Roof Basket Mounting
Submitted: Monday, Dec 10, 2007 at 01:38
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52410
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ChallengeLee
I make no excuses, l'm new to 4WDriving and all that goes with it.
I have recently purchased a lightweight roof basket for my Challenger, it however came with no fittings or mounting instructions. I have 2 Rola Racks mounted on the car itself.
I have the woman power just not the knowledge. I know you ladies and gentlemen do however.
I need a solution that will either
(a) enable me to take the basket off easily (note: single, vertically challenged female) when not in use or
(b) a stay fast solution that will stick like cement (therefore enabling stress free travelling, i.e it's not gonna fly past me doing 100 clicks along the freeway)
All advise, hints, creative thought or ingenuity will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Lee
Reply By: Member - RFLundgren (WA) - Monday, Dec 10, 2007 at 02:10
Monday, Dec 10, 2007 at 02:10
Hi Lee
I used to have a pair of Rola racks and a basket on my roof. From what I remember Rola make some fittings that will allow you to attach the basket to the racks quite securely. having said that though it will still pay to check on a regular basis that everything is nice and tightly secured.
Just do a quick check whenever you put fuel in and check your tyre pressures. Only takes a minute or so and will save a lot of grief. They can work themselves loose depending on the terrain you are travelling on.
AnswerID:
275871
Reply By: Blaze - Monday, Dec 10, 2007 at 02:57
Monday, Dec 10, 2007 at 02:57
Hi Lee,
I have a rola rack on my Challenger and also put a basket on some times, through experience with a basket I used to carry on my camper I found the cheapest and easiest to fit was Hose Clamps, the type that are used on radiator hoses just a fraction larger, they are cheaper than the rola fitting plus easier to use..
Cheers
AnswerID:
275872
Reply By: Member - Alastair D (NSW) - Monday, Dec 10, 2007 at 08:39
Monday, Dec 10, 2007 at 08:39
Lee,
If you are just going to travel on the blacktop then the standard fittings should work or Blaze's suggestion. If you are going off road then more is needed.
The problem is that most standards mounts will just lock onto only a small area of the wire mesh and this will easily crack/bend. I have Rhino rack bars and occassionally put a basket on (it hangs under the roof in the carport or shed otherwise so it easy to drop on). I use metal strips the full width of the basket for each bar and clamp them on each side and in the middle using the standard Rhino clamps which are quick to remove but lock
well when on. Never had a problem with this but I try to avoid having a basket on in rough stuff.
cheers
alastair
AnswerID:
275883
Follow Up By: Sand Man (SA) - Monday, Dec 10, 2007 at 12:09
Monday, Dec 10, 2007 at 12:09
Alistair,
Do you have a light weight basket???
I also have Rhino racks and a heavy duty metal basket.
Use the standard Rhino fixing kit to fasten the basket to the rack and it isn't going anywhere.
The plates are about 150mm long and straddle 4 strands of the wire mesh which are each about 4mm diameter (3/16"). Bolts run though the plates and into captive nuts located in the Rhino Rack channels.
I don't think the basket is going anywhere the Racks themselves don't go.
FollowupID:
539764
Reply By: Shaker - Monday, Dec 10, 2007 at 08:56
Monday, Dec 10, 2007 at 08:56
You can buy a fitting kit which consists of 2 U-bolts, 2 fish plates & 4 knurled nuts. I have been all through the High Country & the Outback fully loaded, including loads of firewood & had no problems.
I think the kit costs around $30.00.
AnswerID:
275891
Reply By: Member - Royce- Monday, Dec 10, 2007 at 13:32
Monday, Dec 10, 2007 at 13:32
Go back to your supplier and ask for fittings? You really need to be able to remove it when not necessary because it will add a lot to your fuel consumption.
AnswerID:
275926
Follow Up By: troopyman - Monday, Dec 10, 2007 at 14:34
Monday, Dec 10, 2007 at 14:34
It is amazing how much more fuel my troopy uses from putting a wire mesh basket on the bars .
FollowupID:
539799
Reply By: Ozboc - Monday, Dec 10, 2007 at 15:02
Monday, Dec 10, 2007 at 15:02
Since you have existing bars - then i would suggest you use "U-bolts" tto secure it to your roof racks - x4 you may need someone to make up a 4 bits of flat bar to put across the threaded section - but this option is far safer than using standard hose clamps- get them in galvanised
Blacwoods webpage showing the item i described
you don't have to get from blackwoods - i just used them as an example - just head to any nut and bolt place and they should have them --- Not sure if bunnings do ?
quick look on yellow pages website using key word FASTENERS should give results
AnswerID:
275937
Reply By: ChallengeLee - Monday, Dec 10, 2007 at 20:29
Monday, Dec 10, 2007 at 20:29
Thank you everyone, l appreciate all your responses.
I don't plan on going too far off tarmac just yet, so will utilise the hose clamps till after Christmas until l source the rola fittings locally. Repco have them down the road aways. That seems like the best option, more reliable and most safest.
Thanks for all your help,
Lee
AnswerID:
275988