2009 Ford Transit Connect with Thule Tracks and 430 Towers – Adjustable and Removable Crossbars!

Ford Transit with Thule Tracks and 430 Towers

Ford has really done it this time with the incredible Transit Connect.  With the popularity of the Dodge Sprinter van here in the NW this thing is going to be a hit with all the gearheads in the Gorge as well as a daily driver for the blue collar drivers.

Thule is producing the OEM rack that’s available through you local Ford Dealer.  As you can see Ford has already installed the nut inserts into the roof for attaching too.

Ford Transit Fixed Points

Fixed points are becoming more common on a lot of vehicles for a variety of reasons.  Only one downside – no adjust-ability.  The installation below was done for a customer carrying long kayaks – and it was important to them to have the bars spread further apart than what the fixed points allow.  This is one of a handful we’ve done so far – the Thule Tracks are approx 6′ long.

72" Thule Tracks

If you don’t know about Thule Tracks they are installed with blind fasteners from the outside of the vehicle and we install them on most everything!  The best part about them – they unlock and are easily removed and re-installed without issue.

Ford Transit with adjustable Thule Crossbars

Ford Transit with adjustable Thule Crossbars

Here are all the parts we used :

Thule Tracks 54″ (the 72″ tracks are only available at our locations)

Thule 430 Tracker II Towers

Thule 58″ Load Bars

Thule Tracker Kit #1

Thule Rack Locks

Thule Hullavator for Kayaks on Ford Transit

We would be amazed if you haven’t seen the Thule Hullavator as it’s been raved about for years.  Thule did an amazing job with this accessory and it was perfect for this Transit Customer with a long kayak they need some lifting assistance with.

Thule 897XT Hullavator (after you click the link – scroll down to watch the Hullavator Video)

For more expert rack tips on what would be best for your specific needs on your vehicle – give Rack Attack a call 1-888-399-7225 or EMAIL US.

and a last little tidbit of information - Curt Manufacturing has made a hitch for the Ford Transit.

2010 Ford Transit Connect All #12076

Rack Attack

So I hear that your kayak doesn’t fit in your pickup truck bed…

If you paddle a kayak and own a pickup truck, chances are good that your boat does not fit in your bed.  And if you don’t have a canopy to mount a rack to, you may feel like there is no hope.  Wrong!  We’ve got a great solution that is easy on/off, leaves your bed free to fill up with gear, and provides a great boat-carrying platform.

Pickup truck kayak rack

Before I tell you too much more about the rack, please excuse the clutter.  Remember, we’re a rack shop, not a photography studio.

Here’s what we have:  a mid-90’s Ford Ranger, extended cab, with a 2″ trailer hitch.  Here’s what we need:  a rack to carry up to two 17′ recreational boats.  Our solution, in this case, includes several Thule components–

430, TK14, locks, 58″ bar:  This gets us a crossbar over the cab.  In this case, to set the bar aft on the truck, we went with our custom mount (as opposed to a door-jamb clip fit).  The TK14 base allows us to simply unlock the 430 and remove it in 10 seconds or less when the rack is not in use.

Custom over-the-cab crossbar

Goalpost: This hitch mounted ‘T-bar’ uses a standard Thule Load Bar (58″) to provide a rack behind the truck.  It is height adjustable to accommodate different applications, and can easily be locked to the truck with the STL2.  The Goalpost does need a little bit of lateral support, which comes in the form of the blue straps you see that hook under the bumper.  A Yakima alternative would be the Drydock–same concept, but you get a ‘Y’ instead of a ‘T’, and the crossbar is sold separately.

Hitch connection

Kevin is working hard on that M-B in the distance

Rollmodel: This product is a combination of many classic kayak racks, including the Hydro Glide Saddle, the Set-to-Go Saddle, and the Rollercoaster.  These 3 components in one handy package!  The roller and glide saddle mount to the rear bar, allowing the user slide their boat forward from the rear bar.  The Set-to-Go Saddle, on the front bar, has a nice and adjustable rubber footprint that grips the boat hull gently yet firmly.

With this easy to use kayak rack, the owner of this Ford Ranger will have an easier time loading their kayaks, and still get the maximum utility out of their pickup truck.  If you have any questions, or are interested in setting this system up on your truck, don’t hesitate to contact us here at Rack Attack!

1.888.399.7225

www.rackattack.com

Dodge Fullsize Truck 1500, 2500 Roof Racks by Yakima or Thule – Factory Style! Very Nice.

