Customer Question: Hello-
I have resisted roof racks for years because of expense, mostly. However, I just bought a really sweet wagon (2002 Volvo V70 with factory “racks”) and my two sons and their gear are getting bigger and I may be at just the right vulnerability to take the leap. I tell you this, so you can recommend something that is very cost effective and flexible for me. If you were me, how would you build this up? I want to be able to do the following:
1. put a couple bikes up there…one or both could be little kiddy bikes
2. Snowboard(s) and cross country ski(s), maybe at the same time, but the boards could go in the car.
3. Kayak, maybe
4. building materials like long 2x4s and such. What’s my weight limit going to be given that it is all built on the factory racks?
5. I like the idea of improvising stuff with pipe insulation, come-alongs, pvc, whatever. I do hereby release you from any liability incurred from any advice you give me regarding home-grown ideas that you’ve seen or heard of.
Racks for All Solution: Listed below is a solution for your car which would give you a basic rack.
Thule Crossroad Railing Pack 450
http://www.racksforall.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=141
Thule 58 inch Load Bars (1 Pair)
http://www.racksforall.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=426
To carry bikes you’d need something like the
THULE Big Mouth Upright
http://www.racksforall.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=187
For your skis, this would work
Thule Flat Top 4 Pair Ski Carrier
http://www.racksforall.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=206
For the kayak, the following is a nice item
Thule Hull-A-Port w/Quickdraw Tiedown
http://www.racksforall.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=227
All Thule products can be locked with a one-key system available at an extra price.