Multi Component Roof Racks

[LisaPhish]

I am just wondering which you all prefer to use with the XC roof racks, and why. . . I would like to be able to put a storage box, bike rack and ski components on.  I went to the Thule website and put in the make and model of my car and it told me they would contact me when they had something available?  Didn't I read someplace that many of you used Thule?  Can you direct me towards a website. . . or possibly, better yet, a part #?  For now, I just want the bars that run horizontal across my stock racks.

Thanks in advance.

http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/music.gif Lisa

[DanishXCViking]

Hi.

I personally is a great fan of the conform roof box made by Volvo.
Maybe you beeing a designer (if i remember correctly) would like it as well.

Carline box (http://xc70.com/cgi-bin/ib3/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=1;t=397)

DXCV

[Art]

Hi Lisa, http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

Your '02 XC should have the same rack fitment requirements as the '01 models considering that there haven't been any modifications to the overall roof rail design.
Thule Rack Options For '01 XC (http://www.thuleracks.com/thule/fg_foot.asp?sport=22&sport=29&make=Volvo&sku=&car_id=3159&year=2001&factory_id=1&Continue.x=49&Continue.y=11)

Several members that I know for sure, including myself, have the O.E.M. Square profile cross bars (part #8633210) that are actually made by Thule. I've used mine extensively for over almost two years and they work great. Volvo also offers cross bars in two other profiles, that being the oval and wing. You may even wish to check with your own dealer for more load carrying options and accessories.
O.E.M. Rack Accessories (http://new.volvocars.com/models/xc/xc_accessories.asp)

In the meantime, here are a few older threads to sift through to help you get you on your way. Hope that helps. http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/alien.gif
Roof Rack (1) (http://xc70.com/cgi-bin/ib3/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=1;t=181)
Roof Rack (2) (http://xc70.com/cgi-bin/ib3/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=1;t=35)
Roof Rack (3) (http://xc70.com/cgi-bin/ib3/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=1;t=296)
Ski Rack (http://xc70.com/cgi-bin/ib3/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=1;t=220)
Bike Carrier (http://xc70.com/cgi-bin/ib3/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=1;t=450)

[DanishXCViking]

Sorry.

Guess i misunderstood the question http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif

DXCV (must work on my english http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/blush.gif )

[cbob]

Art has provided all the *real* info, but I'd like to add my 2bits. http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
I chose the standard square profile Thule bars as well, because I had used Thule on my last vehicle, and all my accessories fit the square bars. The only difference is the Volvo version clamps match the design of the roof rails, and attach using a cute little torque wrench instead of the having the locks used on the Thule bars.

The wind howl from the bars is really unacceptable. http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif
At any speed.
If I had to do it over, I might find a way to modify my ski, bike, and canoe rack clamps to fit the oval or wing profile bars. I'm *this close* to taking the bars off until ski season, but those cute clamps are a bit of a pain to re/re. http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/hehe.gif

Michael

[wiz]

I'm a big, BIG fan of the Yakima racks. They're incredibly well made, lockable, and stand up well to bad weather.

But what I really like about them is that you buy one rack system, and it will go on any car you have. Mine was bought for my 740GL, but also fit my 240DL.

Now I have a new V70XC and all I need to do is get the LowRider footpack, take the SKS lockable cores out of the Q-towers, and this rack goes on my new car. Yakima is not cheap, but they are good!!

If you go 3rd party, here's a retailer that seems to have decent prices:

Car Racks Direct (http://www.outdoorsports.com/osc/crd/products.asp?dept_id=36)

[Art]

Cbob raises a good point about wind noise. Removing the bars from the rails obviously makes the most sense. However, it becomes a mute issue if you tend to use them on a frequent basis. The use of a fairing or moving the bars further back are other methods that may help to reduce wind howl. Sliding back the XC's sunroof curtain will also buffer some of the noise. I've found that removing the bars altogether works best for me. http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

As Wiz states, Yakima also offers great products and are certainly worth checking out. Many of Thule's accessories are now interchangeable with Yakima's rack systems. http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

BTW, I forgot to mention that for a limited time only, Volvo is offering a rebate on it's cargo box and companion cross bars.
Mail in Rebate (http://www.volvopartsworld.com/toprcpon.htm)

[wiz]

The Yakima wind noise is worse than the Thule. Thule uses thin oval or square shaped cross-bars, Yakima's are round with a big diameter.