Ram 2500 Thule Euro Pro Crossbars

Over the years customers have become more inclined to look for a rack system that would duplicate what would come on their vehicle from the factory (if an option was even offered).  The best option is a system offered from Yakima and Thule.   A flush mounted track that runs the length of the roof is always a better option than something clipped into the doors over the seals.   The installation is not as daunting as you might think – no pulling the headliner etc…..it’s all installed with blind fasteners from the outside of the vehicle (with some precautions of course – ie: like not drilling through your headliners)

Dodge 2500 Thule Tracks and 430 Towers

Super clean – nothing clipped into the doors – and the best part the bars can be unlocked and popped off in seconds (not that it will improve your mileage much without the bars:)

Thule 430 Towers and Tk#1

The clip on fits in the doors can sometime interfere with the doors closing correctly.  (keep in mind – the rack manufacturers have not control over the vehicle manufacturer tolerances – how tight or how loose the doors seal, etc)

Tight Door Clip Tolerances

Dodge 2500 Tracks Cab and Canopy

And if you plan ahead like most of our long time customers we can install Tracks on Both Cab and Canopy – You have full range and can detach and re-attach your bars where ever you want them!

Parts Needed:

Thule 430 Towers

Tracker Kit #1

Canopy Tracks Bolt Through

Cab Mounted Tracks Blind Fastener

Load Bars

Locks

For installation tips this or any other fit – give us a shout – 1.888.399.7225 or EMAIL US

The Experts at Rack Attack Do This EVERYDAY!

www.rackattack.com

Mazda 3 Sedan or Wagon – Hidden Factory Fixed Points for Yakima and Thule Roof Racks:)

Thule 460R Podium #3069 Fit Kit

Well, we’ve decided to share our dirty little rack secret about your Mazda 3 Sedan or Wagon 2004-2009 (and maybe 2010).  There are factory hardpoints (weld nuts in the roof) under the black plastic trim that runs front to rear on the left and right side of the cars.

3 Podium USA Application #3069

Obviously you need to be careful while your looking for it (pulling it up gently with a knife) to locate the hidden fixed points.  Why do we tell you this?  Well because we believe the fixed points to be a cleaner factory style option vs. clipping racks into the doors.   Mazda has done such a great job with the lines on that vehicle – let’s work to keep it that way:)

Thule 3069 Fit Kit

Carefully center drilled holes over the threaded bracket so your Thule Fit Kit bolts line up easily.  Obviously you will have to devise a small plastic plug or the like when the rack is removed.

Thule 3069 Fit Kit Bases

Thule MOAB on 460R and 3069 Fit Kit

Canadian Mazda 3 Trap Doors - no drilling necessary

Or if your currently taking medication for your fear of Drills and drill bits.  We would recommend the standard clip fit from Yakima or Thule – see below for more information.

Thule 400xt Towers and Fit Kit

If you use the 460 Towers on fixed points in the roof you get 25″ of bar spread (the distance measured from the front bar to the rear bar), If you clip the bars on using the 400xt Towers you only gain an inch – 26″.

If your accurate with your drill and want to use the factory fixed points – here are all the parts you will need.

Thule 460 Podium Towers (or the more stylish 460R Towers)

Thule Fit Kit #3069

Thule 50″ Load Bars (or longer if needed)

Thule Lock Cores

Thule Fairing (for wind noise reduction)

Or for the more traditional clip on fit (this is the one Thule recommends in the states) see list of those parts below -

Thule 400xt Aero Foot Pack

Thule Fit Kit for 4 door sedan (or 5 dr Fit Kit)

Thule 50″ Load Bars (or longer if needed)

Thule Lock Cores

Thule Fairing

Yakima has similar options – see below

Yakima Control Towers and Landing Pad #11

Yakima’s comparable equipment to the Thule Podium Towers and #3069 would be the Yakima Control Towers and Landing Pad #11.  These are a great fit also using the hidden factory fixed points.  Unlike the Thule 460 Podium the Control Towers are easily removed from the base (the Landing pad) removing the bars and all the accessories easily when unlocked.

Yakima Control Towers and Landing Pad #11

Or the good old standby Clip On Q  Tower and Q Clip Fit -

Yakima Q Towers and King Cobra Bike Rack

If you want Yakima on your Mazda Fixed Points – see list of parts below.

Yakima Control Towers

Yakima Landing Pads

Yakima Crossbars

Yakima Lock Cores

Yakima Fairing

Or the traditional Yakima Clip on Fit (recommended by Yakima) – see list of parts below

Yakima Q Towers

Yakima Q Clip Front

Yakima Q Clip Rear

Yakima 58″ Bars

Yakima Lock Cores

Yakima Fairing

For more expert tips on what’s best for your vehicle – contact the Rack Experts at Rack Attack : 1-888-399-7225 or EMAIL US

This is all we do everyday:)

www.rackattack.com

Volkwagen Eurovan Winnabago, Westfalia, Yakima Thule Roof Rack and Hitch Bike Rack

Eurovan Box and Hitch Bike Rack

We’re always amazed when the Volkwagen Eurovans come in to Rack Attack without a roof rack or hitch mount.  How can you have any fun at all without all your toys in haul?  Well keep reading and if you happen to be one of the unfortunate souls with no way to carry all your toys on your Eurovan this should help get you started in the right direction…..

