Sill or Roof-Mounted Roof Rack?

Volvo Canadian · Aug 1st, 2011, 10:38

Hi-All,

I'm about to go on a road-trip of about 5000 miles. A major part of it will be a Geological Tour of America, as I travel from Calgary - Vancouver - S Francisco - NY. Although my Estate has room enough for everything, I'm going to be collecting rocks, and the bigger the better, as all good rock-collectors know (I'll be teaching a course on plate tectonics). Sooo, I have been thinking about a roof rack, but have been hesitating, because I don't like the idea of gouging the trim on the sills. The modern ones look a lot friendlier than what I used to clamp on there, but has anyone tried (and then regretted it)? Instead, I was looking at racks that mount right to the roof - drill 4 holes kind-of thing. I know that seems rather permanent, but if I take the cross-bars off when not in use.... Across the rails I'd mount a torpedo-type luggage carrier, for rocks and mounts for my mountain-bike. I-know, not very 'classic' but - hey - you gotta do what you gotta do sometimes.

Ron Kwas · Aug 1st, 2011, 11:21

Canuck;

The gutter mounts are generally not too damaging, and a good way to go, but if your worried about it, I'd add a piece of gaffer tape to protect gutters from damage (better than duct tape in that it takes a lot longer to deteriorate...at the end of the trip, you will likely be able to just peel it away)...that's certainly a lot less violent than drilling holes, but if you could retrofit an OE rack, there's nothing wrong with that either...

Roof-top carrier is a great idea...it frees up the vehicle inside for more important things...or just plain room...so you're not up to your eyeballs in STUFF...

I caution against loading a carrier with high density items...like rocks!...unless you have IPD anti-sway bars, raising the vehicle CG by having 200lbs in the box will result in mega lean and a much worse roadholding manner than you are used to...BEWARE, if you need to make a sudden MEM (Moose-Evasion-Manoevre)! I suggest you keep your rock sample collection to small ones and stash them down low, like under the seats, while keeping your low-mass luggage up top!

Have a great trip!...it may be slightly out of your way, but suggest you don't miss the Black Hills of South Dakota!

Burdekin · Aug 1st, 2011, 12:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by 122 Canuck

Hi-All,

I'm about to go on a road-trip of about 5000 miles. A major part of it will be a Geological Tour of America, as I travel from Calgary - Vancouver - S Francisco - NY. Although my Estate has room enough for everything, I'm going to be collecting rocks, and the bigger the better, as all good rock-collectors know (I'll be teaching a course on plate tectonics). Sooo, I have been thinking about a roof rack, but have been hesitating, because I don't like the idea of gouging the trim on the sills. The modern ones look a lot friendlier than what I used to clamp on there, but has anyone tried (and then regretted it)? Instead, I was looking at racks that mount right to the roof - drill 4 holes kind-of thing. I know that seems rather permanent, but if I take the cross-bars off when not in use.... Across the rails I'd mount a torpedo-type luggage carrier, for rocks and mounts for my mountain-bike. I-know, not very 'classic' but - hey - you gotta do what you gotta do sometimes.

Where are you going to be teaching? My best mate from school teaches volcanology and geology at a uni in New York State. I know North America is a big place but you never know...

Derek UK · Aug 1st, 2011, 12:09

+1 to all that Ron has said. It's probably a bit late in the day to be thinking about putting on a set of rails from a modern car as the roof is a little flexi in places. You'll likely need 2-3 cross braces between the roof and the lining to bolt through. Means lining out etc. I've seen pics, unfortunately not on line of a pair added to a Dutch wagon which I think came from a VW Passat or an Audi wagon. Looked very neat and not out of place. If the spacing is perfect you can use all of the related accesories.
The wagon has a place to allow the spare wheel to be fitted upright against the rear side panel on the driver's (LHD) side. Actually for an extra wheel to allow a pair of snow tyres to be carried. I think it's only uses a hook bolt. If your spare is put there you're left with a good size compartment for your rocks if you put a protective layer of plywood on top of the tank.
Have a great trip. Tales from the road ,and pics, will be expected!

Quarterless · Aug 1st, 2011, 12:11

I would think that direct roof mounted rails with that kind of weight might bend the roof. Gutter mounts seem a much better idea as the weight transfer will be distributed down the pillars.

