[Trabok]

Hi there,

I had a question about roof racks in general. This is basically for the aftermarket Thule and Yokima style racks. I have an old paranoia of things flying off my car and I have been reading that some people have had roof racks come loose on them over time. How often have people had to re-tighten their racks and how often do you usually check them?

 

[PokeCheck]

2007 matrix roof rack

Hello Trabok,
I have installed a ProRac roof rack on my 2007 Matrix. It is a screw-down track-mounted system with 2 adjustable crossbars that can hold up to 150 lbs. I did the installation myself, which involved using self-tapping screws that come with the kit to mount the tracks. So far, I have used this rack (along with Malone Autoloader J-style kayak carriers attached to the ProRac) to haul 2 kayaks, a load of about 85 lbs. No problem. Very little wind noise even at highway speed. I know this does not directly answer your questions about things flying off of your roof, but I hope this helps somewhat. I know another Matrix owner who installed a Thule removable rack and she is not happy with the wind noise it makes--not very aerodynamic.

 

[j27lee]

I use to use a thule rack on my avalon. Put it on in the fall, take it off 6 months later and it was still as tight and secure as it was when i put it on. They do recommend only putting it on when you need it, but it sucks to do in the winter cause you have to wash your car so that you don't trap dirt between the rubber pads and the car. That said, with the price of gas now, I'd pull it off when i don't need it.

I don't have a rack on my matrix yet, and apparently the fit is better with some cars than others, though the with thule, you buy a specific fit kit for your car.