I'm designing a rack for my new kayak. What I'm interested in finding out is the size of the tubing used for the factory rack. I'd measure it but I'm working and at my desk right now. I'm thinking of using a muffler clamp to tie the rack into the rack rails but don't know the size of the tubing. Anyone have any ideas?

TIA!

-Gonzo

I don't know what size it is and mine is not here either. But I used muffler clamps for my home made cross bars. I bought the clamp slightly larger and covered the u-bold with black garden hose to protect the tube from scratches and prevent slippage.

Looks like this. Sorry for the bad quality. Camera phone and bad lighting.

I just went in the garage to check, the Xterra is not there, but I found one of the left over top piece of the clamp. They are made to fit over a 2" muffler and as you can see in the picture, with the rubber hose on top it's a perfect fit.

There is 2"1/16 between the two holes, 2"1/2 center to center.

Thanks! That would make it a 2" muffler clamp. The picture didn't post, but I got what you were describing. My thought is to use 2" aluminum angle for the crossbar and use the muffler clamps to clamp it to the rack frame. There's a connection I'm working on to connect the clamp to the crossbar. I got the idea from TrailMix from an old post.

Thanks again!

-Gonzo

Check my album on photobucket:
http://s94.photobucket.com/albums/l103/56kz2slow/canoe/

Don't know why it did not show, it shows when I look. And it's not a private album because that is not available to free loaders like me.

It's not your fault. I'm at work. It's probably blocked. I can't get to the link either... I'll have to check at home.

Thanks for all the help though!

-Gonzo

The correct size muffler clamps are 1 7/8"

If you don't line the clamp with a hose, yes.

here is a couple pictures of my setup that I use for kayaks. I don't trust the factory bars.

I machined these out of 6061 aluminium and used stainless hardware so it won't rust.

I hope this works because I've never uploaded any pictures before.

Nice work!!!!

You might still be able to find the Yamika clamps used for my previous 2000 Nissan Crew Cab. Adjustable clamps with a foam insert. Doesn't scratch the factory tubing, which is only painted.

The tubes on the new Xterras is slightly larger, but the clamps still work perfectly.

To see pics, take a look at what I posted in this other thread: Link.