You absolutely can't have the roof open with the Yakima cross-bars up there http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif .

[1Lieutenant]

Hi,

I have the Yakima rack system simply because I started with them about 10 years ago and have built up a supply of boxes, baskets, ski racks and bike racks.  I love the idea of portability whether you use Yakima or Thule. The Yakimas have required little maintenance and have proved durable.

The advantage of the Yakima low riders are they are EASILY removable.  I like to remove the cross bars if I am not going to use them.  The Yak's are off in less than two minutes.  When they are on there is usually a bike up there as well so wind noise is to be expected.

Steve

[wiz]

The Q-towers that fix the cross bars to the older Volvos are equally quick to install and de-install, once you have them set up.

It's odd that the Yakima site hasn't yet "certified" the LowRiders for even the 2001 V70XC, I mean you have to buy them to see if they work - I haven't bought mine yet because I only just got the car a couple of weeks ago...

[LisaPhish]

Wow!  Thank you EVERYBODY for all that great information!  I really appreciate it!

Peace........... Lisa

http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif  http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif  http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/hehe.gif  http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/huh2.gif  http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/alien.gif  http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/music.gif  http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif  http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif  http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[pico de luuks]

I'm considering the wing profile cross bars. They will do for mounting the ski's/surfboard and they look cool as well. However if they are as noisy as the other ones...
Does somebody have the wing profile and how are they as far as noise goes? http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/music.gifhttp://sc2.vcc.m.volvocars.se/bilder/pp/v70xc/pop/216.jpg

[1Lieutenant]

Hi,

I purchased the low riders for my 2002 XC.  They were listed in the fitting book for this application.  Work like a charm.

Steve

[wiz]

Thanks for the confirmation Steve, I will order mine this week or next.

[coastal]

Howdy,

I like the regular regtangular Volvo bars by Thule. They fit the stock roof rails perfectly and all the regular Thule toys. Only problem is they can be noisy when empty. I've got either a 6pair ski or surfboard pad set on year round, so it's not a problem in my case.

Why, I just put the 2 bike racks on this morning and here's a couple of pics http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[coastal]

and one more http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[pico de luuks]

Wow, I thought buying a roof rack was going to be a quicky http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

As long as you don't have to haul your stuff like this:
http://www.km77.com/marcas/volvo/v70xc/peq/interiorarriba1.jpg
Any roofrack is better! Despite using the versatility so often advertised by volvo http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/hehe.gif

[tlcxc]

Just to add my two cents to this discussion, we used the Thule bars for ski's, bikes and pod.  I take them off when not in use as I don't find them difficult at all to remove.  I like the lockability and the transferability.  To move them from my old explorer to the xc all we needed was new "feet".  The volvo brand is made for them by Thule so each is easily transferable.

[wiz]

Can you fit Volvo cargo boxes to a Yakima rack?

[coastal]

no problemo wiz... if your Volvo/Thule mounts don't work with the Yakima bar (which they should) then you can either use Yakima mounts with new holes if needed, or rig together something else. Worked in winter sporting goods years ago and did this all the time http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[wiz]

Thanks, coastal.  Only problem is the rebate ends today and I don't have the time to get one.  O well  http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif

[Philpug]

Thule..Yakama..Vanilla...Chocolate... We can go on all day on which is better, both are great. I use Thule, just because I have had Thule racks for 15+ years. Yakama is just as good. The Yak, mught be a bit quieter, but Thule is Svee-dish! http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

If you are going Thule, buy the X-bars from the dealer vs. getting Thule. The integrated bars/feet are about 120.00, where is you get a 50" bar and 415 feet from Thule, you will spend about 160.00.

