So I dont fancy drilling holes into my new (to me) Royal Gray R53 so I want to choose between these two brands - Thule and Yakima.

Can anyone give insight to their experience with either or both. Right now I have been priced the following:

Thule 754 w/ R53 kit and hardware
5 locks 1 key
Thule Echelon (for one road bike)
Shipping

Total: 395$

Thanks,
Phil

 

i have the yakima Q towers, fit great after i realized i need the clips under the rain gutter, while i think the thule goes around the gutter

 

What made you go with Yakima instead of Thule? I dont really like how Thule recommends an additional brace for the R53.

 

I just installed the Mont Blanc MB-3000-MC rack on my 2006 R53 and I'm very happy with it. You can pick it up for $259 + shipping at prolineracks.com. I've used Yakima in the past on other cars but always found them on the expensive side. I already had RockyMounts bike holders and an Inno fairing - all of which fit perfectly on the Mont Blanc. Installation was pretty easy and I purchased some of the clearbra material to go under the roof mounts.

 

R53inBRG - did you install that additional brace that comes with the kit? What do you haul around? For me it would be a couple of road bikes.

 

Yes, I did. You really don't have any choice as the rear pads just sit on the roof and don't attach to the gutter. When I first saw the rack on line I though it was odd, but having now installed it the side rails and third mount make perfect sense. It allows for a secure attachment with the horizontal rails still separated far enough apart front to back. Hope that makes sense. I use it for road bikes also, so weight was not really an issue. After setting the rack up on the car I pulled as hard as I could on the rack at various places and it didn't move at all. Seeing it on the car the third leg really doesn't look out of place.

 

R53inBRG - If you have a picture could you put it up here?

 

I don't have one on hand, but I'll see if I can take one after work today and post it.

 

Here are some phone pics of the Mont Blanc on the car.

 

I bought that rack used off this site...how did you decide how far forward or back to place them? Also those plastic nuts that you crank down really throw me off...I was thinking of using some steel nuts that I got at Home Depot...thoughts?

 

They give you specific measurements in the directions for placement. I have the instructions in the garage, maybe I can scan them and provide a PDF of the critical pages. I had no issues with the installation using the hardware that came with the rack, so I don't see any reason to replace any items.

 

Here are some attached PDF's that show where the bars should be placed for the Mont Blanc.

 

R53inBRG, how do you like your rack? Does it lock? How sturdy is it once installed? Also, is there a listed weight limit for the rack?
The reason for so many questions is that I am looking for a roof rack for my r53 and I am considering the Mont Blanc one.

 

I like the rack so far, only had it on the car for a couple of weeks. It seems very sturdy and nothing moves or rattles. It does not come with locks, but I think you can buy them as an accessory. To be honest, it would not be easy to remove quickly with the way the clamps work. I have locks for the bike carrier to the rack and for the bike itself to the carrier. I think the max capacity is 165 lbs. With the Inno fairing it is also pretty quiet.

 

I have a Thule one on my R50, works fine, never had any trouble carrying two bikes.

 

R53inBRG - thanks for the pics! It does make it an option on price alone.

VittorioS - It does not look like you have the support section on your rack?

 

I don't think it needs one?

It didn't come with one at least. I have the Thule 400XT.

 

I have Yakima Q Towers and have no issues. Once you get the placement right for where the clips slide under the rain gutter install is super easy. You can get the measurements on the Yakima website. Bought all mine on ebay and here in this site, saved a ton of money that way. I have 2 bike racks on mine and a 38" wind deflector and I couldn't be happier.

 

heres my Qtowers

 

I have a Thule on my R53 and it does not require an additional support bracket. Mine holds both my road bikes as well as hauls my mountain bikes when needed. Super sturdy and fairly easy to install.

 

If you guys could give me the part number for the parts needed for the Thule and Yakima it would be GREATLY appreciated!

Or if you could direct me to the best place to pick up a system. The system I was looking at above ended up being used more than I liked and also the price was not as advertised. I just dont want to get into a deal and then figure out I need to spend 100-300 more than I needed. Making me wish I would have bought a new rack instead. Not opposed to a new rack either. Just looking to see what makes the best sense.

 

the Qtower system, any base rack with clips Q83 (FRONT) and Q116 (REAR)

 

What size bars did you use? 48' okay?

 

i can measure, since i got them for free, i would imagine its those or the 50'' since the system came off a corolla

 

Corolla should be 48" - I am on the hunt now for some extra parts I need to complete the kit I picked up.