Roof racks/cross-bars

[phl]

I'm looking at roof racks, actually more the cross bars than the full platform style units. I have a set of Thules that I can adapt with new feet, but wonder if the LR units sit closer to the roof. Am also wondering about pros and cons of the standard bars (sticks out past the mounting feet, which I currently have) vs the sports bars (the bars curve into the feet).

There's also a mob called Whispbar that claims lower noise levels than other bars; has anyone tried them, and if so, do Thule accessories fit their track?

[Tombie]

I have Whispbars!!!

Love 'em. Even at 1.60 they're silent

And sticking past ends makes fitting awnings easier and loading a bit easier too.

Pic tomorrow...

[Tombie]

And yes accessories (the ones I have) fit

[LGM]

I have the Whispbars as well.

As Tombie says they are silent when you are driving.

I have the ones that curve into the mounting point. Never mind the practicality I like the way they look!

I use them to mount a 'Yakima Skybox' pod which is my way of keeping the luggage out of the way and keeping the important stuff inside the vehicle such as a well provisioned Engle;)

Even with the pod mounted there is little or no noise at speeds in excess of 110km/h:wasntme:

[Tombie]

Here's a pic

54373

[phl]

Sounds like I should sell my current racks, and get new Whispbars. Good to hear owners are happy with the bars.

Are they also as close or closer to the roof than the LR bars?

[eddomak]

Sounds like I should sell my current racks, and get new Whispbars. Good to hear owners are happy with the bars.

Are they also as close or closer to the roof than the LR bars?

I was using Thule bars prior to this on my Subaru, with a Thule Roof Box circa 2004, which locked in via 4 U-shaped bolts. When lending this to my friends with Whispbars, the U-bolts do not clear the width of the Whispbar (short by 2mm or so). The new Thule boxes with the "claw/clamp" design all fit.

What one of my friends has done is to have bolts protruding upwards from his Whispbar that fit in one of the holes of the Thule roof box and he bolts it directly in.

So my guess is that it may depend on which style of Thule mount you have for your accessory.

In comparison, my current Rhino Rack Sports bars are wider than my original Thules, but not as wide as the Whispbar.

Hope this helps.

[Basil135]

Here's a pic

54373

Without hijacking the thread, here is another one you might be interested in... ;)


http://www.aulro.com/afvb/general-chat/161992-who-wants-wedding-d.html



Thank-you for your attention, and we will now return you to your regular viewing :D

[phl]

So my guess is that it may depend on which style of Thule mount you have for your accessory.


The main one I will be likely to use is the bike rack on the roof, which fits into the slot in the Thule bar. I gather that should be fine though.

Never bothered to buy the storage box, as there are many places nearby that hires them out; this way we don't have to store them, for the few time we need them.

[LGM]

Here is a picture hope it helps you with your decision!