Has anybody used the OEM racks for surfboards? They work alright?

If not which racks have you used?

Thanks

 

I'd love to hear the response on this one too. The new OEM Rack seems like a nice option now that they don't require the holes in the roof.

 

Agreed with the no holes!

 

i use the MINI roof rack + a thule sidearm for my bike. The factory rack is VERY solid and looks very sleek. I would actually consider leaving it on year round but its easy enough to mount and dismount.

 

Well I actually will be getting another bike soon so will need a bike rack too... Do you like the thule sidearm? I thought about getting something that locks the fork into the rack rather than keeping both tires on... Not sure which is the better way to go.

You ride road or mtb?

 

i have an '03 and have used the racks periodically when my p/u truck is out of commission. just this past weekend i used my mini to carry my sup board, all 10'6 x 30" x 4.5" of it, on the freeway too. just used the flat luggage style straps to tie it down firmly. of course, it's not the easiest or quickest to mount and dismount, but probably about 3 minutes to tie up firmly and 1 minute to take down.

i know there's a surfboard accessory that is much quicker to lock down, requiring just a click and snap and off you go. but don't think it's wide enuf for a sup board.

i've also seen other minis with kayaks strapped down. so the rack itself is quite solid. but this is the older, screw-thru-the-roof style racks, rated at ~75 lbs capacity. not sure about the newer style.

 

The OEM Rack is great, very solid and has the highest weight capacity of anything out there. I use mine with a Thule 15 cubic ft cargo box. I think the new rack is rated at 180lbs. Highly recommended.

 

So with the OEM rack you can strap down a Thule bike rack or Yakima rack?

 

Have you removed it? How hard is removal and re-installation? I've heard mixed feelings on the subject.