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does anyone have experience with thw ski attachments and are they removable?
ski attachments
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Search the site for ski attachment specifying 90 days of history. There are lengthy discussion about ski attachment. According to previous threads, the Acura one is actually the modified version supplied by Thule and can carry only 4 pairs. The standard Thule version can carry six and is cheaper. There is an adapter which allows direct attachment to the roof rack.
I saw it in operation on other car and SUV, but not on the MDX. It has no attachment kit for the OEM rack. But if you have the Thule or Yakima cross bar, then it should be OK. I like it since it slides out to the side of the X and has the capacity for 6 pairs of skis. Unfortunately, it cannot be attached to factory rack. Anybody find a solution for this dilemna?
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So are these the same racks that Tim has on special this month?Munch said:We purchased the Thule Ski racks from Acura, they go on and off with a phillips head screw driver, not real easy to do but not bad. Work well carrying ski also, plus they have the cooooool Acura label
Ghost,ghost said:
I believe that Munch is talking about the OEM ski rack which Tim has on special. It look exactly like the Thule but bear the Acura label with a special attachment, which even does not exist at Thule website. Thule maintains that they do not have any attachments for the X cross bar and requires the purchase of theic clamps and cross bars.
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1,321 Posts
I had a bunch of posts on the Thule racks and how to mount them.
Do a search for "VWADAPT" as the keyword, and author "ARDVARKUS".
There is even a buch of pictures of the kit (in Gallery), and some custom mounts I made. (Using the VWADAPT, the rack can be put on and taken off with no tools, other than a screwdriver to get at the factory rack channel.)
Thule is still 'confused' as to what they make and how it works. Thule made the VW factory rack. Apparently, they made a similar rack for Acura, but didn't tell their US folks. The VWADAPT kit works, but the phone people and website don't know it...
(I knew the recent weather would trigger a rash of 'roof rack posts'.)
Have fun,
Ard
Do a search for "VWADAPT" as the keyword, and author "ARDVARKUS".
There is even a buch of pictures of the kit (in Gallery), and some custom mounts I made. (Using the VWADAPT, the rack can be put on and taken off with no tools, other than a screwdriver to get at the factory rack channel.)
Thule is still 'confused' as to what they make and how it works. Thule made the VW factory rack. Apparently, they made a similar rack for Acura, but didn't tell their US folks. The VWADAPT kit works, but the phone people and website don't know it...
(I knew the recent weather would trigger a rash of 'roof rack posts'.)
Have fun,
Ard
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1,788 Posts
Just for kicks
OK, a question for those of you that already have these - would they hold snowshoes? If there the type with foam dealies that clamp down, it would work; if there's tracks in hard plastic, it probably won't.
The shoes are about 48" long and about 8" at their widest point. They'd fit in back, but a lot less messy to store on the roof
OK, a question for those of you that already have these - would they hold snowshoes? If there the type with foam dealies that clamp down, it would work; if there's tracks in hard plastic, it probably won't.
The shoes are about 48" long and about 8" at their widest point. They'd fit in back, but a lot less messy to store on the roof
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Ghost-
Yep, I think they would-
The Thule rack (I have the bigger one, six pair) has a thick rubber extrusion that clamps down onto the skis. It really isn't foam rubber, more like a hollow 'fin'. It is a nice compromise between deformability and snugness.
I can easily clamp down onto the handle of a ski pole, which is probably as thick as snow shoes (even those wood and moose gut ones I have out in the shed...)
Ard
Yep, I think they would-
The Thule rack (I have the bigger one, six pair) has a thick rubber extrusion that clamps down onto the skis. It really isn't foam rubber, more like a hollow 'fin'. It is a nice compromise between deformability and snugness.
I can easily clamp down onto the handle of a ski pole, which is probably as thick as snow shoes (even those wood and moose gut ones I have out in the shed...)
Ard
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1,321 Posts
If you are in the SF bay area, here is a great shop for rack parts:
A Sports Rack Vehicle Outfit
1200 El Camino Real
San Carlos, CA 94070
650-591-9200
That's where I picked up the VWADAPT kits. I liked the lack of 'clampy thangs' using this method- I don't know how the Barrecrafters mounts.
The Thule racks can be had at any REI- prices are all around the same...
Ard
A Sports Rack Vehicle Outfit
1200 El Camino Real
San Carlos, CA 94070
650-591-9200
That's where I picked up the VWADAPT kits. I liked the lack of 'clampy thangs' using this method- I don't know how the Barrecrafters mounts.
The Thule racks can be had at any REI- prices are all around the same...
Ard
reply to tdnone's question
tdnone,
Barrecrafters web site is at www.barrecrafters.com. I purchased the AB-6 for 6 pairs of skis at one of Ski Market stores. It works fine.
