Does anyone have an aftermarket Yakima roof rack that attaches to the factory roof rack with X towers? I need to carry 2 kayaks flat rather than on edge and need 78" bars. Is there any other option out there? Thule?
Thanks,
Carolyn

------------------

I'm using Yakima X-Towers with 58" bars and am very happy with them. Check the Mtn. Biking Forum for past discussions by others on racks.

All of my accessories are Thule, so I originally planned on getting the Thule bars and mounts. The Yak X-Towers were awesome though (see discussions where people have changed the position of the cross-bar to lower them, or give it a cleaner look), and I decided to use them instead.

I've gone around in a big circle trying to get my Thule accessories onto the rack (they're old and don't support the round bars) though. I went as far as fabricating a mount from aluminum and Delrin to allow the Thule bars to work with the X-Towers, but gave up after spending an entire weekend to finish just one.

I've settled on using the Thule C-12 clips to mount most of the accessories to the round bars, and will keep looking for ways of getting the others mounted (or sneak over to the local college that has powered shears and brakes and make my own).

I'll try to snap a pic, but we cannot get X-towers through our dealers here. The dealers sell a funky version, lower profile than X-towers, rectangular crossbar ( I think ) attached by a molded U hook/clamp to the side rails. Maybe an option you are looking for.

------------------
member of http://www.soxc.org
http://www.geocities.com/x_canuk

Might want to check some of the old posts in the kayaking forum as we have discussed racks there before.
I use Thule rapid rails which clamp on directly to the xterrra rack. I had existing thule saddles so I was somewhat forced to go this route but there was another benefit. I think the thule rapid rails are lower profile than the yakima X-towers.


------------------
- kayak_x
2000 Alpine SE 4x4

I appreciate the input and info on the roof racks. I thought the Yakima system with X towers was the only option I had for 78" bars so I will look at past posts for some of the ideas given. I hate the thought that they will add so much extra height since I'm only 5'4" and it's a far reach as it is now! Much thanks.

------------------