Quick plug: OEM Roof Rack

[GPPBronco]

Just a quick plug for the much-maligned OEM rack, which I have outfitted with the Yakima platform (both purchased used this spring).

Two trips - Ontario, CAN and Outer Banks, NC. We have a cargo bag that we hold in place with lashing straps. Holds a very large wheeled piece of luggage, two carry-on size and two duffels. I haven’t weighed everything, but I think the total load (not including the platform) is at about 120 lbs.

We’re careful when loading and strapping it down, to make sure the load is evenly distributed and nothing can/will shift.

This setup has traveled on a mix of expressway, stop and go city traffic; winding mountain roads; easy-moderate trails. Performed flawlessly, other than some expected wind noise.

I had purposely avoided a rack or mounting anything on the roof, to protect the fragile MItop. But then the hairline cracks showed up at 38k, just out of warranty. And I said F it, I’m gonna use this thing.

These summer road trips were a test. It confirms this setup works and now I’m more comfortable paying some money to get the top professionally coated with bedliner.

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[Smocaine]

I like the OEM rack a lot. It does the job, and more importantly, it looks good. When the sun is low and behind, the shadows look like little devil horns.
I can't stand the laser-cut Erector sets most "overland" brands peddle.

 

[GPPBronco]

Haha. Never noticed the devils horns but will have to pay better attention.

Thanks for the reply. When I was researching this topic there was a surprisingly limited number of discussions happening on B6G that talked about real-world use.
Would be interested in seeing what you (and others) are mph ting on their OEM racks. As well as real-world experience, problems/issues, etc.

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