Are roof racks dorky?

[audiman08]

My wife and I had a debate on a recent road trip...I mentioned that roof racks are generally worthless and dorky...on wagons, vans, or SUVs. I think nothing makes a cool wagon look dorky (soccer mom) faster than a big nasty roof rack. Besides, if you have a wagon, then what do you need extra space for? Roof racks would make more sense on sedans that have less trunk area. Any thoughts?

[stomachmonkey]

Do you mean the factory or aftermarket.

I've always liked and appreciated the factory racks on SUV's that I've owned.

You'd be surprised how useful they are.

Even makes after market specialty, ski racks etc, easier to deal with. You can get universal feet that adapt to factory cross bars. Also generally easier to put on and remove.

I think leaving aftermarket racks on when not in use is silly.

[red-beard]

The OEM roof rack on my Jeep Cherokee, the crossbars were worthless. The track system did allow aftermarket crossbars. If I had kept the vehicle, I would have put a set of THULE cross bars on it.

[red-beard]

Originally Posted by audiman08

My wife and I had a debate on a recent road trip...I mentioned that roof racks are generally worthless and dorky...on wagons, vans, or SUVs. I think nothing makes a cool wagon look dorky (soccer mom) faster than a big nasty roof rack. Besides, if you have a wagon, then what do you need extra space for? Roof racks would make more sense on sedans that have less trunk area. Any thoughts?

Have you tried putting a canoe on the inside?

[masraum]

I've put stuff on the roof of several SUVs that had roof racks. Whether it was because the interior was full or because what was being carried was too big (4x8' sheets of drywall?), I've always found them useful.

[audiman08]

Originally Posted by stomachmonkey

Do you mean the factory or aftermarket.

I've always liked and appreciated the factory racks on SUV's that I've owned.

You'd be surprised how useful they are.

Even makes after market specialty, ski racks etc, easier to deal with. You can get universal feet that adapt to factory cross bars. Also generally easier to put on and remove.

I think leaving aftermarket racks on when not in use is silly.

I'm thinking of factory racks...permanent ones, that are unused 99% of the time and make your vehicle look dorky. My wife seems to like them for some reason.

[willtel]

Originally Posted by red-beard

Have you tried putting a canoe on the inside?

I always carry mine inside. How else would you do it without looking like a dork?

[David]

If you need it I don't think it is. The new BMW's and Porsche's (and maybe the other German cars) are nice because they have built in roof rack mounts. I can put the roof racks on my wife's car in a couple minutes.

[audiman08]

Originally Posted by red-beard

Have you tried putting a canoe on the inside?

I'm a city kid, born in Detroit and lived in St. Louis before getting married...I have no use for "canoes"

[Gogar]

I think roof racks are okay, but things like this give me pause:




And no, I don't expect you to put the roto-tiller on the roof rack.

[VincentVega]

worthless and dorky

No.

Functional, yes.

When not in use I keep mine in the basement. When on the car it's great for bikes, lumber, kayaks....

[tcar]

Originally Posted by audiman08

I'm thinking of factory racks...permanent ones, that are unused 99% of the time and make your vehicle look dorky. My wife seems to like them for some reason.

I just took the crossbars off of my Grand Cherokee (they are plastic!!!).

Looks much better with just the thin sides.

Supposedly taking them off adds a mile per gallon or two at highway speeds.

[teenerted1]

empty bumper/hitch racks are dorky and dangerous.

[71T Targa]

Originally Posted by Gogar

I think roof racks are okay, but things like this give me pause:




And no, I don't expect you to put the roto-tiller on the roof rack.

I'd expect someone from Denver to recognize a snow blower.

Here's how I was able to get to my friends place when they were snowed in:

[Chocaholic]

Who cares what we think? If you need it, put one on. If not, don't. Is "dorky" really a factor in your decision to add a luggage rack?

[audiman08]

Originally Posted by Chocaholic

Who cares what we think? If you need it, put one on. If not, don't. Is "dorky" really a factor in your decision to add a luggage rack?

When auto manufacturers make roof racks a standard item on their wagons, yes...it is a factor in my decision. I despise the obligatory roof rack. I'm not talking about removable after-market racks.

[kanadary]

i guess you don't go skiing or use very short skis or a snowboard. i have a rack on my mdx for the skis every winter. ofcourse i take it off in the summer. i have a hitch mounted bike carrier so i don't accidently drive into the garage with the bikes on top.. see that.. does some serious damage to the car and bike.

[audiman08]

Originally Posted by kanadary

i guess you don't go skiing or use very short skis or a snowboard. i have a rack on my mdx for the skis every winter. ofcourse i take it off in the summer. i have a hitch mounted bike carrier so i don't accidently drive into the garage with the bikes on top.. see that.. does some serious damage to the car and bike.

How many Americans are skiers or snowboarders? Permanent racks are ridiculous...removable racks are okay...IMO

[nostatic]

Originally Posted by audiman08

I mentioned that roof racks are generally worthless and dorky...on wagons, vans, or SUVs.

I hate to tell you, but the wagon/van/suv are already dorky to start with.

[gtc]

Originally Posted by audiman08

When auto manufacturers make roof racks a standard item on their wagons, yes...it is a factor in my decision. I despise the obligatory roof rack. I'm not talking about removable after-market racks.

What bothers me more is when I see people WITHOUT a roof rack trying to transport a mattress, christmas tree, couch, ikea box, etc on their roof... more often than not using twine strung through the windows.