Is there a better way to mount our roof boxes (Yakima, Thule Etc.)?

[xcmountain80]

Expo,

I ask you is there a better way? I have a Yakima Space shuttle, turbo booster, solid fuel rocket, or whatever it's called. and have the hardest time getting it secured to the roof, perhaps it's because I'm 5'9" and cannot reach across the box to tighten the infuriating double dodad U bolt like system. I thought about trying to incorporate something like what Caribou does with the pelican cases but the underside of the Yakima is round much like a canoe. I've also considered using (4) single through bolts that mount through the bars. I could reinforce the floor of the Yakima and place permanent round or square washers inside some fiberglass in order to gain load distribution support.

Thought Thought thoughts?


A

 

[southpier]

i only know when someone passes me with one of these things quivering away i back off 5 mph.

maybe adhese 2 sail battens longitudinally inside the base within the clamping mechanism, plus all of your other suggestions, and then some web strap & roller cam latches around the whole shootin' match.

 

[xcmountain80]

Mines one of the originals from Yakima and well build. Once closed it doesn't move. There are others out there that are just junk but I'm curious how to get mine mounted better and quicker.

A

 

[colodak]

get a tire step, it fits over your tire, you stand on it, makes it easier to reach box, 'bout $40.00 online

 

[xcmountain80]

get a tire step, it fits over your tire, you stand on it, makes it easier to reach box, 'bout $40.00 online

I can stand on the tire, and it isn't the rear inward bolt set that troubles me. Its the pesky inner front. I'm sure I'll come up with something clever.

A

 

[evldave]

Expo,
I've also considered using (4) single through bolts that mount through the bars. I could reinforce the floor of the Yakima and place permanent round or square washers inside some fiberglass in order to gain load distribution support.


Thought Thought thoughts?


A

This is what I did with my Yakima box, with a 1" x1/8" flat bar inside to distribute the load. The bolts run through the flat bar, then the spacebooster, then the crossbar, and I use nylon wingnuts to secure it. I can have the box on/off in about a minute or two just by loosing the wingnuts...if you use carraige bolts then you won't even have to reach inside the box to hold the bolts as you loosen the wingnuts.

Mine's very old (10+ years) and I get no flapping/distortion on the road when driving, and a lot of times I won't even bother with all 8 bolts...sometimes I'll just attach it with 4 bolts (one near each corner).

 

[xcmountain80]

This is what I did with my Yakima box, with a 1" x1/8" flat bar inside to distribute the load. The bolts run through the flat bar, then the spacebooster, then the crossbar, and I use nylon wingnuts to secure it. I can have the box on/off in about a minute or two just by loosing the wingnuts...if you use carraige bolts then you won't even have to reach inside the box to hold the bolts as you loosen the wingnuts.

Mine's very old (10+ years) and I get no flapping/distortion on the road when driving, and a lot of times I won't even bother with all 8 bolts...sometimes I'll just attach it with 4 bolts (one near each corner).

I came up with a similar solution in my sleep the other night, awesome glad to hear it works. I'm going to glass up all the other holes in it then glass or glue the metal in place and go from there.

Thank you

A