mazdaspeedster3
Member
- :
- Mazdaspeed3. 2008
Wow, rack looks great man. I have a problem with the bike holders on our rack and opening the sun roof, it will hit the bike holders and stop you from opening it any further.
Roof Rack For The Mazda5 Thread
- Thread starter barryWest
- Start date
Wow, rack looks great man. I have a problem with the bike holders on our rack and opening the sun roof, it will hit the bike holders and stop you from opening it any further.
The pivot point is the rear axle of the vehicle. I'm sure that if I stuck the 200 pounds out far enough from the back of the car... the front wheels would eventually come off the ground. (hand) I think we are just missing each others points. LOL I'm hoping they designed the box with a 150-pound limit in order to allow for the fact that it does extend further behind the point at which the ball would be. I hope.
But force at the pivot point IS the point.
A 200lb tongue is different than a 200lb cargo box. The 200lb tongue weight is straight down on the ball of the hitch. The hitch acts like a lever on the bolts, and in conjunction with the car on the wheels. When you add the cargo box, you rigidly attach it to the receiver, extending the lever by a foot or so. This is why as you extend the lever out, you need to drop weight to keep the forces on the wheels and bolts the same.
Archimedes said about the lever:
"Give me a place to stand and I will move the Earth."
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What they should do, is come up with a load-bearing capacity for the rack itself, and a max. recommended extension from the hitch.
I wouldn't put 4 bikes on a class I hitch, unless they were all racing bikes. Like Remarq explains, stress on the hitch itself is probably the issue with a non-trailer load. Maybe a small bike trailer is in order!
I wouldn't put 4 bikes on a class I hitch, unless they were all racing bikes. Like Remarq explains, stress on the hitch itself is probably the issue with a non-trailer load. Maybe a small bike trailer is in order!
mazdaspeedster3
Member
- :
- Mazdaspeed3. 2008
I have had 4 bikes on top of my 5 with no problem. I have also had a loaded Thule box and 2 bikes up there with no problems either. I would love to do a hitch rack for my skis and day trips in winter but oh well, roof rack works fine.
professorhank
Member
Thule 3068/3069 Fit Kit Recall
FYI, couldn't find anything in this forum about this so I thought I'd share it in case anyone missed it...
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID: 09E011000
Mfg's Report Date: MAR 31, 2009
Component: EQUIPMENT
Potential Number Of Units Affected: 2323
Summary: THULE, INC. IS RECALLING 2,323 OWNER-INSTALLED ROOF-MOUNTED FIT KITS, MODELS 3068 AND 3069, MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 2008 AND FEBRUARY 28, 2009 THAT ARE USED WITH THULE PODIUM FOOT PACKS, MODELS 460 AND 460R. THESE FIT KITS WERE SOLD AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE BOLT(S) USED TO SECURE THE FOOT TO THE VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED TO A HARDNESS THAT MAY CAUSE THE BOLT(S) TO BE BRITTLE AND POTENTIALLY BREAK UNDER STRESS.
Consequence: THIS MAY RESULT IN THE BOLT(S) SNAPPING OFF DURING USE OR WITHOUT A LOAD. THE UNSECURED RACK AND LOAD CAN THEN COME LOOSE WHILE DRIVING CREATING A POTENTIAL ROAD HAZARD, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: THULE WILL MAIL A RETRO FIT KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS TO OWNERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE APRIL 13, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THULE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-238-2388.
Notes: THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO THULE AFTERMARKET ROOF MOUNTED LOAD CARRIERS AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON THE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .
FYI, couldn't find anything in this forum about this so I thought I'd share it in case anyone missed it...
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID: 09E011000
Mfg's Report Date: MAR 31, 2009
Component: EQUIPMENT
Potential Number Of Units Affected: 2323
Summary: THULE, INC. IS RECALLING 2,323 OWNER-INSTALLED ROOF-MOUNTED FIT KITS, MODELS 3068 AND 3069, MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 2008 AND FEBRUARY 28, 2009 THAT ARE USED WITH THULE PODIUM FOOT PACKS, MODELS 460 AND 460R. THESE FIT KITS WERE SOLD AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE BOLT(S) USED TO SECURE THE FOOT TO THE VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED TO A HARDNESS THAT MAY CAUSE THE BOLT(S) TO BE BRITTLE AND POTENTIALLY BREAK UNDER STRESS.
Consequence: THIS MAY RESULT IN THE BOLT(S) SNAPPING OFF DURING USE OR WITHOUT A LOAD. THE UNSECURED RACK AND LOAD CAN THEN COME LOOSE WHILE DRIVING CREATING A POTENTIAL ROAD HAZARD, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: THULE WILL MAIL A RETRO FIT KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS TO OWNERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE APRIL 13, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THULE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-238-2388.