[Ron3KL]

I kept my rectangular Volvo bars when I sold my 850 because I amazed to find that the mounts fitted the demo XC roof rails better than they ever fitted the 850!

[pico] The other problem with stuffing that amount of stuff in the car is having to cut the roof off to take the photograph http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[pico de luuks]

Hi all,
It's getting close to skiing season, so I'll finally have to make a decision on what load bars to get for my XC. I'm still leaning towards the wing profile, hoping that the wind noise will be less and I can leave them on all year. I've one advantage on the noise department: no sunroof.
Has anybody a reason why I shouldn't buy the wing profile, but the square profile instead? I'm intend on using it just for ski's and/or a small cargo box and would prefer to leave them on all year vice removing them when not in use.

BTW has anybody put the roofribs on? Are they just glued on?

http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/huh2.gif

[wiz]

pico I have round Yakimas and I have bought a fairing - I understand they dramatically reduce the noise.

One thing - if you are planning on leaving them on year-round - do you use a car-wash?

Remember what happened to combustion with his cross-bars on in the car wash? http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif

[pico de luuks]

I do remenber Wiz, but I didn't think that it would be a problem with this model:

http://new.volvocars.com/models/images/accessories/P00_4479_wing_profile_cross_bars.jpg

Anyway the only car wash I use (occasionally) is a touchless-one. I prefer to do it myself, so the carwash is no issue for me.

Any thoughts on the roof ribs?

[wiz]

Yes.  Can I ask what useful purpose the roof-ribs serve?  I am thinking that they would only make the roof more difficult to keep clean... http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif

[rexhart]

Roof ribs won't increase the load carrying capacity of your roof they will just keep things from rubbing on the paint (if you're lucky) I asked the dealer about the roof ribs he said the load capacity of the roof is 90 lbs (or so) and that with the load bars the capacity is 300 lbs (or so).

[wiz]

Well, to be honest, things shouldn't be "rubbing on the paint" - right? I mean, if you have soft bags that you want to put up there, the rack manufacturers make open cargo bins with solid bottoms that won't allow this to happen... http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/huh2.gif

[pico de luuks]

I don't think roofribs serve any useful purpose, it's just cosmetics. http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/blush.gif I've been checking XC's to see if any has them as to judge how it looks. Anyway it's probably not worth the $260 no matter how it looks. http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sly.gif I was just wondering if anybody had them. http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/huh2.gif

[wiz]

That's a ridiculous price! $260 would purchase a truly top quality 3rd-party (Thule or Yakima) roof rack system... http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[pico de luuks]

That's what I mean by no matter how it looks... http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[wiz]

Well, when you combine the price with the apparently zero functionality, there's only one way to go, pico!! http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[Art]

I'd have to agree with you fellas on the roof ribs. Definitely a magnet for grime. What do you think about the hitch mounted luggage accessory as shown on the XC90?  http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif

http://new.volvocars.com/models/images/accessories/load_basket_hitch_mounted.jpg

[coastal]

great idea, but it looks pretty, ummm. Dorky?

me thinks a basket would be the coolest solution.. something like this:

http://joe.imageg.net/@v=0258@/graphics/product_images/p675697dt.jpg

http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[Art]

Yup, definitely cool and rugged looks to boot! http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif

How about a safari-style roof mounted spare tire carrier complete with driving lights? http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[coastal]

woohoo.. now yer talkin http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif

[Art]

http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
http://www.samsoffroad.com/images/list-truck.jpg

[pico de luuks]

Paris-Dakar here we come! http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif  http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[Stu in Oregon]

Yikes! Don't you people have to work on Fridays? While you were posting 2 pages of rack topic today, I left Portland at 5 AM this morning and went to Olympia, Tacoma, Seattle and then back thru Portland to Albany south of Salem before I got to head for home! I got home at 8:30 PM! All the while with no rack or associated wind noise http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

