What should I do with these load bars (1 Viewer)

[half k cruiser]

These came with the purchase of the LC. They are Thule load bars, sit pretty high up. They do slide back and forth. I don't really do any biking or skiing, was wondering if there is some sort of rack that I can fit down between them. Cool ideas always welcome.

 

[wcbr]

The photo is a bit fuzzy, but Thule and Yakima's rain gutter towers both came with the option to extend them, so you may be able to drop them down a bit if there is a spacer. Thule did, however, offer the super tall towers for applications such as land rover discoveries, etc... Either way, they are quick off and on, so the next time you need to transport a sheet of 4x8 or a door, slap them back on. in the mean time, go ahead and take them off.

Having been the constant user of roof racks on SUVs for many years, yours seem to sit high enough, that MPG would be no worse than when it sat low (when loaded), so they are worth hanging on to; only worth $150 or so on craigslist as is....

I use my set for bikes, rowing sculls, and a cargo box, etc. when needed, but typically leave them off most of the time unless racing regularly. I did some "light off roading with a 18cu/Ft YAkima Skybox over newyears @ Big Bend with cargo for 5 in the box, and had no issues with only 2 crossbars. Much more than that, and I would have probably added additional crossbars.

Thule has some pretty nice aluminum cargo baskets that could mount up, but any rack/basket can mount to those crossbars. It all depends on what you want to put up there and how tall you are. I'm 6'5" so the roof is prime real estate for my storage needs.

ciao,

Wc

 

[western flyer]

^^^X2. What Wc said. I used to sell and install roof racks, including dozens of Thule and Yakima racks. Those Thule towers and bars are relatively well made and quite strong.

I fully doubt those Thules of yours have a tower spacer that your can remove (like many of the old Yakima towers did). You can find different Thule towers (CL) and exchange for lower profile ones if that is an issue for you. I have a lower profile set of Thules that I have used for 15 years or so. I use them only when I need them. Takes about 3-5 minutes to put them on or take them off. Tons of options for bikes, kayaks, boxes, baskets, etc. Lately I most often use them for carrying wood or steel, combined with some nice straps. I have even combined one Thule cross bar and towers with bike mounts and my big Confer rack for carrying 2 bikes and a ton of gear on top for several baja expeditions. Tom Sheppard would have not approved...

As Wc noted, I would keep the bars and towers in the garage, leave them off for only when you need them, then throw them on for specific tasks. Nice and quiet with them off.

Per your question, you can very likely cleanly fit a Thule or Yakima carrier basket to those bars, but it will likely be noisy and your mileage will probably suffer a bit.

http://www.thule.com/en-us/us/products/carriers-and-racks/boxes-and-baskets

 

[half k cruiser]

I appreciate the input fellas. These things are pretty easy to take on and off, I was originally going to pull them, but I think your right, keep them in the garage until needed. I looked at that Thule basket you linked, seems like it would sit up a long ways above the truck. Is there anything that's designed to suspend down between the bars ? Do you guys have pictures of your setups ?

some smilies from the little

 

[western flyer]

I don't have any pictures that would be of use to you. Sorry.

The lower profile towers (ala craigslist) would get your bars down lower, then either the Thule or Yakima carrier baskets would sit lower as well. Probably not worth it to try to make something custom that would sit low with your existing towers, but some others on here might weigh in. If you are serious about a cargo roof rack (and carrying lots of gear up top), then a dedicated cargo roof rack (e.g., with more feet and more capacity) might make more sense.