Got the Mini roof box for my Royal Gray ALL4. Works out pretty good.


And without the box.

 

soon (hopefully) to be owner of All4 Countryman...

I can't seem to find this answer anywhere...but from reading this forum it seems that so far the only way to get roof attachments is to purchase the factory roof system/cross bars (until Thule or Yakima comes up with another idea). However, after purchasing the factory options, will i be able to us either Thule or Yakima options (like roof basket and or bike racks)? I vaguely remember when buying my last roof system that Yakima asked if my current set up had round or square bars.

If i can use other attachments, are the factory rails round or square (i will be buying the Countryman pretty much sight unseen do to living so far from dealership)

Thanks in advance!

 

[QUOTE=OneTraveler;3223124]soon (hopefully) to be owner of All4 Countryman...

I can't seem to find this answer anywhere...but from reading this forum it seems that so far the only way to get roof attachments is to purchase the factory roof system/cross bars (until Thule or Yakima comes up with another idea). However, after purchasing the factory options, will i be able to us either Thule or Yakima options (like roof basket and or bike racks)? I vaguely remember when buying my last roof system that Yakima asked if my current set up had round or square bars.

If i can use other attachments, are the factory rails round or square (i will be buying the Countryman pretty much sight unseen do to living so far from dealership)


I looked at the Mini rack yesterday at the dealer. The bars are neither round nor square - I'm guessing the more universal mounts will work with either system. I want to wait for a real fit from Thule or Yakima, but they don't seem to be forthcoming. Does Mini have a deal with the rack manufacturers to keep them from updating their fits?

 

In looking at the two, I think Thule attachments will work with the MINI bars. My kayak shop is getting in the Stacker 830 for me to test fit. Let you know. If you look on the Thule site under watercraft you can see a large image of how it fits. Spare parts also gives good information. If the shop can't get it in I am going to order on-line. I can always sent it back.

Bill

 

Yes! Please! Keep me posted where I live i have nothing for comparisons and will be at the mercy of on-line information (and a Kayak rack will be one of the future purchases for the CM). THANK YOU!!

M

 

I have used Thule bike attachments for years. Just recently switched to rockymounts.com. Work on some minis. Hope to fit them on the cm's rack.

 

Here are some pictures to try to assist people with the rack systems.

Rail Profile

Cross section of the OEM Rail

Foot from side

Foot From Below

This is the clamp on my Thule Cargo Box. I used it last weekend and was up at 95 MPH with no problems . Creates some extra wind noise and reduces mpg by 3-5.
Ascent 1500

 

I'm using Yakima Forklift bike holders without any problems on the MINI bars. The MINI bars are less oval and more square than my wife's Highlander's bars, so the clamps have to be widened quite a bit, but they work well.

Can't help with other accessories, but my Thule box should work well.

 

I emailed Thule to find out if they had started working on rail grabs, etc for the Countryman. Here is the email I received today. However, the foot pack doesn't appear to be a rail grab system. It looks like it's for a car without the rails. I'm sending a response back to them asking about a rail grab option.

MINI Cooper Countryman with Flush Side Rails 2011


The fit for this vehicle is:

New:

1- Foot Pack 460 or option #2 460R
2- KIT 4020 (kit in stock now)
3- BARS LB50 or option #2 RB47
4- LOCKS 544

One of each of the above components will give you a complete roof rack. THE OPTION #2 IS OUR NEW OVAL BAR ROOF RACK.

Please consult our web site at www.thule.com for the products discussed.

 

Thats good hoping to get my Fat Cat 6 on with mighty mounts, without problem. I hate any other ski/snow board rack (always too high) including the Mini one. The mighty mounts on the Yak racks don't usually have any problems fitting any factory bar, no matter shape.

 

So far - every Yakima and Thule accessory fits the OEM rails.
I had a Thule cartop bicycle carrier on, I have a Yakima Rocketbox 15s rooftop cargo box, and my old style Thule Kayak Pads also fit.
I spent an hour at a local "vehicle accessory" shop and we tried EVERYTHING they had on for size. No issues. Yakima and Thule.

