Roof Rack Rails failed - what now?

[TN_Explorer]

I didn't really know where to post this -- If I hadn't been REALLY BUSY running around I-24 picking up pieces, I could have posted it in OOPS!

Bought a set of Thule load bars & a stacker & loaded two kayaks on it. They came off in Nashville at 70 mph and left the kayaks all over the interstate. Luckily, it didn't cause a wreck, no one was hurt, and the kayaks amazingly didn't get much damage, but the brand new high dollar rack is toast.

The kayaks were tight to the load bars and the load bars were fastened solidly to the towers. The towers pulled out of the factory rails. They didn't slip out, the rails themselves are bent and will have to be replaced! Looks like the Incredible Hulk just grabbed hold & pulled the whole thing off the top of the car.

Since I have to replace the entire factory system, is there something stronger that will fit my 1991 Gen 1 Explorer? Thanks in advance for any good ideas!!

 

[nissanboy]

get a thule that goes to teh rain gutters... they are much sturdier.

 

[TN_Explorer]

No rain gutters on my Explorer!

My Explorer doesn't have rain gutters -- didn't know any of them did. But let's not start a thread about rain gutters. Is there any other good way to put a SOLID rack on top of my '91?

 

[DeRocha]

Did it pull the rails off the roof, or just ripped the connector out of the rail? I would be worried about roof leaks around the rivets holding the rails to the roof.

 

[Charlie's_93EB]

make your own,

take 4 carige bolts*sp and get two 1"x1" square tube cut to the right lenght, out the bolt upside down drill the holes and you have a bullet proff rack. good luck

 

[TN_Explorer]

DeRocha - it pulled the towers out of the tracks, bent the tracks where the towers connected. it didn't pull the screws through the roof, although one track was bent enough it lifted away from the roof about 1/8 inch where the tower was. I've removed the tracks & put the screws back in to keep water out until I get some more.

Charlie's_93EB -- I think you mean fasten some square tubing to the factory load bars as reinforcement? That would probably work to make the load bars strong, and I think they are probably less likely to rip out of the track. In addition, I'm thinking of running a tube lengthwise down the center of the truck above the load bars that will strap down to the bumper & hitch. That would certainly keep the load bars from coming out of the tracks.

Thanks!!

 

[Charlie's_93EB]

damn ripped out, that is alot of wind.

my roof rack is only held on by the OEM tracks,

Charlie's_93EB -- I think you mean fasten some square tubing to the factory load bars as reinforcement? That would probably work to make the load bars strong, and I think they are probably less likely to rip out of the track. In addition, I'm thinking of running a tube lengthwise down the center of the truck above the load bars that will strap down to the bumper & hitch. That would certainly keep the load bars from coming out of the tracks.

Thanks!!

no just think it a low profile bar, just lay them across and bolt them down