Mazda2 Roof Rack Installed

[eyeballs]

Ahh, so there are threaded inserts under the mounting point covers on the roof? Is it easy to take those covers on and off? I'd seriously only be using the rack like 2 or 3 times a year, mostly just when we get relatively lightweight but bulky items from the store (replacement interior doors for the house, flat-packed bookshelves from Ikea, etc).

I installed the rack last night, peice of cake. The little plastic covers on the roof rails are easy to remove. Just get a small flat-head and insert under the end opposite the arrow, push forward a bit and when it drops into a little hole (under the insert) the insert will pop off as you pry up with the screw driver handle.

My rola rack (part# 59714) installed with two bolts (one being a torx style for security and PIA purposes) per corner. One to secure the tower to the car, and one to secure the crossbar to the tower. I think it looks great, and should be able to hold 3-4 kayaks without issue. My only concern is the short crossbar spread is not ideal for longer boats. Also due to the aero-blade crossbar shape, by yakima rack accessories (stackers, multi-mount) will not work. I have universal mount bike racks and a yakima cargo box that should fit fine. I'll get some photos up when I have a chance.

 

[gt eunuch]

Roof rack installed tonight, super simple to do.

Full Yakima install, Control Towers, #11 Landing Pads, 48" Crossbars, 2 Copperhead bike trays, and a Basketcase. Basket mounted dead center, with the trays outboard of the towers (to clear the hatch when it is open). I need to contact Yakima to make sure I can mount the trays this far out, they are mounted properly, but I just want to make sure.

As you can see, the trays (mounted in this orientation) are SUPER close (5mm?) to the back window when the hatch is up. I pushed and moved the hatch and could not make the trays touch, so I feel confident that the hatch is safe. The other option is to mount them backwards, with the fork of the bike to the rear of the car, but I worried the bike will not be as secure.

I need to get a fairing, because this setup whistles like crazy above 50mph, but I am very happy with how it turned out.

 

[Jond63]

even with the fairing it whistles...

 

[eyeballs]

Mine makes hardly any noise with bikes or boats. Though I did get a really annoying whistle last weekend at one point, but a simple strap adjustment fixed it. I doubt you'll have any issues running the bike mount close to the crossbar ends, or reversing it.

With a kayak on top, I've got to either pack the trunk first, or throw everything in the backseat. Can't open the hatch at all with a boat...but the mountain roads to the river are super fun so I don't care. Especially since last weeks river runs along the dragon.