I need info/help/opinions on a roof rack

[Stray_Bullit]

August 1st I am loading up my Ford Explorer Sport-Trac with three friends and four bikes. We are heading to Northstar! I have one of those Dakine pads for my truck so the bikes will sit like this-


Ok, so with four guys and four bikes, that doesn't leave a lot of room for luggage etc. I was thinking about getting or renting something like this-


However, these things cost around $575.00!! YIKES! What are my other options? What have you folks done in this situation? Can these be rented? Anyone have one that I can borrow? Any ideas?

HELP!

[live_in_hilo@yahoo.com]

do you really need luggage?

[Stray_Bullit]

Originally Posted by live_in_hilo@yahoo.com

do you really need luggage?

I mean, not really ... It's only four days of riding in sweaty DH gear. I mean we would be pretty freakin' ripe after two days for sure. Besides Dogboy sweats a lot. LOL

FOUR DAYS AT NORTHSTAR! I CAN'T WAIT!

[live_in_hilo@yahoo.com]

damn, i already wish i could go again and i didnt even get there yet. maybe ill buy my wife something extrodinary and convince her to let me go again. if that miracle happens id have and extra seat for one person and luggage. let me get busy praying......

[downhiller91]

take off the front wheels and put the 20mm thru the luggage handles ...lol.j/k
just pack tight what each of you would have like a bag or two each small ones up front strap down the big ones in back with like a ratchet strap or a net or something

[mfoga]

Why not get something like these instead?

http://yakima.com/racks/cargo/luggage-racks.aspx

[Kaboom]

The SkyBox will be cheaper than the SkyBox Pro, which you have pictures of there. The SkyBox 16 goes for about $420.00. Or a cargo bag.

[ryandood]

You should be able to find something similar on CL for much less, just an option.

[chadster]

Originally Posted by mfoga

Why not get something like these instead?

http://yakima.com/racks/cargo/luggage-racks.aspx

+1 for the cargo bag. Have one for my Jeep Cherokee and love it. Inexpensive, holds a lot, and folds up into a small package that can be tucked away anywhere. For occasional use, I find it much better than a bulky and expensive hard shell roof topper. Shop around you should be able to find something good for $100 or so.

[nomadFF]

I think you can rent those things from REI, you used to anyways. Those rooftop bags work pretty good too.

[Kaboom]

Originally Posted by nomadFF

I think you can rent those things from REI, you used to anyways. Those rooftop bags work pretty good too.

You can get those Yakima bags at REI or Sport Chalet.

[Stray_Bullit]

Originally Posted by Kaboom

You can get those Yakima bags at REI or Sport Chalet.

I am going to check it out this weekend, thanks for the help everyone!

[OldDogDan]

All your friends will have their gear in duffle or gym bags etc. Just throw them on top and secure a Yakima net (~$30) over them to your rack.

http://www.yakima.com/racks/cargo/pr...retch-net.aspx

If the hooks don't fit your factory rack well (they don't on my 4Runner), just make some small loops of 1/2" nylon webbing to put on your rack and hook 'em too.

[mtb_prodigy]

Ill build youu a heavy wooden one for 100 bucks. Not joking.


We can then use tiedowns to tie it down.


Ill even sand it down and paint it for you too.

[DISCO]

Yo, I got your back son; Back when K-mart was closing They were blowing out all kinds of duffel bags and shit. I got one that is like the size of a raft and fits about a two bodies, three with a saw. Anyway it's just chilling the garage waiting out the funk in my trunk. It zippers up and has some mean straps.





I got mine for $5 bucks, and it still works every time I move. You can probably find one for less than it would cost to drive over here, mammoth sounds dope.

[wheel slayer]

I'm willing to put the stuff in trash bags, piling it high ,and tying it down with ropes. We're talking Oklahoma style. 33 days and counting. YEE HAA!!!

[new2mtb]

why can't u just put the gear beside the bikes on the bed. There's still plenty of space there..

[hoovermd]

Originally Posted by Stray_Bullit

Ok, so with four guys and four bikes, that doesn't leave a lot of room for luggage etc

Dude, you said four guys right?
How much luggage will there be?

Not counting a small bag of gear for the bike helmets, shinguards etc (put these in a trash bag in the bed) everything else should fit in back of the seat in your truck.

Unless of course one of the doods needs to bring 5 pairs of shoes for each day

[SheDevil]

Drive that Ridgeline....it has a trunk....problem solved.

[kanji]

Originally Posted by SheDevil

Drive that Ridgeline....it has a trunk....problem solved.

Is it possible to have the bikes like that on the ridgeline's tailgate? Plus, the Ridgeline has enough space to put all your bike equipment under the rear passenger seat storage.