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-   -   Universal Roof Racks from Walmart? (http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwevb/showthread.php?t=20635)

addicted2sp33d 01-19-2014 06:49 PM

Universal Roof Racks from Walmart?
 
Hey Guys,

Wondering if anyone has experience with those Universal Roof Racks from Wally Mart: http://www.walmart.com/ip/29390001

The bars and the towers look pretty solid - my concern is with the way they mount to the car. They're held down by some straps that come down from the towers, through window/door frame, and through the cabin.

I can tighten the hell out of the straps, but that won't do any good if the feet slide or the bars are crap.

Any commentary on the topic would be greatly appreciated!

Sdspeed 01-19-2014 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by addicted2sp33d (Post 179675)
Hey Guys,

Wondering if anyone has experience with those Universal Roof Racks from Wally Mart: http://www.walmart.com/ip/29390001

The bars and the towers look pretty solid - my concern is with the way they mount to the car. They're held down by some straps that come down from the towers, through window/door frame, and through the cabin.

I can tighten the hell out of the straps, but that won't do any good if the feet slide or the bars are crap.

Any commentary on the topic would be greatly appreciated!

Well it would only take one trip or installation i guess to determine the quality of the towers etc. and Wal Mart has a pretty decent return polociy.
Kinda of a roll of the dice!

addicted2sp33d 01-19-2014 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sdspeed (Post 179676)
Well it would only take one trip or installation i guess to determine the quality of the towers etc. and Wal Mart has a pretty decent return polociy.
Kinda of a roll of the dice!

I'm trying to avoid the roll of the dice where I'm "that guy" who's yak ends up on the side of the freeway. :p

ChristLike 01-19-2014 08:08 PM

go for it. ive had mine a year. I carry a pa 14. 35miles one way to the fishing hole. I haven't went past 70mph though.

Smthtnnr 01-19-2014 08:25 PM

These look pretty interesting, something I might want to buy.

MrPatrick 01-19-2014 10:13 PM

Pass on them and get quality racks from Yakima or Thule. I had the same rack but from Pep Boys when I started, returned them and bought used Yakima rack from Craigslist. I've used it for seven years now. That Wally World racks feet tend to roll under and that takes tension off of the straps. No bueno.


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addicted2sp33d 01-20-2014 07:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrPatrick (Post 179691)
That Wally World racks feet tend to roll under and that takes tension off of the straps. No bueno.

That's what I was afraid-of. I think I'll go the Craigslist route and find some cheap used Thule or Yakima setups.

It'll look hilarious when I'm done - my yak is the same length as my car!

MrPatrick 01-20-2014 08:36 AM

So is mine

lookoutdj 01-20-2014 07:01 PM

I had a soft rack for my surfboard that used a similar strap system and it jacked up my weather stripping. Use a yakama rack now and love it. Cost more, but like was said above, you can usually find a good deal on craigslist. Good luck.

Tuff guy 01-21-2014 07:22 PM

If you are on a budget, just get the foam blocks and ratchet strap kit from west marine, I think it was like $50 and it holds my big tandem kayak down well. I drove it 240 miles with the kayak on top through a wind advisory and no trouble at all. That said, I will be on the hunt for a yakima setup just for sheer convenience.


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