Alf ista · Aug 1st, 2011, 12:51

Sounds like a great trip. Expecting loads of tales with pictures and said wagon in all! Best of luck!

asneddon · Aug 2nd, 2011, 04:09

I have used the Thule (sp?) ones for years on the gutter of my Range Rover with no issues. I have 4 little bits of leather I put between the clamps and the gutters though. The pads that sit on the roof have nice wide rubber bases. The clamps are painted with a sort of rubberised paint, but I wouldnt trust that 100% These roof racks carry two sea kayaks and related crap with no issue.

widget · Aug 2nd, 2011, 06:21

Just throwing this out, but can't you get a hitch for these cars?

Maybe a hitch and a small trailer for your rocks? I kind of doubt anyone would steal rocks from a trailer while your sleeping in a hotel or whatever.

Just a thought. Carry on. =)

Volvo Canadian · Aug 2nd, 2011, 06:37

Thanks - all-good! I'll go with the sills, some extra padding, and I like the idea of commandeering (sp?) the wheel-well for storage of at least some of said rocks - I wanted to get them out of the way, and thought "up" instead of "down" which makes a lot more sense. So, Derek, a little more detail on the "place" to put the spare wheel... It took me awhile to figure-out you meant INSIDE the car - hahahaha.

Yeah, I can imagine a few good shots of the car at various places will find their way on here. I'm actually moving down to NY to get a PhD in education, but I've also agreed to teach a few courses in earth sciences and chemistry at a private school nearby. I'll be using the school as one place where I can do research. The idea of a geological tour seemed pretty apt, as I'm a big rock-lover (my current job is drilling oil wells and involves examining rock-cuttings), so it would be a shame to miss the opportunity since I have to do the drive anyway. Mitch, I'd love to sit-down with your friend after the trip.

Volvo Canadian · Aug 2nd, 2011, 06:48

Hey Widget,

You must have posted while I was writing mine. That is a goood idea, but I won't have any time, I don't think - darn! A nice cool little trailer to match the car. I've only concocted this idea in the last few weeks, after thinking about what I wanted to do on the trip. After making the decision, I contacted a Geo friend about it, and he suggested a great book, basically about a guy who travels across the country with different Geos. The book won a Pulitzer prize even....

Back to reading - its 700 pages.

Aug 1st, 2011, 10:38	#1
Volvo Canadian Bury me in my Volvo Last Online: Oct 18th, 2017 23:16 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Calgary (again!)	Sill or Roof-Mounted Roof Rack? Hi-All, I'm about to go on a road-trip of about 5000 miles. A major part of it will be a Geological Tour of America, as I travel from Calgary - Vancouver - S Francisco - NY. Although my Estate has room enough for everything, I'm going to be collecting rocks, and the bigger the better, as all good rock-collectors know (I'll be teaching a course on plate tectonics). Sooo, I have been thinking about a roof rack, but have been hesitating, because I don't like the idea of gouging the trim on the sills. The modern ones look a lot friendlier than what I used to clamp on there, but has anyone tried (and then regretted it)? Instead, I was looking at racks that mount right to the roof - drill 4 holes kind-of thing. I know that seems rather permanent, but if I take the cross-bars off when not in use.... Across the rails I'd mount a torpedo-type luggage carrier, for rocks and mounts for my mountain-bike. I-know, not very 'classic' but - hey - you gotta do what you gotta do sometimes.

Aug 1st, 2011, 12:51	#6
Alf ista Premier Member Last Online: May 29th, 2024 09:08 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Co. Cork, Ireland.	Sounds like a great trip. Expecting loads of tales with pictures and said wagon in all! Best of luck! __________________ 1970 Volvo Amazon 131 with a B20A and an M40.

Aug 1st, 2011, 11:21	#2
Ron Kwas Premier Member Last Online: Today 09:01 Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Connecticut, USA	Canuck; The gutter mounts are generally not too damaging, and a good way to go, but if your worried about it, I'd add a piece of gaffer tape to protect gutters from damage (better than duct tape in that it takes a lot longer to deteriorate...at the end of the trip, you will likely be able to just peel it away)...that's certainly a lot less violent than drilling holes, but if you could retrofit an OE rack, there's nothing wrong with that either... Roof-top carrier is a great idea...it frees up the vehicle inside for more important things...or just plain room...so you're not up to your eyeballs in STUFF... I caution against loading a carrier with high density items...like rocks!...unless you have IPD anti-sway bars, raising the vehicle CG by having 200lbs in the box will result in mega lean and a much worse roadholding manner than you are used to...BEWARE, if you need to make a sudden MEM (Moose-Evasion-Manoevre)! I suggest you keep your rock sample collection to small ones and stash them down low, like under the seats, while keeping your low-mass luggage up top! Have a great trip!...it may be slightly out of your way, but suggest you don't miss the Black Hills of South Dakota!

