours, I got lost in there somewhere. I guess I'm a bit confused as to what the end result will be. I think I understand the rack mounts, but it seems like there is something more. Is there a whole rack as well? Sorry for my ignorance. However, the quality and design looks top notch.

 

[AATLAS1X]

It wasn't on purpose, it order to build a rack I had to build mounts. Questions came up about fitment and I shared some bits and pieces. I'll try and get a thread started soon as its modular it's hoping to be a mess as my vehicles are the beta testers. But I have what will exceed your needs.