8 replies to this topic

[ski3pin]

I recently installed Yakima tracks to our camper roof. Went with Yakima because we have been using their system on our other vehicles. It was able to find a deal for the needed towers and landing pads on craigslist - there is much available. I wanted to go with 66" cross bars. I picked up (physically) a set at REI and was surprised at the weight. These pipes are heavy, and expensive at $80 retail. I found I could get aluminum tubing of the same dimensions, 1.125" OD and .875" ID for about half the price and weigh approximate a third of the stock pipes.

Because of the winter roads we travel, we have always carried a full sized flat bladed shovel for snow and ice. An old timer had showed me his trick for using the narrow bike tire trays as a way of carrying a shovel on his Yakima rack. Pretty handy. Now on our desert adventures we can carry a full size round bladed shovel for dirt and in the winter put the old flat blade up there.

[Lighthawk]

Good one. I've used my Yak 6 Pack ski rack to mount rakes, shovels and other yard tools before. I even put my weed whacker up there a few times!

Since you used budget items and re-purposed what you owned, I would say this qualifies as a low cost mod.
Kudos!

[craig333]

Mines a little easier to access.

[ski3pin]

Mines a little easier to access.

Sure is, but you know how us young kids like to climb!

[Casa Escarlata Robles Too]

Easy way to hold small shovel.Just a hole drilled through the handle large enough to fit over the door stop/holder.Than a small bunggie at the bottom.Works great for a small shovel and doesn't get in the way of the roof steps or the door.

Frank

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[John E Davies]

I found I could get aluminum tubing of the same dimensions, 1.125" OD and .875" ID for about half the price and weigh approximate a third of the stock pipes.

How well do the Yakima clamps and risers grip since there is no soft plastic coating on the O.D. ? How tight are the end caps?

I thought the coating was the key to their tight lock-up, so I never considered buying bulk tubing from the supply house.

Yakima stuff is indeed pricy and rarely on sale, but REI does sell it discounted during their "20% off one full priced item" sales, which happen two or three times per year. If you are buying a really expensive accessory like a cargo rack or pod, it can save you a lot. You do have to be a member...

The only thing about carrying a shovel up top that bothers me is the rust that forms on the blade and drips onto the roof. Yech!

John Davies
Spokane WA

[Overland Hadley]

The only thing about carrying a shovel up top that bothers me is the rust that forms on the blade and drips onto the roof. Yech!

That can be a problem and the rust infused water drips are a pain to get off.

[Overland Hadley]

And I really like the idea of using aluminum tubing, instead of the heavy stuff Yakima and Thule use. Think I will go a similar way.

[ski3pin]

How well do the Yakima clamps and risers grip since there is no soft plastic coating on the O.D. ? How tight are the end caps?

<snip>

The only thing about carrying a shovel up top that bothers me is the rust that forms on the blade and drips onto the roof. Yech!

The end caps tapped in solid and the plastic clamps hold tight. I see no difference compared to the original cross bars. Drips from the shovel may be a consideration. I've carried a flat bladed shovel this way through over 20 Sierra Nevada winters and never had drip problems. I have used the same bike trays. They have a hint of rust stain on the inside. I will continue to carry my shovels up top. It works for me.