2008+ XC70 roof rails not good enough

**PJ810** · 03-01-2009, 12:52 AM

I regularly transport a 2.4m Zodiac inflatable boat on the roof of both my 1999 V70XC and 2001 V70XC. The 2001 very conveniently has an opening in the centre support of the roof rail. This has proven invaluable and very very convenient compared to the 1999 which has a solid centre support. It's easy to pull a rope through there and know it won't be moving backwards or forwards. I noticed on the 2008 XC70 they've gone back to a solid centre support. Why????

I see the overall design of the roof rails on the 2001-2007 model as a major improvement compared to the earlier versions, and also vastly superior to everything else I've seen on other brands.

As someone who uses the practicality aspects of the XC70 on a daily basis, and someone who utilises the roof rails once or twice per week, the intelligent design of this feature is of serious concern to me.

It's a shame to see they've gone backwards with their engineering. Are all the other 'XC' features on the new model more for show than for real-life practicality?

**OKCXC70** · 03-02-2009, 01:30 PM

But if you don't like the roof rails, don't buy the car. The new models have much more useful cargo area that isn't taken up by the wheel wells like the older model. It sits higher but still has the same clearance. And the cargo tie downs are awesome. If you don't like the roof rails, go buy a Subaru or something. But you will find that the width of their roof lines make carrying anything large on top a lot more difficult; for instance you get a lot more overhang with your zodiac. I transport kayaks and we wrap the extra strap length around the cross bars and those things are solid, not going anywhere. And there is some serious wind here in Oklahoma. We have never anchored them in the front or back. I use Thule cross bars and load straps.

**PJ810** · 03-03-2009, 05:28 AM

I carry kayaks too, my longest one being 6.7m and they work fine with the dedicated Volvo/Thule setup. With my single kayak of 5.2m I've done some pretty spirited driving on very twisty roads with no issues whatsoever.

My reason for being disappointed is that the roof rails of the Volvo have always been the best... and probably still are. Subaru rails are pretty ordinary. Audi Allroad rails are close to useless. And the new XC seems to be a step backwards.

Having thought about it more, I think the solution would be to have two sets of cross bars. One set of cross bars having the kayak holders, the other set without. The Zodiac could be tied down reasonably securely utilising the cross bars. Regardless, it's an extra expense that isn't necessary with the 2001-2007 model thanks to the nifty hole in the centre support.

**Cape Cod Bound** · 03-13-2009, 04:18 PM

Just read the posts - 2008 (Canadian anyway) sux.

**OKCXC70** · 03-18-2009, 07:53 PM

Originally Posted by Cape Cod Bound

Just read the posts - 2008 (Canadian anyway) sux.

You know Cape Cod, if you hate the car so much, sell it! I'm sick of listening to people bag on it, whether they bought one or not. I've had two problems with mine and they are both fixed with minimum hassle. It was a hassle only because I had to take the car in twice for one thing before it was fixed. The two things were the rear view mirror wouldn't stay where you put it (replaced, now it's perfect) and a vibration from the back (one of the Continentals was not round and they had to order two tires to replace both of the back tires. Now, no vibration except for the bad roads in Oklahoma!) The vehicle performs perfectly and I couldn't be happier. All my friends love it, too. I always end up driving whenever we go anywhere. This forum is for constructive information and help and yes, spirited discussion of things like block heaters and Nokian tires. I think we all accept the fact Volvo didn't get it exactly right but nobody forces you to buy it. God knows my 04 was far from perfect!! If I was so unhappy with my purchase, I would take it and trade it for something else. I've battled cancer three times. I'm here to tell you brother, life is too short to drive a sh***y car or drink bad wine. Move on!

**Cape Cod Bound** · 03-19-2009, 04:23 AM

It's my wife's car.
Just an opinion.
Peace.

**Lotus99** · 03-19-2009, 04:56 PM

**PJ810** · 04-05-2009, 07:26 AM

I found a new (much better!) way of strapping down my Zodiac inflatable. This method would work fine with the '08+ model XC roof racks.

No other excuses I don't think. Just need to save up $80K and I can go out and buy one!