Hi Everyone! I just wanted to take a quick poll of the local group and see who has a non-OEM roof rack. I have found two different styles and am trying to decide which would be best.

Thule Roof Rack: http://www.minicarparts.net/Parts/M3050.cfm
-or-
Mont Blanc Roof Rack: http://www.mossmini.com/Shop/ViewPro...eIndexID=40225 (and I think this is the same): http://www.prolineracks.com/mont-bla...oper-rack.html

I basically need the roof rack to support poles for my medievel-style tent. I just got divorced, and the ex had the SUV we used to use for these trips to transport the tent, so I never had to worry about transporting them in my MINI. So I'll basically need to throw about 10 5' poles on the roof, and this seems like my best option. I imagine it will create quite a sight!

So please let me know:
(1) Anyone have experience with either of these styles? Did I miss other options?
(2) Any experience with ordering from any of the three company websites above?
(3) Does anyone have one for sale?
(4) Would anyone consider renting one to me for the first week in August so I can make sure it is a worthwhile investment?

Thanks - I would much appreciate the feedback!

 

Are you doing the Renn Fest in Crownsville? I live nearby, and might be able to help with the poles if you don't find a roof rack that you like.
Ed

 

Nope, sorry I will be going to Northwestern Pennsylvania for a little over a week in early August for something similar though. I appreciate the offer of help!

 

Just stick them out the sun roof! That way you'll look like you're driving some sort of war chariot!

In reality for the $200-$300 you'll spend on the rack wouldn't it be easier to find some other way? Are they big thick wooden tent polls, or are they metal tent poles?

 

I am interested to see the responses you get... I've been seriously considering the Thule rack for my bikes, based on their quality reputation.

Both

 

They are basically very long 2x4s. I don't have a picture of my tent, but I found a similar one online (mine is not as big, though): http://www.spencersmercantile.com/te...ges/tent22.jpg

And besides, with the divorce I've lost my SUV abilities, so a roof rack would probably come in quite handy. I've already had to grit my teeth several times and ask to borrow friend's larger vehicles for Ikea trips, etc.

 

Perhaps a dumb question. But are the roof racks mentioned above better quality than the racks you can purchase through a mini dealership? The price is about the same. I'm waiting on the construction of a mini and have requested roof racks. I can cancel them, I assume, if the ones mentioned above are significantly better.

 

Tom- I'm interested in the overall quality question myself.

But I can tell you that the big difference between factory and aftermarket racks is that the factory rack requires holes to be drilled into the roof while the aftermarket clamp on and can be removed. The factory can be removed but they have little covers to replace the holes left there.

The aftermarket tend to be more expensive, but the factory requires expensive installation that puts the pricing closer together. That is, of course, unless you don't mind drilling holes in your roof yourself; then the factory is cheaper.

 

Thanks id. That pretty much settles the issue for me. Definitely don't want holes drilled in my roof and I do want to remove the racks when not in use.

 

Yep, removing the rack when not in use should save on gas mileage, but I have been told that they can put "rub marks" on your paint job. I've seen some threads online here on how to minimize potential damage. So the dealer installed version could be appealing to you as well.

Also - I've heard that the removable ones will carry less weight than the more sturdy permanent (drilled) roof racks.

Personally, I think I'm leaning towards the Thule rack because they have a special "lumber" attachment that will probably work great to hold my tent poles.

 

I just bought the Thule rack...from the exact retailer in the very first post. Have not gotten the rack yet, but I will give an update soon.

I figure it might leave some rub marks, but those could most likely be buffed out with a very small grain compound followed by a nice wax. Furthermore, I plan on removing the rack when not in use.

 

I have been looking for a rack system myself too. I looked on ORS Racks Direct and saw they had used ones for sale. I had to email them to see what was availible. They wrote back and they did not have any. They did give me a 10% coupon code to use with there already discounted price for the Yakima Rack System that fits the Mini. The web site for the racks is http://www.orsracksdirect.com/yakima...rack-0124.html. The coupon code is EXTRA10 all one word. The completes set came out to be 214 with free shipping. If anyone knows of a better deal than this please let me know soon. Good Luck

 

I just ordered the Thule system from MiniCarParts.com this morning as well, and also the Thule Load stops from Proline Products to secure the poles (lumber). I went with the Thule because they seemed to have the most accessories, so hopefully it was a good decision. And I liked MiniCarParts.com because they specialized in MINIs, so instead of trying to wonder if I got the right rack system, they had it all planned out for my car (all the parts and accessories in one package).