I did consider getting the Thule 725 and VWADAPT. Unfortunately, Thule customer service had no clue about the VWADAPT's fit for the MDX, even after I described to one of their main tech. guys Ardvarkus' posts on this web site. Also, I had hard time finding the adapter kit. The guy at the Ski Market store was willing to search and order the VWADAPT, but he also said that, in his opinion, the Barrecrafters' mounting to factory rack would be stronger than Thule's with the chanel mount.
Ardvarkus - didn't you need to also modify t-bolts or something to make it work? What is the main advantage of the Thule over Barrecrafters, in your opinion?
tdnone,
Barrecrafters web site is at www.barrecrafters.com. I purchased the AB-6 for 6 pairs of skis at one of Ski Market stores. It works fine.
I did consider getting the Thule 725 and VWADAPT. Unfortunately, Thule customer service had no clue about the VWADAPT's fit for the MDX, even after I described to one of their main tech. guys Ardvarkus' posts on this web site. Also, I had hard time finding the adapter kit. The guy at the Ski Market store was willing to search and order the VWADAPT, but he also said that, in his opinion, the Barrecrafters' mounting to factory rack would be stronger than Thule's with the chanel mount.
Ardvarkus - didn't you need to also modify t-bolts or something to make it work? What is the main advantage of the Thule over Barrecrafters, in your opinion?
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I know how it is getting a answer from Thule-
I was actually in a store today trying to set up a channel system on the MDX (forget about those door clamp things-if it works, I'll post pics!) when I met the Thule rep.
He had no idea that the MDX factory rack was from Thule! I was explaining the VWADAPT works because Thule had an OEM deal with VW, and uses the same design. Nobody told him.
Anyway, I did make longer bolts to stand off the rack, but it will work lower. I like the cleaner look with the T bolts- Also, both mounting systems would likely pull the rack off the roof first (T Bolts versus clamps).
Oh, and since I've never laid eyes on a barrecrafters, I don't know the relative merits. I do like the 'full line' that Thule offers, plus the status the brand carries...
Ard
I was actually in a store today trying to set up a channel system on the MDX (forget about those door clamp things-if it works, I'll post pics!) when I met the Thule rep.
He had no idea that the MDX factory rack was from Thule! I was explaining the VWADAPT works because Thule had an OEM deal with VW, and uses the same design. Nobody told him.
Anyway, I did make longer bolts to stand off the rack, but it will work lower. I like the cleaner look with the T bolts- Also, both mounting systems would likely pull the rack off the roof first (T Bolts versus clamps).
Oh, and since I've never laid eyes on a barrecrafters, I don't know the relative merits. I do like the 'full line' that Thule offers, plus the status the brand carries...
Ard
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8 Posts
We have had good luck with a Yakima ski rack on several vehicles. They have adapters called "Mighty Mounts" that fit on factory roof rack crossbars and provide the mounting point for their rack. Checked a Yakima catalog and didn't see Mighty Mounts for the MDX, though. Anyone have any better luck?
Thule clamps for factory rack
Today, I just baought from REI the Fat Mouth Clamp (part number FM-1), priced $29. The store has lots of them in Fremont, CA. Iyt fots the factory rack perfectly. It is used to secure Thule ski rack (725, 726, etc.) to the factory rack (a perfect design fit). I also bought the 6 pair Thule Deluxe Pull Top ski carrier for $126 on sale. This is one which slides out to make mounting easier. The 725 is a the same but fixed one and is on sale for $79 this week all over CA I was told.
The store is not even aware of this clamp, only one experienced sales guy know about it. I came to the store and mentionned about the 91725 (which someone on this board told me - it is the 725 rack with the fat mouth clamp combined). This is a new Thule product which is not on their website, their customer service and dealer sales does not know about it either. So go to the store and ask for 91725 or specifically the Fat Mouth Clamp (FM-1) and their regular ski attachment. Their Snowboad Only Rack already have a similar clamp, so you won't need the Fat Mouth one.
If you want Thule ski attachment, go and get it while it is on sale now and have the real attachment for the X.
Today, I just baought from REI the Fat Mouth Clamp (part number FM-1), priced $29. The store has lots of them in Fremont, CA. Iyt fots the factory rack perfectly. It is used to secure Thule ski rack (725, 726, etc.) to the factory rack (a perfect design fit). I also bought the 6 pair Thule Deluxe Pull Top ski carrier for $126 on sale. This is one which slides out to make mounting easier. The 725 is a the same but fixed one and is on sale for $79 this week all over CA I was told.
The store is not even aware of this clamp, only one experienced sales guy know about it. I came to the store and mentionned about the 91725 (which someone on this board told me - it is the 725 rack with the fat mouth clamp combined). This is a new Thule product which is not on their website, their customer service and dealer sales does not know about it either. So go to the store and ask for 91725 or specifically the Fat Mouth Clamp (FM-1) and their regular ski attachment. Their Snowboad Only Rack already have a similar clamp, so you won't need the Fat Mouth one.
If you want Thule ski attachment, go and get it while it is on sale now and have the real attachment for the X.
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