Saw this MINI S with a Thule topbox (not mine)..... do not over-tighten your racks. Also given a load limit of what, 75lbs?, and a topbox weight of around 30lbs, it's probably best to reserve topboxes for the factory racks.



BTW, I've seen Thule use actual MINIs inside ski shops to display and hold their products. The rack was pulling the plastic gutters up on those MINIs as well .

 

So, you think this is a common problem with these types of racks? I am trying to deside which rack to buy...I know the OEM rack is the strongest, but I just can't get past those black bumps on the top when not in use..

 

Just my guess, as I have the OEM rack...

With the above MCS, and the Thule display MCs I've seen, it looks like the racks are installed kind of permanently. So over time, and maybe with some hot sun, I think the gutters give, and need to be tightened, give a bit more, and need to be tightened a bit more.

So, if you just plan on using these rack temporarily, like a week at a time, and with lighter items, like a bike or skis, then I think you should be OK....

But I'll defer to someone else who actually uses these racks.

 

Well the Mont Blanc really is different in that the plastic coated metal angle goes around the plastic gutter and does not exert pressure as shown above.

 

I have a yakima rack that mounts similar to the thule, and nothing has been wrong with my gutters so far

 

I'm looking to get a cargo bag and be able to put some luggage up there as I have a Dog that refuses to stay home when we go to the beach or mountains....

 

I have the Thule rack and it made it through this ski season just fine. It is true though that you have to be careful not to overtighten.

The biger concern is the pads marked up my black roof. I did have the rack attached for months, however.

 

I also have the thule rack. You've got to find the point between where the rack doesn't move anymore and where it's overtight. I haven't seen anything like that first pic... though it's really scaring me now...

Also, I only put it on when I need it, so no extended stays to mar my white roof!

Edit: Wow, that was my first post apparently!

 

this is good info, i'll probably be purchasing a thule rack for my bike in a week or so.