Roof rack and Bike rack

[jdmitchell]

I have a 2009 GT AWD and my wife and I are planning a summer vacation for our kids in the Smokies. We will need to haul 5 bikes and I would like to be able to put most our camping gear on the roof.

I am looking to add a roof rack mounted cargo box (possibly a Yakima Megawarrior with the extension). Does anyone have this setup or something close to it that can give me advise on what works and what to steer clear of?

Also I am going to add a 2 inch hitch and will probably go with the Mazda wiring harness and a Hidden Hitch.

I would like to get a Thule or Yakima bike rack and have been looking at the Roadway 5, and the Doubledown. I would like to be able to access the hatch without taking the bikes off, once again any info for what has worked well for any of you will be helpful.

 

[AusieCX9]

Hi,

See an earlier thread of mine - presume these racks are available in the US:

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?123784454-Roof-Racks

Cheers

 

[jdmitchell]

Thanks for the info Ausie, that helps alot. I hadn't even taken into consideration the slope of the roof. I was just going with what Yakima and Thule said would fit.

 

[sjg]

Do you have the factory rails? Crossbars?

 

[Max80ru]

I just got OEM Nazda roof rack and cross bars. Looks very nice, more sporty i guess. I have Yakima Highroller bike rack. Looks very good on the car.