 

I am new to roof accessories so bear with me. Do any of these require ordering with the car (factory)? Assuming no; is there an advantage to buying the Mini accessories? I see price is much higher from Mini and I do not like the white color of the cargo box.

 

- Require, no, in fact even if you order them with the vehicle you would probably not get them till the car is at the dealership (or the VDC at the very earliest).

- No advantage to buying Mini accessories, aside from the Mini logo, and that you know they will fit. In most cases your over paying for a similar or even inferior accessory. Most Yakima and Thule accessories have universal fitment feet, or available.

- I do find an advantage to the actual Mini roof rack itself, your not going to find one that fits the vehicle as well, even if it is a bit over priced. But you may find you like the features of the Yakima or Thule racks better.

 

Is there any way or place to get a deal on the Mini accessories? I see the website lists the price at $251 for the rails plus $547 for the box. Are there online sellers with the real Mini accessories at discounted price; even if it is a small discount?

I am thinking about buying the Mini Rails but then a Yakima Rocketbox 15s cargo box. I found the Rocketbox 15s for about $300 delivered online.

Comparison:
Mini Box:350litres,weight is 16kg, size 1900x630X360MM 74.8"x24.8"x14.2" 12.4 cu ft 35 lbs
Rocketbox 15s : 58” x 38” x 15” 15 cu ft 35 lbs

Yakima is shorter, wider, little taller, little more roomy and MUCH cheaper at approx $315 online compared to Mini box at $499-$547 online/dealership.

 

To miniwpbear

Have u tried a local vehicle accessories shop?
I got my Rocketbox 15s for $215 locally.

 

That is a good price. I will look around. I am in Columbus GA (moved here less than a year ago) and it is not the largest city. Sometimes there is not competition so they do not deal on price. That would be great to find it for $215 so I will definitely keep looking.

 

Interesting, that the exact same foot as the old racks I have in my basement for my wifes previous E91 BMW. I think I'll take a hacksaw to them to fit on my CM when she arrives i 6.5 weeks. They fit all the Thule accessories.

 

Just Want to make sure this is the one pictured here. Also which antenna will fit with this box installed?

http://www.amazon.com/Yakima-SkyBox-...2217955&sr=8-1

http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/pr...629150.2624949

http://www.yakima.com/shop/cargo/sky...ries/skybox-16

 

Yes, it is the Skybox - 16 as you have a link to. It fits with the OEM antenna just pushed back a little bit by the box.

 

Does the boot/trunk hatch open all the way without touching the box? What are the opinions between rocket box 15s or sky box 16 on the Countryman?

 

BTW, Thule just posted the rack system on their site for the Countryman

Here are the instructions:
http://www.thule.com/~/media/Product...36/184020.ashx

 

So I'm leaning towards getting the OEM rails and then either Thule or Yakima accessories (i've owned both and can go either way...no issues). Anyone with the rails know the dimensions? Seen a few through searches, but they seem to disagree when it comes to the width. Thanks!

Also, what are opinions on Thule or Yak rail attachments instead of OEM? Fit as well to the rail? Better?

 

Would the Thule square bars or the aero bars be quieter? I imagine the newer areo bars but wanted to check if any one had experience....

 

I want to thank OregonMountainMan for this pic. I just received my Skybox 16s and Mini Rails from Amazon and was shocked at how big the box is. Without this picture I would not believe it would fit on the CM. I hope to pickup my CM on May 1 or 2 so this picture gave me some relief to know I bought the correct stuff.

 

Today I installed the Mini factory bars and the Yakima Skybox 16s.

The Mini user manual for the bars says the bars are supposed to be 260mm from the front on the rail and then 705mm between front and rear bar. I followed this and the Skybox 16s only allowed the trunk to open by a thin thread, pretty much pinching the antenna between the box and rear spoiler.

So I moved the front bar to be 230mm (instead of 260mm) from front and made the distance between bars 770mm instead of 705mm.

I test drove the box empty at speeds up to 75 mph and it was solid and no wind noise.

Am I okay with these measurements? Interested to see what dimensions OregonMountainMan used since we have the same setup.