Roof bars, pads & kayak restraint methods

[AW8]

2 kayaks (Perception Scooters - each has length 295cm width 75cm weight each 20kg). 1 here other one hopefully arrives next week - link here http://www.perception.co.uk/kayak-details.php?boat=12

They need to be transported on roof of my 2002 E53 X5.

I know I need roofbars but unsure on the best option(s).

I have had a quick look realoem & just about to look at thule site & & ebay. Only to be used locally - ease of fitting & removal & lack of damage to rails the priorities.

Just wondered if anyone else has recomendations. Happy to go no OE as long as suitable and minimal risk of damamge to the rails, (which will be wrapped in insulation tape to preevent damage).

In meantime I will be trwaling old posts on here using search but keen to hear of u.k. sourced options.

Oh and ideally I want them here by Wednesday so keen to order or source asap.

Any recommendations appreciated.

[CondorX5]

I was looking for a pair a while back and asked on X5 drivers - a few people suggested the Mont Blanc bars and I bought them - they do the job and are quite sturdy, take up to 100kg I think. Also have locking units to stop opportunistic theft. Will try to find the link and post it up for you, they were not expensive, around the £70 mark as I recall, while the OE ones were ridiculous - around £200.

[CondorX5]

Here's the link, delivery was very quick and you can organise 24 hr delivery for a bit more.....

Mont Blanc Roof Bars Rack Fits BMW X5 00 On 4x4 on eBay (end time 26-Jul-10 16:13:42 BST)

Hope thats helpful, they seemed much better than the cheapest but not as pricey as BMWs own!!

[JCL]

Haven't used the Mont Blanc.

I have used the Thule Crossroad 450 with square bars on a 2003 X5, and now on our X3. Works brilliantly. Much cheaper than BMW. Rubber feet, no need to wrap the rails. One key system to secure it. Lots of Thule accessories available for kayaks, etc. I use bike carriers. I like the square rails because they carry a wider variety of accessories. They don't look as sleek as the aero bars, but I have never minded that.

The Crossroad 450 feet appear to have been superceded by the RapidSystem 775 (with square or aero bars) but they look identical in the on-line Thule catalogue. I have always got mine the same day from one of several local Thule dealers.

[BWG]

I have the BMW original ones, very, very good I would say. Can take allot of weight/ They look the part because they fit the car perfectly, so theres no overhang of the cross bar. And they have very tough rubber inners for the clamps so no damage to the roof rails.

[X5 CPE]

Got the Mont Blanc ones to work with the roof box, ok for the most part but a bit 'industrial' in appearance...

Remember, you can't have your kayak and eat it

[AW8]

Thanks for all replies folks

Sorry for out of character late reply went for Thule lockable footpack & square black rails, (robust & match colour of car).s. I will post up the Thule part numbers later if anyone is interested.

Spent 2 days cursing though. Had bought & fitted a thule vertical kayak carrier for 2 kayaks, (as 2 to carry). Then realised that damage to car, kayak or self likely on windy days & also it all looked a bit unsightly...........So, off with said centre kayak holder hoops bars........Plan now is to put the 2 identical kayaks side by side & upside down.

Space on bars is a challenge at widest point with 1.5 inch on end of bar spare ! I would maybe consider a 150cm Thule bar, (mine is 135cm), but am unsure if a 150cm item would be ok or issues with slots in the bar & their relationship with the footpack. In any case an extra 15cm width wont cause bar tips to protrude further than widest points, (& excluding mirrors).

In meantime I am stuggling with rachet straps - 4 x 2.75m Thule items. I spent a couple of hours trial leashing with same. Items not long enough for me to figure 8 leash with 2 straps per kayak. 90 degree side on leashing is leaving far too much movement & slip for my liking. I know most tie down at 90 degress but I am not convinced re security & integrity of load.

I'm sure some find strapping & restraining an easy task but I have never had to create or spec a roof top carry system in my life. Roof restraint kit trial & error a bit of a learning curve & at moment a bit of a P.I.T.A. !

I am yet to see what roof carry aparatus & sundries I finally end up with when satisfied. Not going to buy rubbish, (hence brand new Thule footpack & bars), but keen for cost of roof aparatus not to exceed cost of cargo carried !

[AW8]

Originally Posted by X5 CPE

Got the Mont Blanc ones to work with the roof box, ok for the most part but a bit 'industrial' in appearance...

Remember, you can't have your kayak and eat it

That really is quite bad btw