Notes: THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO THULE AFTERMARKET ROOF MOUNTED LOAD CARRIERS AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON THE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .
Just called them up and ordered the replacement. Thank you very much for sharing. I appreciate it.
2008 Mazda5 custom roof rack basket and cargo bag
Here is a slightly different approach on a roof rack for my 2008 Mazda5. Using an aftermarket aluminum GARAGE-Pro Polaris Roof Basket from JC Whitney, 47x 40, I fabricated some custom crossbar/brackets using flat extruded 3/16 x 2-1/2" 6061-T6511 aluminum with rubber pads that fasten directly to the -4- fixed roof points with grade 8 bolts. The bracket and pads carefully clear and do not make contact with any paint, a very clean setup that looks like it could be a factory install. My first attempt the basket was about 7.5 above the roof line, enough to fully open the sunroof, but the basket sat so high it looked very much out of place. The basket now stands about 4.5 above the roof line, enough to fully pop the sunroof up, but not slide it open. The entire rack is light enough one person can install and remove it.
The basket cargo area is about 3 by 3 and is just the right size to hold our Axius Roof Top Cargo carrier soft bag for about 15 cubic foot of cargo volume on top.
We had a chance to try it out over the 4th of July loaded with 4 duffle bags, three sleeping bags and three collapsing beach chairs about 100 lbs of stuff. It handled well with little buffet or sway in high wind desert passes, and the wind noise was barely audible over the car wind noise with the sunroof door closed at freeway speeds. With the basket empty, there is a light high pitch whistle, so it is not great for a permanent install unless you like your music turned up above a normal conversation level.
Another trip we were able to stuff 3 roller style hard airline carry on sized bags, a soft duffle bag, a couple of backpacks, one sleeping bag and a pillow. This held essentially all the luggage for 6 passengers for a 5 day trip leaving the cabin free for comfortable seating without clutter. All in all, very useful $200 spent and about a weekends worth of fab time.
Here is a slightly different approach on a roof rack for my 2008 Mazda5. Using an aftermarket aluminum GARAGE-Pro Polaris Roof Basket from JC Whitney, 47x 40, I fabricated some custom crossbar/brackets using flat extruded 3/16 x 2-1/2" 6061-T6511 aluminum with rubber pads that fasten directly to the -4- fixed roof points with grade 8 bolts. The bracket and pads carefully clear and do not make contact with any paint, a very clean setup that looks like it could be a factory install. My first attempt the basket was about 7.5 above the roof line, enough to fully open the sunroof, but the basket sat so high it looked very much out of place. The basket now stands about 4.5 above the roof line, enough to fully pop the sunroof up, but not slide it open. The entire rack is light enough one person can install and remove it.
The basket cargo area is about 3 by 3 and is just the right size to hold our Axius Roof Top Cargo carrier soft bag for about 15 cubic foot of cargo volume on top.
We had a chance to try it out over the 4th of July loaded with 4 duffle bags, three sleeping bags and three collapsing beach chairs about 100 lbs of stuff. It handled well with little buffet or sway in high wind desert passes, and the wind noise was barely audible over the car wind noise with the sunroof door closed at freeway speeds. With the basket empty, there is a light high pitch whistle, so it is not great for a permanent install unless you like your music turned up above a normal conversation level.
Another trip we were able to stuff 3 roller style hard airline carry on sized bags, a soft duffle bag, a couple of backpacks, one sleeping bag and a pillow. This held essentially all the luggage for 6 passengers for a 5 day trip leaving the cabin free for comfortable seating without clutter. All in all, very useful $200 spent and about a weekends worth of fab time.
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mazdaspeedster3
Member
- :
- Mazdaspeed3. 2008
That is interesting looking enough. Seems functional!
OldGreyMike
Member
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- 2012 Touring (formerly 09)
Yeah, where'd you get them spiffy mudguards? I see you have them WITH the extended sills and on both front & rear - please post details of how this came to be!
Mazda5 roof rails (not rack), north america
Hello all,
My wife and I have researched cars, and decided that, unlike most Americans it seems do not want the standard large mini-van, as it drives like something "big", and none have standards, which is something we have enjoyed for years. We also like the idea of keeping the base car small, and adding capacity on the odd times you need extra storage....
