Factory Roof Rack ... Fail! |
![]() |
Sunday, 07 September 2014 22:48 |
One of the fun parts of the trips we take is that we get to beat up on equipment. In the past we've broken rods, electronics, mounts, and records. Our recent trip to Kodiak was no exception. Thud! We had just bounced over a speedbump in the parking lot of a state park. "Whoops!", Rudy said, as the kayak bounced on the rack above. Nothing appeared broken and we continued on without a concern. Later that evening as we were heading down the highway, we heard a noise on the roof. In the side view mirror I spotted a triangular black object bouncing down the road behind us. We pulled oven, then doubled back to check what it was, not having the slightest clue that we had just broken the factory roof rack of a Ford Explorer. The racks we had set up consisted of a Yakima bar in the front, but due to not being able to get the correct foot in time for the trip, the factory rack was used in the rear. Two Hobie Outbacks were stacked on their sides on top of this. In hindsight, only the front factory rack was used and it was fairly close to the front Yakima rack. The relatively solid Yakima rack likely acted as a fulcrum, exerting extra pressure on the single factory rack. And with two Hobie Outbacks on the roof, we definitely exceeded the factory recommendations. It's rather impressive breaking a factory rack. Will we ever use factory racks again? Not likely!
|
Login
Newsletter
Also of Interest
Most Popular

The popular Ultimate fishing kayaks has received a facelift in both its 12 and 14.5 models. The Groove accessory mounting system that was launched last year on the Manta Ray...

Hobie Cat® Introduces the Hobie® Mirage® Pro Angler 12 Their Most Versatile Fishing Boat Ever Oceanside, California, April 15, 2012 – Advancing its vision for new heights in...

HOBIE eVolve powered by Torqeedo (Estimated availability - early November 2009)72021030 EVOLVE TORQEEDO MOTOR KIT Navigating a current-ripped bay… A...
Random

Diablo Paddlesports "Adios" Out on the water, we want to stand up and fish, and also sit down and paddle. And, sometimes, we want to do the opposite. We needed a watercraft that...

Go ahead, take a peek! The Peekaboo’s unique design includes a large viewing window so you can see underwater while you paddle. Perfect for family fun, the Peekaboo features a...

Easley, S.C. (August 6, 2008) – Wilderness Systems Tarpon, the ultimate, all-around, sit on top kayak series, receives a major redesign for the 2009 season. Every...