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  1. #1
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    Default 2nd Hand Roof Racks

    Anyone ever have any luck scoring 2nd hand roof racks?

    I'm based in Sydney and i'm looking for roof racks for my 2012 Xtrail. I've been scouring gumtree, and emailing wreckers but haven't had any luck so far (granted the wreckers are generally unresponsive).

    I was considering heading to pick and payless in blacktown to have a look and see if they have any.

    New i'd be looking at $300+ so if i can avoid spending that and use the difference on timber, i'd be stoked!

    Its so confusing looking online though, most of the chain stores sell everything separately (rails, footings etc) and the boutique stores don't advertise price... or are more expensive... and you don't know which racks suit your car...

    I just want to be able to go and buy timber in lengths longer than 1800 and not have to take the baby seat out of the car everytime i do...

    I told SWMBO that we should've got a dual cab!!!!
    ​Coming Up With Complex Solutions to Non-Existent Problems Since 1985

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  3. #2
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    Yes I had some luck scoring some once. Got them on Ebay. If you keep trolling Ebay and Gumtree you might come up with something, but I suspect there is more than a bit of luck involved. I know what you mean about the price of new ones, too many different fitments for them to ever be a reasonable buy. Good luck.

  4. #3
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    Quote Originally Posted by Dibbers View Post
    Its so confusing looking online though, most of the chain stores sell everything separately (rails, footings etc) and the boutique stores don't advertise price... or are more expensive... and you don't know which racks suit your car...
    having fitted racks to 3 different cars, and used racks on about a dozen others, these are my conclusions

    modern racks are designed with separate feet so that a single rail profile can be fitted to a large number of vehicles.
    One advantage of this is when you replace the car, you can keep the old rack and any attachments -- kayak supports, granny box, etc -- and just buy new feet.

    For the infrequent carrying of roof loads IKEA used to sell a pair of sot bumpers and strapping that allowed you to carry stuff on a car roof on an infrequent basis.

    another consideration, most light duty racks are limited to loads less than 70 kg -- it doesn't take that many boards to reach 75 kg.
    also, depending on your car, the stability control software may go AWOL if the roof load exceeds 100 kg.
    regards from Alberta, Canada

    ian

  5. #4
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    Quote Originally Posted by ian View Post
    having fitted racks to 3 different cars, and used racks on about a dozen others, these are my conclusions

    modern racks are designed with separate feet so that a single rail profile can be fitted to a large number of vehicles.
    One advantage of this is when you replace the car, you can keep the old rack and any attachments -- kayak supports, granny box, etc -- and just buy new feet.

    For the infrequent carrying of roof loads IKEA used to sell a pair of sot bumpers and strapping that allowed you to carry stuff on a car roof on an infrequent basis.

    another consideration, most light duty racks are limited to loads less than 70 kg -- it doesn't take that many boards to reach 75 kg.
    also, depending on your car, the stability control software may go AWOL if the roof load exceeds 100 kg.
    I've seen those bumpers, not really suitable for what i need.

    And i'm after a min load capacity of 75kgs. It'd only be when i need a small quantity of timber from Bunnings or what not down the road. I can't fit what i need in the boot most of the time. If i was going to get a larger/heavier load of timber (unlikely as i don't have a great deal of room to store it) i'd pay for delivery, or call in a favour from a mate with a ute.

    It all comes back to SWMBO's ridiculous decision for us to not get a ute... I knew i should've put my foot down!
    ​Coming Up With Complex Solutions to Non-Existent Problems Since 1985

  6. #5
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    Feb 2016
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    Hi Dibbers,

    I've got an SUV and have used my roof rack quite extensively to cart lumber,ply, old cabinets. I've even carted a full dining set home (table was on the roof with 8 seats in the car)

    I'd suggest getting new roof racks or near new racks, my Thule racks which i purchased a few years ago are definitely showing signs of wear. IMO buying used racks is a false economy if you're planning on using it to its full capacity, and you'll probably attract attention from the local law enforcement if your load/rack looks iffy.

    Also most car roofs are legally allowed to carry 80kg (including weight of rack) so it doesn't leave much room for lumber.

    Also budget on buying ratchet straps, pretty sure its now illegal to use rope as a primary means of securing your load.

    In terms of buying roof racks as Ian says most roof racks are modular so you buy what you need, essentially there are a couple of questions you'll need to answer to find a system that works for you they are:
    - Width of your roof (dictates how long your roof rack bars can be)
    - Whether you have roof rails.

