Hi all, I wanted to make a poll for this but couldn't find an option to do so.

My question is which roof rack people use on their Mini for skis. I used to have a Thule rack on my Impreza, so if the fit isn't bad, that would be my cheapest option (I have the bars and ski attachment). Otherwise, the other racks I'm considering are the Yakima rack or the Mont Blanc rack.

From what I've read in other posts the MB rack would be my first choice, but it is also the most expensive.

Of the 3 listed, which do you use and what is your impression?

 

Thule on mine. Carry 2 bikes or 1 bike and ski's. Bought the Thule fit kit for the MINI and used all of my existing Thule stuff.

I think the factory rack would be stronger but I haven't had any problems with the Thule and what I use it for.

Rockymt98

 

Factory rack is rated to hold over 150 pounds but has the drawback that holes must be drilled in the roof to attach it. I went with the factory rack because I believed it to be the most secure rack for carrying serious loads.

Lots of people have good luck with aftermarket racks but I was wary of attaching to the somewhat flimsy rain gutters and setting weight on the thin sheet metal of the roof.

Here's a photo of the factory rack in use!

 

I've got the factory rack, but use a Thule Flat Top 6 ski / snowboard carrier with it. The Thules catalog will tell you that the Flat Top doesn't fit the MINI facotry rack, but it does with a little bit of ingenuity (search for a thread on how to use the Flat Top with the factory rack).

 

Thanks for all of the replies I'm not so sure I want to drill holes in my roof, as I only really use a rack in the winter. So something that I can take off come summertime is more of what I'm after.

For the Thule rack, are there any issues with opening the sunroof? I remember reading that both the Mont Blanc and the Yakima rack clear the sunroof when opened.

 

We've had the OEM rack on 2 MINIs now. Totally love it. You can take it off in seconds and the bolts are covered up by a sliding cover - same color as the roof. We've not had one issue with it.... :smile:

Donna