Roof Rack

[trailtrekerNJ]

I am installing a roof rack on my 5 x 10 Silver Shadow.
I am using Thule Artificial Rain Gutters on the sides to attach the legs.
I am trying to figure a distance between the crossbars....
Is there a standard distance which to accomodate baskets or carriers? ~or~
does any one have an idea / suggestion as to how far to seperate the cross bars?

Thanks,

TTNJ

[MountainBiker]

Take my word for it...check the Thule site first for their recommendations. that way you should be covered for any warrenty issues. They should have min distance listed somewhere

[MountainBiker]

Take my word for it...check the Thule site first for their recommendations. that way you should be covered for any warrenty issues. They should have min distance listed somewhere

Sorry if my post sounded a bit gruff.
Glampergirl suggest that you might want to go down to your local trailer dealer as an alternative. Thats actually where we went years ago when we had to get them mounted on our pickup truck cap.

[Larry C]

I am installing a roof rack on my 5 x 10 Silver Shadow.
I am using Thule Artificial Rain Gutters on the sides to attach the legs.
I am trying to figure a distance between the crossbars....
Is there a standard distance which to accomodate baskets or carriers? ~or~
does any one have an idea / suggestion as to how far to seperate the cross bars?

Thanks,

TTNJ

It doesn't really matter. I carried bikes, 20' kayaks and all kinds of other stuff for years on a car with the spacing at 3'. I would mount them so they are symetrical and are mostly level, and look good.

I would avoid putting them over a door.

I prefer Yakima racks over Thule because they have round bars, especially if they have to be mounted on a curved roof.

BTW/ I have used the artificial gutters on 3 different vehicles. They work good.

[trailtrekerNJ]

MountainBiker, your reply was not gruff.
I have'nt had a chance to work on the roof rack due to work.
My wife pointed out to me to just measure the distance between the bars on my Element.
Duh, if it was a snake it would have bit me.
Larry C, glad to hear you've had no problems with the artificial rain gutters. I may be limited with placement options due to 1) the doors location, 2) spacing between the top of the door and the roof line and 3) the actiual curve of the roof line. Gonna try to find a dealer in neighborhood to purchase gutters, if not I'll order on line.

[Larry C]

MountainBiker, your reply was not gruff.
I have'nt had a chance to work on the roof rack due to work.
My wife pointed out to me to just measure the distance between the bars on my Element.
Duh, if it was a snake it would have bit me.
Larry C, glad to hear you've had no problems with the artificial rain gutters. I may be limited with placement options due to 1) the doors location, 2) spacing between the top of the door and the roof line and 3) the actiual curve of the roof line. Gonna try to find a dealer in neighborhood to purchase gutters, if not I'll order on line.

The last ones I used I had made at a welding shop. They bent me a strip of stainless steel into a J shape. It was a 3' strip that made several artificial gutters for myself and others. I think they charged me $15 for the strip.
Just another thought.......