R55 Roof rails vs. roof rack
#76
Thanks Mr. Ray.
Yakima does not seem to have adjustable length bars. My choices are 48" or 58". Can you tell me the measurement from the outside of one rail to the outside of the other rail? It sounds like 48" may be the right size, but I want to make sure that 48" is not too short.
Yakima does not seem to have adjustable length bars. My choices are 48" or 58". Can you tell me the measurement from the outside of one rail to the outside of the other rail? It sounds like 48" may be the right size, but I want to make sure that 48" is not too short.
1. pull off/out the end cap on one side
2. measure bar and mark where it needs to be cut.
3. cut bar
4. put end cap back on/in and there you are a custom length bar.
#77
Just measured them 42" will do. Thule smallest is 50" so guess they will have to be cut. I would leave at least 2" stick out the out side of the foot. Also depends what you want to put up there ? plywood 48" + room for the load stops + endcaps of the rails.
Last edited by Mr Ray; 10-05-2008 at 08:06 AM.
#79
#81
BTW the racks are noisy.
#82
I saw other images of the new rails and I noticed that there were no interior rails for a cross bar like on my previous vehicles with roof rails. I was wondering how MINI designed them to accept the cross bar and the above images pretty much say it all. I would still prefer an aerodynamic cross bar attachment from the factory but it appears they are not designed with my interests in mind.
#83
I saw other images of the new rails and I noticed that there were no interior rails for a cross bar like on my previous vehicles with roof rails. I was wondering how MINI designed them to accept the cross bar and the above images pretty much say it all. I would still prefer an aerodynamic cross bar attachment from the factory but it appears they are not designed with my interests in mind.
I have found that quote aerodynamic bars that are on my sisters Dodge Durango and on the Nissan minivans make just as much noise as the OEM racks for my Mini. And the aftermarket racks on my BMW make less noise than the ones on my Mini, the Dodge or Nissan
#85
#86
#87
The wind noise went away when I put the box on mine.
#88
Sorry for the delayed response. I've been away on vacation.
While on vacation I hit my head twice. Not on the bar, but on the Viper bike mount that extends out past the bar. Both times, I was getting my two year old daughter into her car seat, which is on the driver side. I didn't have any problem when getting in or out of the driver seat and my wife did not have any problem on the passenger side.
As for the front wheel of the bike, I forgot to buy that component when I was at REI. So, for now it goes in the boot. Next time I'm at REI I'll have to pick up the wheel mount.
Wind noise was no problem.
Even with the bike and the fully loaded Rocket Box, I averaged 32 mpg in the mountains of WV. Most of the time I completely forgot about the bike and the box...nearly a disaster when I pulled under an overhang at the realty office!
While on vacation I hit my head twice. Not on the bar, but on the Viper bike mount that extends out past the bar. Both times, I was getting my two year old daughter into her car seat, which is on the driver side. I didn't have any problem when getting in or out of the driver seat and my wife did not have any problem on the passenger side.
As for the front wheel of the bike, I forgot to buy that component when I was at REI. So, for now it goes in the boot. Next time I'm at REI I'll have to pick up the wheel mount.
Wind noise was no problem.
Even with the bike and the fully loaded Rocket Box, I averaged 32 mpg in the mountains of WV. Most of the time I completely forgot about the bike and the box...nearly a disaster when I pulled under an overhang at the realty office!
#89
I'm still on the fence on which to get. I'll probably end up with the minidomore, for the hitch. However, with the 09's factory aero kit, the rear is all smoothed out. It would show up too easily. If someone had a hitch which would be in and out in a snap, that would be great, especially if I didn't have to drill into the body... but that might just have to happen.
#90
#93
Roof rails are a factory only option, as opposed to the base roof rack which is discussed in a different thread here: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ight=roof+rack. Schatzy has posted a step by step procedure on the base roof rack installation that is a sticky thread (meaning stuck up the top.) because quite a few people have installed the base roof rack themselves.
I, naturally, love the factory roof rails.
I, naturally, love the factory roof rails.
Last edited by Otra; 10-23-2008 at 10:31 AM. Reason: link
#94
I have a Clubman with roof rails on order scheduled for week 45. When I logged on to the owners lounge they don't show up on the list when you track your mini. I have checked with my MA to make sure the roof rails are in the order, which he assured me they are. Maybe the rails don't show up on that list for some reason.
Last edited by Ashman; 10-23-2008 at 04:37 PM.
#95
I have a Clubman with roof rails on order scheduled for week 45. When I logged on to the owners lounge they don't show up on the list when you track your mini. I have checked with my MA to make sure the roof rails are in the order, which he assured me they are. Maybe the rails don't show up on that list for some reason.
However, it does show up in the detailed configuration report that my MA sent me upon ordering.
#96
Don't worry, at first the Owner's Lounge doesn't always show even the proper color! It's true. I had an "S" on order according to them, but nevertheless received, thankfully, my Cooper Clubman.
They recycle production numbers...in time it willl change. Now next stop for you two is the 1st Gear Forum and read the sticky "How To Track.." https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=144057 Let the obsessions begin for you both!
They recycle production numbers...in time it willl change. Now next stop for you two is the 1st Gear Forum and read the sticky "How To Track.." https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=144057 Let the obsessions begin for you both!
Last edited by Otra; 10-23-2008 at 04:13 PM. Reason: link
#97
I'm still on the fence on what to do about this issue.
I have an 09 MCS with the factory aero kit (smoothed out rear bumper) and rear fog lights. Brent over at Minidomore, said that they currently do not have a kit for factory aero kits nor JCW kits.
Looking at the Minifini now, and it seems great and all, a bit more expensive, but the bikes are held by the top tubes. This doesn't work so well with mountain bikes, especially the girlfriend's mountain bike. It also does not appear to brace the front tire from swinging around and hitting the body. Is this the case? Or is there another piece I'm not seeing here.
I'm not into the roof racks yet, but I might have to get one.
I have an 09 MCS with the factory aero kit (smoothed out rear bumper) and rear fog lights. Brent over at Minidomore, said that they currently do not have a kit for factory aero kits nor JCW kits.
Looking at the Minifini now, and it seems great and all, a bit more expensive, but the bikes are held by the top tubes. This doesn't work so well with mountain bikes, especially the girlfriend's mountain bike. It also does not appear to brace the front tire from swinging around and hitting the body. Is this the case? Or is there another piece I'm not seeing here.
I'm not into the roof racks yet, but I might have to get one.
#98