Just a friendly reminder to those with roof racks (especially rack virgins)...

AthruC · Dec 10, 2008

Be sure they are clamped to the metal frame and NOT the plastic trim piece that pops off!!! I saw a V70 driver the other week doubling back on the highway for his turtle

Enjoy the snow sports!

gradyjoseph · Dec 10, 2008

Re: Just a friendly reminder to those with roof racks (especially rack virgins)... (AthruC)

haha thanks for the tip. Ill remember that when I install my racks http://********************/smile/emthup.gif

AthruC · Dec 11, 2008

Re: Just a friendly reminder to those with roof racks (petew)

A "+1 http://********************/smile/emthup.gif" from petew - this is a great day.

Two bits worth mentioning on proper "form" -

1) when attaching the clamp, "unscrew" the knob almost all the way. This ensures that you will clear the metal tab. Then, when you push the 'hook' down, first push it towards the inside of the car as you push the knob/hook down all the way. After that, try to pull the 'hook' back towards you while you push the 'knob' towards the inside of the car, turning, turning, turning all the while.

2) if you have screwed the knob half-way and can keep going without it getting most impossible to turn, look at the plastic while you turn it - you more than likely missed the tab and are on a slippery slope (get it...) to losing your gear on the interstate. Start all over again from a fully-extended 'hook' until you get it right.

ktm_525 · Dec 11, 2008

Good advice. I think these racks are "idiot proof". Very easy to install and take off.

JAGMAN · Dec 11, 2008

Re: (ktm_525)

Also Good Advice:
Make sure the bikes are not on the roof when you drive into the garage. I did this once, thankfully not in the R.

05BruzaS60r · Dec 11, 2008

Re: (JAGMAN)

http://********************/smile/emthup.gif Good thread. I put my load bars and ski racks on sunday in a rush. After reading this thread, I checked today and the load bars were not clamped to the metal frame all the way around.

adigit · Dec 11, 2008

sort of related to the thread, i am getting ready to buy a rack for my R for my snowboards and bike since I sold my old ML320.

I did not buy mercedes factory bike and snowboard holders, but they worked fine.

Are Volvo factory racks that much better? or can I get away with just buying the load bars and use my current stuff?

AthruC · Dec 11, 2009

Re: (adigit)

'Tis the season' bump http://********************/smile/emthup.gif

dubcaps · Dec 11, 2009

Thanks for the info.

Needsdecaf · Dec 11, 2009

Re: Just a friendly reminder to those with roof racks (petew)

Quote, originally posted by petew »

+1 http://********************/smile/emthup.gif

it is very easy to think your clamp is secure on the metal tab --- but more often than not it's merely caught on the plastic trim piece...

when you tighten -- look to see if the trim piece is bending up -- if it is you will never get it tight-- you'll just be bending the plastic...

a properly engaged clip will tighten firmly, and the plastic will stay in place.

this takes some practice -- easy to get it wrong -- hard to get it right

Yup, just did this one 1 of the 4 myself the other day. I consider that a success.

chinaonnitrous1 · Dec 11, 2009

Make sure to tighten rack and twist accordingly!

Modified by chinaonnitrous1 at 9:07 PM 12-11-2009

tomedkaz · Dec 11, 2009

Re: Just a friendly reminder to those with roof racks (especially rack virgins)... (AthruC)

Good call; it's easy to make that mistake.
I always yank it every time I put my rack on...

btw, I put on my snowboarding gear yesterday....going to Hunter tomorrow! Fist time this season

chinaonnitrous1 · Dec 11, 2009

That Ferring, how does it help?

Reduce noise? or...?

850arrrsaylikepirate · Dec 11, 2009

Re: (chinaonnitrous1)

The fairing helps with wind noise mostly.

850arrrsaylikepirate · Dec 11, 2009

Re: (chinaonnitrous1)

Quote, originally posted by chinaonnitrous1 »

Nice store bought rack there.

tomedkaz · Dec 11, 2009

Re: (chinaonnitrous1)

The fairing doesnt really do much with a snowboard rack because you still have a huge chunk sticking up.

But, it helps a lot with the ski-rack. Also, it creates a funny feeling when the sunroof is open

...and it looks hot IMO

850arrrsaylikepirate · Dec 11, 2009

Re: (tomedkaz)

You forgot about, its an excellent place for stickers http://********************/smile/emthup.gif

tomedkaz · Dec 11, 2009

Re: (850arrrsaylikepirate)

Quote, originally posted by 850arrrsaylikepirate »

You forgot about, its an excellent place for stickers http://********************/smile/emthup.gif

agreed!
I dont put stickers on my caR

the fairing on the other hand...

Lightspeed · Dec 11, 2009

Re: (JAGMAN)

Quote, originally posted by JAGMAN »

Also Good Advice: Make sure the bikes are not on the roof when you drive into the garage. I did this once, thankfully not in the R.

Same here in my Passat wagon. http://********************/smile/emthdown.gif Thankfully not the R.

Ride R · Dec 11, 2009

Re: (tomedkaz)

Tom, we're heading up to Killington tonight let me know next time you go to Hunter!

Just a friendly reminder to those with roof racks (especially rack virgins)...

AthruC

gradyjoseph

AthruC

ktm_525

JAGMAN

05BruzaS60r

adigit

AthruC

dubcaps

Needsdecaf

chinaonnitrous1

tomedkaz

chinaonnitrous1

850arrrsaylikepirate

850arrrsaylikepirate

tomedkaz

850arrrsaylikepirate

tomedkaz

Lightspeed

Ride R

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