Which brings up roof rails. I have read a number of forums on this topic, and before I give up in desperation, thought I would ask my specific question. We don't want roof RACKS, we want rails, which are parallel to the car axis (now have a Subaru legacy). These we use as lashing points for a soft-sided cargo carrier. I would ideally like rails (don't care who makes them) that attach to the standard attachment points, but am not totally precluding rails that could be permanently installed. Any ideas / suggestions?
Thanks,
Chuck
Hello all,
My wife and I have researched cars, and decided that, unlike most Americans it seems do not want the standard large mini-van, as it drives like something "big", and none have standards, which is something we have enjoyed for years. We also like the idea of keeping the base car small, and adding capacity on the odd times you need extra storage....
Which brings up roof rails. I have read a number of forums on this topic, and before I give up in desperation, thought I would ask my specific question. We don't want roof RACKS, we want rails, which are parallel to the car axis (now have a Subaru legacy). These we use as lashing points for a soft-sided cargo carrier. I would ideally like rails (don't care who makes them) that attach to the standard attachment points, but am not totally precluding rails that could be permanently installed. Any ideas / suggestions?
Thanks,
Chuck
Has anyone had an experience with installing the perrycraft roof rails on a M5? These do not use the manufacturer holes, but the styling seems pretty reasonable... just wondering if anyone has done it. I think the model of choice would be the AVXX58-B. Here are several links:
http://www.perrycraft.com/roof_racks/Aventura.htm
http://www.buyautotruckaccessories.com/product.cfm/cf-bin/pn.perrycraft-aventura-roof-rails/doapps.1/#apps
http://www.perrycraft.com/roof_racks/Aventura.htm
http://www.buyautotruckaccessories.com/product.cfm/cf-bin/pn.perrycraft-aventura-roof-rails/doapps.1/#apps
Excuse the cross post, but as this is the most active thread on this topic....
Has anyone had an experience with installing the perrycraft roof rails on a M5? These do not use the manufacturer holes, but the styling seems pretty reasonable... just wondering if anyone has done it. I think the model of choice would be the AVXX58-B. Here are several links:
http://www.perrycraft.com/roof_racks/Aventura.htm
http://www.buyautotruckaccessories.com/product.cfm/cf-bin/pn.perrycraft-aventura-roof-rails/doapps.1/#apps
Thanks,
Chuck
Has anyone had an experience with installing the perrycraft roof rails on a M5? These do not use the manufacturer holes, but the styling seems pretty reasonable... just wondering if anyone has done it. I think the model of choice would be the AVXX58-B. Here are several links:
http://www.perrycraft.com/roof_racks/Aventura.htm
http://www.buyautotruckaccessories.com/product.cfm/cf-bin/pn.perrycraft-aventura-roof-rails/doapps.1/#apps
Thanks,
Chuck
mazdaspeedster3
Member
- :
- Mazdaspeed3. 2008
Sorry but I am not willing to drill into my roof to fit that rack.
- :
- 2008 Mazda5 5MT Sport w/ Popular Package
They look good and have no clue about them but before drilling the roof I'd consider checking for safety.
The OEM base screws' are on that weird position because they are also attached to the car frame. not just the roof sheet. That has to do with the weight/aerodynamics, etc. In other words, they might be in an awkward position, but for a reason.
If the holes are just plainly drilled on the roof metal sheet and you load the racks with stuff and start driving at 65mph, the roof could literally just rip...
My 2 pesos, just in case the sales guys have no clue (which we have seen before in this forum)
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The thing sold right away.More findings on Perrycraft on M5
Today I talked to a professional installer, who talked me out of installing a Perrycraft, or any other type of rack on the M5. He was being safe and conservative, but here were his points:
With those things considered, I am officially scared off. For roof rack purposes, I will go back to Yakama towers. I may work out something custom by myself just to tie down (using the Mazda attachment points) my soft rooftop carrier, once I know the dimensions, etc. That can't be too hard to work out.
Today I talked to a professional installer, who talked me out of installing a Perrycraft, or any other type of rack on the M5. He was being safe and conservative, but here were his points:
- Perrycraft bars are solid, but the M5 roof metal itself is not - it is designed to crumple, etc, and the simple perrycraft bolt and backing was insufficient - upforce on an attached rack has caused them to rip out before.
- He said a larger, more robust backing plate would help, but for liability reasons his business would not do ANY modifications, or they could be held liable
- Suggest that people not try to do it themselves, or if they are crazy enough to try, to watch out for the side curtain airbags which are probably in the roof area.
With those things considered, I am officially scared off. For roof rack purposes, I will go back to Yakama towers. I may work out something custom by myself just to tie down (using the Mazda attachment points) my soft rooftop carrier, once I know the dimensions, etc. That can't be too hard to work out.