    Other non important questions are mostly aethetics eg do you want square bar, aero bars etc These are dependent on the types of accessories you plan on using/have. I prefer square bars, they are bit more noiser but my bike racks are easier to install.

    Also think about how much lumber you're planning on hauling, for $300 you can definitely get a load of ute hires with that.

    Also I'm surprised you can only get 1800 lengths into your car... I've got an SUV smaller than an x-trail and can get 2400 lengths in the cabin. obviously going from corner to corner

  7. #6
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    But would you still have been able to afford the ute after the divorce?

  8. #7
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    @tonzeyd 1800 up to the front seats. Can get longer but it becomes a game of tetris and has lumber up on the dash or going over handbrake lever or gear stick which i dont like doing. As far as load goes, all id be lugging would be a few lengths of pine framing timber or similar, maybe a sheet of mdf or ply on occassion (very carefully tied down mind you). I'm hopeless with knots so ratchet straps were always a given.

    @aldav.... no probably not.... although shed probably call off the divorce when she sees how handy having a ute is as im driving away with my stuff loaded in the back!

    Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk
    ​Coming Up With Complex Solutions to Non-Existent Problems Since 1985

  9. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by Dibbers View Post

    @aldav.... no probably not.... although shed probably call off the divorce when she sees how handy having a ute is as im driving away with my stuff loaded in the back!
    She would make damn sure that she got the car and sold off your gear, then you wouldn't have to move it.
    I used to be an engineer, I'm not an engineer any more, but on the really good days I can remember when I was.

  10. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by Dibbers View Post
    @tonzeyd 1800 up to the front seats. Can get longer but it becomes a game of tetris and has lumber up on the dash or going over handbrake lever or gear stick which i dont like doing. As far as load goes, all id be lugging would be a few lengths of pine framing timber or similar, maybe a sheet of mdf or ply on occassion (very carefully tied down mind you). I'm hopeless with knots so ratchet straps were always a given.

    Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk
    I've taken home sheets of plywood on the roof before and its nerve racking, and probably not recommended. I've only done it when I've purchased framing timber at the same time, that way i can secure the framing timber to the ply and stop it from flapping down the road. It'll also act as a big wing on your car, another reason to to buy new racks as you want to know that the racks are going to do its job properly.

  11. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by tonzeyd View Post
    I've taken home sheets of plywood on the roof before and its nerve racking, and probably not recommended. I've only done it when I've purchased framing timber at the same time, that way i can secure the framing timber to the ply and stop it from flapping down the road. It'll also act as a big wing on your car, another reason to to buy new racks as you want to know that the racks are going to do its job properly.
    This would be a very rare occurance, but may be required occassionally. I was actually going to make up a couple of notched rails to put the sheets on (only ever be 1 sheet at a time i'd imagine, anything more i'd get it delivered or try get my mates ute for an hour).

    I'll keep my eyes out for sales at the majors and try nab a bargain.
    ​Coming Up With Complex Solutions to Non-Existent Problems Since 1985

  12. #11
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    An easier alternative might be a secondhand towbar from a wreckers and an occasional rent or bot of a trailer. Bunnings used to give you a free loan trailer to carry stuff from there home, or rent by the hour otherwise. Towbar with hitch removed takes up no space but gives a lot more versatility than roof racks would when it comes to hauling awkward sizes or quantities of material around. Shouldn't be too hard to find at a wreckers, but buy a complete set of new nuts bolts and washers from a fasteners specialist to reinstall, and tell them it is for a towbar refit. I have had a few where I have paid $15-50 for the bar complete at Pick a Part and $15 for new bolts. Electrics about $40 for an older vehicle, or $150 or so for a harness straight into the loom for a fully computerised model.
    I used to be an engineer, I'm not an engineer any more, but on the really good days I can remember when I was.

  13. #12
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    Bunnings hires out box trailers for reasonable rates from 3 hours upwards. So a towbar would be much more versatile than roof racks.

  14. #13
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    I was contemplating a towbar too. I don't know how long we'll be keeping the car for so didn't want to put one on and then sell the car. Thats why i thought roof racks as you can keep the bars and get different footings...

    Anyone know any winning lotto numbers so i can just by my damn ute? lol
    ​Coming Up With Complex Solutions to Non-Existent Problems Since 1985

  15. #14
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    Quote Originally Posted by Dibbers View Post
    Anyone know any winning lotto numbers so i can just by me damn ute? lol
    the odds of getting clean away after holding up a bank are probably better than those of winning lotto
    regards from Alberta, Canada

    ian

  16. #15
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    *researching nearest bank and place to buy masks* for statistical analysis...

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