Eurovan Yakima Rack - Thule Box

The Yakima Control Towers or Thule 430 Towers are the most common application on the Westfalia Pop Tops and non pop tops.  It’s a bolt through application on the pop tops and a blind fastener application on the metal roof (you CANNOT use blind fasteners in the fiberglass – FYI)

Yakima Control Towers Quick Disconnect from Landing Pad #6

You can attach as few as 2 bars using the fixed Yakima Landing Pad #6 Bases (or the comparable Thule TK 14 Base) usuall centered over the sliding door (so you can stand in the door and access your load) but you can also utilize all the real estate up there on that long flat roof and mount as many as 3 or 4 crossbars.

Eurovan Yakima Crossbars x 4

Eurovan Westy Yakima 3 Bar

The 3rd bar in the rear of the van is a popular option for folks carrying their kayaks as it gives them a perch to load and unload from without damaging their van by sliding boats on and off.  * Remember – just 2 crossbars weigh approx 22lbs – and even what seems to be a small amount of weight, it will affect how the gas struts behave when loaded.  About 1% of our Eurovan customers request the crossbars be mounted back over the rear hinge (not over the sliding door) so they can pop the top easier when loaded up.  * Remember – this also moves your load back.  ie: long kayaks will now be hanging off the back instead of being centered over the van.  Think your placement through before you drill your holes.

Eurovan Adjustable Yakima Tracks and Control Towers

If your carrying a variety of accessories that require some adjustment of the bars – definitely consider the Yakima or Thule Tracks.  The bars are still quickly detached but also easily adjusted front to rear.  Typically 60″ max length (it gets mounted between the hinge and strut brackets)

Eurovan Yakima Cap Nut Hardware for Tracks and Landing Pads

The hardware lengths that come with the Yakima or Thule Tracks or Landing Pad or TK Kits will need to be changed to approx 2″ to make it through the double layer in the Westfalia Pop Top.  (Yakima and Thule both provide hardware lengths that are appropriate for canopies which are not as thick)

Eurovan Thule 430R Towers and TK Kit #14 - blind fasteners

Here’s a hard top V Dub with the Thule TK 14 Brackets and 430R Aero Style Bars  installed.  Much better that the original fitment (see below) of the 400 Aero  that could be popped off with a butter knife – ” hey, where did all my stuff go”?

Eurovan Hardtop Thule 400aero

And of course installing a Curt Hitch # 13217 Class III Hitch is the best option for the back of your van (the dealer can will only install a Class II  1.25″ – and we’ve taken a lot of those off because you cannot install the swing away bike racks on anything smaller than 2″ safely)

Eurovan Curt Hitch Class III

The Yakima Swingdaddy or the Thule Revolver (pictured) are the most popular hitch racks we sell once we’ve installed the hitch.  For obvious reasons – see below.

Thule Revolver swing out feature - only fits 2" hitch

Eurovan Class III Curt Hitch #13217

Thule Pro Cap Rack #342 installed with Blind Fasteners

Common Thule Eurovan Pop Up Parts -

430 Tracker Towers

Tracker Kit #13 (bolt through fixed mounts) – remember you will need to source your own longer metric bolts

Load Bar 58″ or longer

Thule Lock Cores

or if you want it adjustable bars – add parts below instead of TK 13

Tracker Kit #1 (mounts in tracks)

Thule 60″ Bolt Through Tracks (you will need to source longer metric bolts)

Comparable parts for Yakima below-

Yakima Control Towers

Yakima Landing Pad #6’s (non adjustable fixed mount) You will need longer bolts than provided.

Yakima 58″ Crossbars (or longer)

Yakima Lock Cores

or for adjustable crossbars,  exchange the parts below for the LP #6’s

Yakima Landing Pad #1’s

Yakima 60″ Tracks w/Bolts (you will need longer hardware than provided)

And if you happen to have the Eurovan Winnabago Camper – none of the stuff above applies.  See list of proper parts below

Eurovan Winnabago Camper Van

Yakima Sideloader Brackets

Despite what people have said in other forums and blogs we believe the Yakima Sideloader Brackets (made by Kwikrail) to be the best possible way to load this Winnabago Camper roof (yes, even better that what Volkswagen installs – if you’ve actually  felt the soft plastic top – it’s not load bearing at all.  Put the load on the corners where it should be).   Do you believe the person that’s installed them for the first and only time (defying conventional wisdom)  VS.  the Experts that have installed hundreds of the them, and have seen and heard the horror stories of what happens when things are not installed as they should be….:(

You can use Thule 300 Raingutter Towers on Yakima Sideloader Brackets if you grind about 1/8″ off each of the feet corners (DO NOT bend the tabs on the brackets, they are there for a reason).  Or better yet just purchase the Kwikrail Thule Bracket that’s identical to the Sideloader bracket from Yakima – just about 1/2″ wider).    The 542 Thule Brackets, Yakima Widebody Brackets DO NOT work on the Winnabago Camper Top.

For more Expert Rack Tips from the Rack Attack folks who do this everyday, all day long.  Call 1 888 399 7225 or email us

Rack Attack 888 399 7225