We use Thule because thats what we have had for some 15 years. Yakima is just as good. Only its round instead of rectangular. I never leave my cross bars on because I can't stand the noise or the looks when motoring around. The "aero" cross bars from Volvo (made by Thule I believe) still make wind noise that I cant stand unless I am transporting something. http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/music.gif I guess I am too sensitive http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/blush.gif

[cbob]

I dunno Stu.
While you were happily motoring around WA/OR, I was dragging my butt all the way from Madison, WI to Vancouver, BC (via Chicago), and I was soooo happy to climb into the crossbar-less XC for the drive home to Whistler after all the wind/engine noise on those pesky aircraft. http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/hehe.gif

I'm another one who leaves my Thule bars off unless I'm carrying something. They are just too noisy. http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif
Too noisy on the Cherokee, too noisy on the XC, too noisy period.

.

http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[Art]

Hey Stu, I figure someone's got to stay behind to man the trenches. Right Wiz and Pico? http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

Kidding aside, I give two thumbs up to the Volvo/Thule square profile crossbars that form the backbone of my system. In combination with Thule's H2Go saddles, I'm able to haul over 100 lbs of kayaks with ease. I've also opted to remove them whenever I'm done transporting. The only problem that I've encountered are with those pesky little rubber feet that keep falling off the clamps everytime I remove the bars. So far I've managed to lose one complete set from each cross member. Anyone else have this problem? http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif

[wiz]

Right on, Art! http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif I had to LOL when I read Stu's post - but most of this topic was posted months ago Stu, it was just revived by pico... http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

I do like the look of that Thule bin, although the fairing is at an angle where it won't be too much use. I'm actually looking forward to seeing if my own fairing helps with the noise, but I'm not going to put it on the bars until I place a strip of Scotchcal protection film on my roof. It's too cold for that already... http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif

[xc70spud]

Like several before me, I use Yakimas primarily because I have built up a garage full of their products that I have used on other vehicles.  I use low rise towers with tandem bicycle holder, regular bike holders and ski racks.  I find their products to be of high quality and their representitives to be very informed and willing to go the extra mile
http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[wiz]

I have Yak stuff too for the same reasons. Yak/Thule it seems to make little difference. They're both quality products. Thule may be better for XC70s as they OEM for Volvo - you may be able to get a price advantage with one or the other & its easy to mix & match.

[XC70 Pilot]

Friends:  I just purchased a set of Volvo OEM cross bars on EBay.  Check out the auction here:

EBay Auction (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&category=33651&item=2440004135)

I'm planning on mounting these on my '04 XC70.  I'd like to purchase a compatible roof luggage carrier and ski rack for one pair of alpine skis.  

Any suggestions?  I'm happy to go with Thule or Yakima, whichever is likely to be the most compatible.

Thanks!

[Chipshot]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Art @ Aug. 25 2002,14:11)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Cbob raises a good point about wind noise. Removing the bars from the rails obviously makes the most sense. However, it becomes a mute issue if you tend to use them on a frequent basis.[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Here&#39;s to more mute (and moot) issues&#33; &nbsp;http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/hehe.gif

[littlewaywelt]

I removed the roof rails when I didn&#39;t need them for the first few months of ownership, but replacing them at least once a week proved to be a pain. &nbsp;I&#39;ve gotten so used to the windnoise that I barely notice it now. Closing the sun shade for the sunroof makes a substantial difference in the amount of noise in the cabin.

[mhoy]

I was thinking of getting the wing cross bars to cut down on noise. If I did so, do any of the Yak/Thule mounts still work?

[littlewaywelt]

a lot of the items will still work although not all. &nbsp;occasionally you&#39;ll have to get an adapter. &nbsp;You should be able to find all the basic rack items bikes, skis, boxes, etc to easilly fit a wider profile bar.