Sparktrician
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Packard said:
Subaru has had a similar system for over a decade, but it, too, is weight-limited.
Roof rack system for carrying Plywood
- Thread starter krudawg
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Subaru has had a similar system for over a decade, but it, too, is weight-limited.
squall_line
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SRSemenza said:
Note the sensible oxford and khakis used when making the installation. [big grin]
And my favorite trope of all automotive instructions: "removal is reverse of installation".
I am a member of the Chrysler Pacifica Website. And other than the fact that the speedometer will spontaneously shift from mph to kph, mine has been flawless. (Switching back is easy.)
Others have not been as lucky. But I will say that many of the features (like the stow n' go rear seats) are well-thought-out. The ride and handling are exceptional for a mini-van and quite comparable to a well-sorted out sedan. It is also quiet at cruising speeds, offers good acceleration, and has seats that are comfortable for long trips.
I have yet to need new brake linings even though I just clocked 102,000 miles. (I don't understand it either.)
But others have had engine problems and transmission problems. Enough have complained that is clearly is not an isolated incident.
When people ask me about it I say, "It's the best car I have had in recent years, but I cannot recommend it because of all the reported issues."
Others have not been as lucky. But I will say that many of the features (like the stow n' go rear seats) are well-thought-out. The ride and handling are exceptional for a mini-van and quite comparable to a well-sorted out sedan. It is also quiet at cruising speeds, offers good acceleration, and has seats that are comfortable for long trips.
I have yet to need new brake linings even though I just clocked 102,000 miles. (I don't understand it either.)
But others have had engine problems and transmission problems. Enough have complained that is clearly is not an isolated incident.
When people ask me about it I say, "It's the best car I have had in recent years, but I cannot recommend it because of all the reported issues."
VonaseBegum
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Hi there! Well, Yakima is a reputable brand in the outdoor gear and car rack industry. I've never used it, but the reviews seem great! Before using any roof rack or accessory to transport lumber, I suggest you to make sure that the weight of the load is within the weight limit. Besides, make sure that the load is securely tied down and properly balanced. Overloading your roof rack or improperly securing your load can pose a serious safety hazard. So it's important to take the necessary precautions and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. If you feel you can't handle it, contact reliable specialists, such as those from Indianapolis roof contractor. Hope I helped!
Years ago, I experienced having a sheet of MDF fly forward off my roof rack when I had to stop a little short. It sailed right over the hood and narrowly missed some people in the cross walk. Not good. That image is etched in my brain.
2 problems: my driving, and the load not being securely tied.
The rack was the type of thing that clamped on the rain gutters (remember rain gutters?) The MDF was probably tied on with rope or the freebie plastic twine the lumber yard had. This was a long time ago, before I knew about ratchet straps.
In subsequent years I have successfully used a cross-wise version of the Dan Pattison rack in the youtube above on my minivan. It attached to the lengthwise rails, which I think is stronger than attaching to the crossbars. The 2x4s were about 5 feet long, plenty to loop ratchet straps over sheet goods. 4 straps altogether, 2 lateral and 2 lengthwise.
It was pretty secure, for the short, low speed drive from the lumber yard to my house.
Currently I get my plywood partially cut at the lumber yard and haul it inside. For lumber, I can get 10 footers inside if I take out the middle and rear seats, a big job, but worth it. I'm jealous of those with minivans whose seats stow in the floor.
2 problems: my driving, and the load not being securely tied.
The rack was the type of thing that clamped on the rain gutters (remember rain gutters?) The MDF was probably tied on with rope or the freebie plastic twine the lumber yard had. This was a long time ago, before I knew about ratchet straps.
In subsequent years I have successfully used a cross-wise version of the Dan Pattison rack in the youtube above on my minivan. It attached to the lengthwise rails, which I think is stronger than attaching to the crossbars. The 2x4s were about 5 feet long, plenty to loop ratchet straps over sheet goods. 4 straps altogether, 2 lateral and 2 lengthwise.
It was pretty secure, for the short, low speed drive from the lumber yard to my house.
Currently I get my plywood partially cut at the lumber yard and haul it inside. For lumber, I can get 10 footers inside if I take out the middle and rear seats, a big job, but worth it. I'm jealous of those with minivans whose seats stow in the floor.
I got Rhino Racks for my Pilot. They have nice, long crossbars that work well for sheet goods. In addition to strapping down, I also made sure to strap to prevent the sheets from sliding forward and backward. I always took surface streets home, being careful not to go too fast. Also, never more than 2 sheets of 3/4". I would also just slide them in the back compartment.
Or try what this guy did when I sold him my steel cabinet...
Or try what this guy did when I sold him my steel cabinet...
I own a Chrysler Pacifica with the stow in place roof rack. Never used it.
When I fold down the Stow n Go seats I can slide a full sheet of 4’ x 8’ plywood in the interior and close the door.
