I have a '02 MC and am looking for the right kind of roof rack system to haul a kayak with. In searching the internet, I found a Mont Blanc system that, according to the info, would work on my roof.

Anyone with suggestions or experience? Thanks!

Chris
Dovermini

 

I was looking at the thule rapid system.
Footpack 750 + aero bar 861 + kit 1366 + SRA Adaptor 777 + lock 596,
hope this helps.

 

I have the Mont Blanc for my 06 and it works fine. I carry a Tempest 160 on it. They only thing I really don't like is the short saddle spread. Takes a little while to figure out how to put it on the first couple time you use it but after that it's not too bad. I bought an extra tow hook and use them for the front and rear tie downs. I asked about kayaks and MINIs on paddling.net before buying my MINI and got some good answers. I have had the MiniDoMore hitch installed for my SportsRig trailer. Has not been tested yet, I got rear ended (with on 5000mi on the car). Car is currently in the body shop.

Best price I found on the rack was here http://www.prolineracks.com/mont-bla...oper-rack.html

Before I got the second tow eye.
http://s189.photobucket.com/albums/z...t=IMGP0309.jpg


Christie

 

I went to a Thule dealer and they looked it up and advised that Thule, as well as Yakima, does not recommend any of their systems for the '02 MC and only for carrying a bike.

Really liked the pic of your Mini and Kayak - my kayak is only 13' (Ocean Kayak Prowler 13). Did you get the saddles from the Prolineracks website and were they an accessory to the Mont Blanc rack system or from another vendor? Will look into getting another tow hook - great idea!

Thanks to both of you for your help!

Chris
Dovermini

 

The saddles are Thules, what I had from my last setup. What I really want to get are these http://www.oakorchardcanoe.com/gullwing.php. With the gull wings I wouldn't to readjust the saddles if I carry a different kayak.
Christie

 

I went to the website link you gave and those Gull wings do look really good for the reason you gave. I wrote them an e-mail on their suggestions so will wait and see what they respond with. Thanks for the great information!!

Chris

 

I have a Yakima, and use it for bikes a lot, works great, and I've seen people put kayaks up there

 

Let me know if they say the gull wing will work on the Mont Blanc. It should since they say fits any Thule or Yakima rack and the Mont Blanc says any Thule accessory will fit the rack. I might have to get a set while they're on sale.
Christie

 

Go with the OEM.

 

Agreed! The OEM rack can hold 165 pounds and is really the best option for anything other than a lightweight bicycle.

I've carried my 16 foot sea kayak on my MINI rack with ease. Two tow hooks are great for attaching at either end of the car. . .

 

OEM requires drilling, I didn't like that idea...

I have a Barrecrafters (currently sold by Performance BIcycle, www.performancebike.com). With the right clips (I believe a 287 for the fronts, stock for the backs) it holds great and has transported 2 bikes on forkmounts without issue. It's an "on the roof" design with the attendant risks of al on-the-roof designs - over tightening is bad, can trap dirt underneath, etc... but my Mini is a "car" and so has to endure some hauling tasks!

 

That is the very reason I went with the Mont Blanc and not OEM.
Christie

 

Below is the reply I got back from Oak Orchard Canoe about the rack system they recommended as well as the additions like the Gull Wings. I am going to ask them if the Gull Wings can fit the Mont Blanc as they are a little bit cheaper. I agree with you and some of the others in that I don't like the idea of drilling in my roof. I'd rather have something I can take off and on.

Also, do you have to remove the rear attenae when you carry your kayak?


(Reply from Oak Orchard Canoe)
We can fit your Mini with a yakima bar and yakima clips.($259.95) Our Gull
Wing saddles are the greatest! ($89.95) plus the tie down straps and the
bow/stern tie down straps ($59.70) and we will include a set of hood loops
so we won't have the straps down over the hood to the under carriage. Real
nice, 2 to 4 minute tie down!

 

Depends on the kayak and if you mount it centered or off to the side. Recommend you do NOT simply "bend the antenna down" since they can break that way.

 

Get a stubby, that's what I did. If I did not load the kayak just right it would push against the antanae. The Prowler is much wider then my kayak, so my guess unless you use a J type carrier you will be hitting the antanae.

I tried calling Oak Orchard today to ask about the MB but Tuesday is the one day they are closed. :impatient
Christie

 

I called and talked to the people at the Oak Orchard business and they recommended the Yakima system over the Mont Blanc as the cross bars on the Yakimas extend past the side rails where they don't on the Mont Blanc. It probably doesn't make any difference on way or the other with that but I went with the Yaks. They did tell me that the Gull Wings work on the Mont Blancs. They were very informative and helpful. Thanks for all of your replies.

Chris

 

The roof rack for the R56 requires drilling to install? I thought it just clips in the little "cutouts" all ready on the car....?

EDIT: ooops. Scratch that, thought I was in the R56 forum.....