Aug 1st, 2011, 12:09	#4
Derek UK VOC Member Last Online: Yesterday 18:09 Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Chatham	+1 to all that Ron has said. It's probably a bit late in the day to be thinking about putting on a set of rails from a modern car as the roof is a little flexi in places. You'll likely need 2-3 cross braces between the roof and the lining to bolt through. Means lining out etc. I've seen pics, unfortunately not on line of a pair added to a Dutch wagon which I think came from a VW Passat or an Audi wagon. Looked very neat and not out of place. If the spacing is perfect you can use all of the related accesories. The wagon has a place to allow the spare wheel to be fitted upright against the rear side panel on the driver's (LHD) side. Actually for an extra wheel to allow a pair of snow tyres to be carried. I think it's only uses a hook bolt. If your spare is put there you're left with a good size compartment for your rocks if you put a protective layer of plywood on top of the tank. Have a great trip. Tales from the road ,and pics, will be expected!

Aug 1st, 2011, 12:11	#5
Quarterless Master Member Last Online: Jan 3rd, 2024 19:13 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Essex	I would think that direct roof mounted rails with that kind of weight might bend the roof. Gutter mounts seem a much better idea as the weight transfer will be distributed down the pillars.

Aug 2nd, 2011, 04:09	#7
asneddon Master Member Last Online: Nov 29th, 2021 23:46 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Dunedin	I have used the Thule (sp?) ones for years on the gutter of my Range Rover with no issues. I have 4 little bits of leather I put between the clamps and the gutters though. The pads that sit on the roof have nice wide rubber bases. The clamps are painted with a sort of rubberised paint, but I wouldnt trust that 100% These roof racks carry two sea kayaks and related crap with no issue.

Aug 2nd, 2011, 06:21	#8
widget New Member Last Online: Aug 23rd, 2011 03:32 Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: US - Minnesota	Just throwing this out, but can't you get a hitch for these cars? Maybe a hitch and a small trailer for your rocks? I kind of doubt anyone would steal rocks from a trailer while your sleeping in a hotel or whatever. Just a thought. Carry on. =)

Aug 2nd, 2011, 06:37	#9
Volvo Canadian Bury me in my Volvo Last Online: Oct 18th, 2017 23:16 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Calgary (again!)	Thanks - all-good! I'll go with the sills, some extra padding, and I like the idea of commandeering (sp?) the wheel-well for storage of at least some of said rocks - I wanted to get them out of the way, and thought "up" instead of "down" which makes a lot more sense. So, Derek, a little more detail on the "place" to put the spare wheel... It took me awhile to figure-out you meant INSIDE the car - hahahaha. Yeah, I can imagine a few good shots of the car at various places will find their way on here. I'm actually moving down to NY to get a PhD in education, but I've also agreed to teach a few courses in earth sciences and chemistry at a private school nearby. I'll be using the school as one place where I can do research. The idea of a geological tour seemed pretty apt, as I'm a big rock-lover (my current job is drilling oil wells and involves examining rock-cuttings), so it would be a shame to miss the opportunity since I have to do the drive anyway. Mitch, I'd love to sit-down with your friend after the trip.

Aug 2nd, 2011, 06:48	#10
Volvo Canadian Bury me in my Volvo Last Online: Oct 18th, 2017 23:16 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Calgary (again!)	Hey Widget, You must have posted while I was writing mine. That is a goood idea, but I won't have any time, I don't think - darn! A nice cool little trailer to match the car. I've only concocted this idea in the last few weeks, after thinking about what I wanted to do on the trip. After making the decision, I contacted a Geo friend about it, and he suggested a great book, basically about a guy who travels across the country with different Geos. The book won a Pulitzer prize even.... Back to reading - its 700 pages.

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