I then drive home and back onto the driveway. I setup my saw horse cutting setup behind the car. I place a roller stand behind the van just a little higher than the saw horses. I then slide out the sheet over the roller stand and roll it onto the cutting station.
I make my cuts and carry the smaller pieces into the shop.
The Stow n Go is the only reason I got the van and the only reason I kept it after getting a Chrysler 300 sedan.
When I fold down the Stow n Go seats I can slide a full sheet of 4’ x 8’ plywood in the interior and close the door.
I then drive home and back onto the driveway. I setup my saw horse cutting setup behind the car. I place a roller stand behind the van just a little higher than the saw horses. I then slide out the sheet over the roller stand and roll it onto the cutting station.
I make my cuts and carry the smaller pieces into the shop.
The Stow n Go is the only reason I got the van and the only reason I kept it after getting a Chrysler 300 sedan.
squall_line
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Packard said:
If we ever have a second kid, my wife has finally reluctantly come around to being okay replacing our Rav 4 with a minivan (she doesn't want to be a Minivan Mom). I've been itching for one for this very reason.
I miss my parents' old Ford Aerostar Extended, body-on-frame minivan. No stowable seats, though; those things were cumbersome to remove, to say the least.
The Pacifica is surprisingly luxurious, quiet and has good ride characteristics.
I had purchased a 2019 Honda CRV with all the bells and whistles. I kept it for 6,000 miles and about 3 - 4 months before trading it in on the Pacifica. The Pacifica is a vastly nicer car (and far more expensive).
I can only recommend the Honda CRV or the Civic (which shares the same engine) if you live in the south. In cold weather the engine will only reach operating temperature at highway speeds. If you let it idle, the temperature will drop to “cold” in the winter. So your defroster will not defrost. It will not clear the snow from accumulating because in the snow you are not driving at highway speeds. Honda knew about the problem. At one point the Canadian equivalent of the DOT threatened to have a mandatory recall.
A couple of weeks after I took delivery of my car they had a “quite recall”, that is they had dealers retrofit new fuel injectors to all the cars that were on their lot but were unsold. It was a partial fix.
I found out about it but Honda would not replace the injectors on my car because “Honda does not believe there is a defect”.
I have permanently divorced myself from Honda and all Honda products.
Quite aside from that, the SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) was not sporty, lacked utility, and was barely suitable as a vehicle. I could not carry even a 60” long plank of wood in the cargo area with the seats folded down.
The Pacifica is far nicer to ride in, quieter and smoother riding. It has more utility, but no more sportiness.
I traded in the nearly new Honda and an older Sonata plus $800.00 that I put on my Amex and I drove off with the van. Never regretted it.
Anyone who favors SUVs over a Pacifica or the new Kia, simply has not driven both. Image aside, the vans are far nicer vehicles. The Honda van is supposed to be nice too, but you know how I feel about Hondas.
Both the Pacifica and the Toyota are available with 4-wheel drive. But only the Pacifica has the Stow n Go. But the super delux version with captains chairs does not have stow and go, and the hybrid also does not.
If you are looking to buy a Pacifica (or the newest version of the Dodge) make sure that you know that it features the stow and go. Some models do not.
I had purchased a 2019 Honda CRV with all the bells and whistles. I kept it for 6,000 miles and about 3 - 4 months before trading it in on the Pacifica. The Pacifica is a vastly nicer car (and far more expensive).
I can only recommend the Honda CRV or the Civic (which shares the same engine) if you live in the south. In cold weather the engine will only reach operating temperature at highway speeds. If you let it idle, the temperature will drop to “cold” in the winter. So your defroster will not defrost. It will not clear the snow from accumulating because in the snow you are not driving at highway speeds. Honda knew about the problem. At one point the Canadian equivalent of the DOT threatened to have a mandatory recall.
A couple of weeks after I took delivery of my car they had a “quite recall”, that is they had dealers retrofit new fuel injectors to all the cars that were on their lot but were unsold. It was a partial fix.
I found out about it but Honda would not replace the injectors on my car because “Honda does not believe there is a defect”.
I have permanently divorced myself from Honda and all Honda products.
Quite aside from that, the SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) was not sporty, lacked utility, and was barely suitable as a vehicle. I could not carry even a 60” long plank of wood in the cargo area with the seats folded down.
The Pacifica is far nicer to ride in, quieter and smoother riding. It has more utility, but no more sportiness.
I traded in the nearly new Honda and an older Sonata plus $800.00 that I put on my Amex and I drove off with the van. Never regretted it.
Anyone who favors SUVs over a Pacifica or the new Kia, simply has not driven both. Image aside, the vans are far nicer vehicles. The Honda van is supposed to be nice too, but you know how I feel about Hondas.
Both the Pacifica and the Toyota are available with 4-wheel drive. But only the Pacifica has the Stow n Go. But the super delux version with captains chairs does not have stow and go, and the hybrid also does not.
If you are looking to buy a Pacifica (or the newest version of the Dodge) make sure that you know that it features the stow and go. Some models do not.