Hopefully both mcnamaraz and myself can provide some commentary to other MINI owners in the area when the roof rack systems arrive...

 

I'm awaiting my shipment...pretty excited. Now I can tool around with both of my bikes ON my car. How sweet is that going to be!?!?

 

Props to both MINICarParts.net and Prolineracks.com for excellent customer service! I placed my order with both suppliers on Monday, and the roof rack plus accessories will be arriving tomorrow (Wednesday - and I selected basic ground shipping from both!).

I was a little worried since I didn't know much about the vendors (am used to being able to view "feedback" on eBay!) but I have to say - that is some outstanding order fulfillment, shipping and delivery times! Nearly beats my amazon.com purchases!

 

I got my rack and plan on installing it tonight and into tommorow if need be. I have to wash my car first though. Dont want any residue/grit on the roof before the install. I'll post some pics once its on.

 

I have the Mont Blanc (from Proline) for carrying my 16'6' kayak. Once you figure out how to put it on the first time it's not difficult. The only thing I don't like is I have a full roof graphic and have seen "footprints" in the vinyl when I take it off. So far those have popped out in the hot Texas sun.

 

Somewhat related since this is an on going thread about roof racks - my recently purchased 2005 MCS came with the factory roof racks installed (good) and a single bike rack (not so good). The bike rack was damaged, and I don't do a lot of biking, so I figured I could take it off. Problem - the car didn't come with keys for the bike rack. Any suggestions on how to get this off? It's not the factory bike rack as far as I can tel, and I can't see a manufacturer's name on it? Drill out the lock core?

 

Tom said he was ordering a new MINI. The R56 does not require drilling holes. Tom, I did a quick search and found this thread:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ight=roofracks
Your point about the holes is a good one though because I am sure a number of people reading the thread have a Gen 1 (R50/R53) MINI which required holes be drilled into the skin at a specific point. I have not heard of any one that purchased a factory rack and had it properly installed have problems with leaks.

Back to topic. I have always used Yakama racks on my other cars. I did not purchas one for the MINI as I was not sure I liked how it mounted. At the five MINIs on the Dragon events that I attended, people who used a Mont Blank system seemed happy with it. At one point they were a little hard to come by.

 

Finished installing my Thule rack that I bought here:

http://www.minicarparts.net/Parts/M3050.cfm

Everything worked out great. It was a bit harder to put together and install than I had suspected. Took me about 4 hours total for the install. Used the rack the next day, and it works great. As stated before, my only concern is damage to the roof exterior/paint. However, from what I have read, the marks left are easily removed with little wax and some elbow grease. I will post some pics later.

 

I think that's the only way to get the locks off...to drill them out. I would call the manufacturer or go to a specialty rack store, such as Rack Attack, and see if they can help. I would caution against this as you might damage the rack. Maybe the manufacturer can send a "skeleton key."

 

If it is a Thule rack, I just ordered the lock set for mine which comes with a master/change key. However, from using change keys on desk locks in the office, I think they only work if the lock is in the "open" position.

If you are local or going to any DCMM events, I'd be happy to let you try it out. I'm in Herndon, and will also be going to the run on Sunday.

 

Thanks for the advice - I am pretty sure it's not a Thule rack - I can't see a manufacturer's name anywhere on it at all (and I assume Thule or Yakima would at least have something on it indicating the brand). I am going to mess around with it this weekend - there are several hex bolts that may allow me to get to the core areas to disassemble the rack - and if that doesn't work, a drill and a hack saw should do it

 

Finally took some time and got the bike rack off - was able to wiggle the head part off the roof rack without resorting to drilling the lock core out Still no idea who the manufacturer was of this thing - I swear there is not any indication on there. But whatever - at least my spoiler isn't hitting the rack anymore. Thanks to all for the suggestions!

 

Well, I have to say my Thule roof rack worked very well. The initial install was a pain in the @&!!*, but once done, it only takes a matter of moments to take it off, or to put it back on the roof.

I'm really glad I ordered it, and I feel it has worked exceptionally well and feels very secure. I've used it a few times over the last month, but here are pictures from last week - the main reason I purchased it. It held four 2x6 boards that were nearly 11' in length, as well as a 10' section of galvanized steel pipe (split in two), 2 sections of 10' aluminum conduit, and an oriental rug (I know, strange set of things to have on a roof rack - I have odd hobbies).

I highly recommend the Thule roof rack system to anyone looking to add temporary stowing/carrying capacity to their MINI!