Thule Rod Rack
 

Well the rod rack finally got installed on my blazer today with alot of help from others.
My forearm just aint cooperating with me lately! Tennis elbow.
Tomorrow I go to the ortho for a probable second shot of cortisone!! Ouch but no biggie! Hopefully this one fixes it for a while?? Dont have a clue as to how the Dr feels I can go back lifting and pushing and shoving sheet metal all over the place??
Dr.s sometimes dont understand I guess? What do they lift?
A pencil? A stethoscope??

Well anyway about the rod rack.

Simple install but I dont know if I like the fact that its not a firm install. Meaning it does wobble a bit back and fourth on the factory rail.(actually the rail is doing the wobbling but the carrier is helping it for sure)

It will probably be fine with rods/reels in it though!

Will update once I use it!!

Russ

Russ, I told you to give that forearm a rest or you'll hurt it.:laughs: :laughs: :laughs:

Hey Bud8, whats the model number for the rack? I think this was discussed out here last year and I was looking into it. Was it difficult to install? I'll soon have 2 baby seats in my car and I have problems fitting my rods. Either the kids or the rods have to go on the roof and I'm pretty sure I know the answer.

Simple if you have a good right arm which I dont right now!!!!
ITs just a matter of lining it up and tightening 8 bolts and 4 plastic wingnut type fasteners. Like I said easy with a good arm!!


Yeah I dont think the wife or the law would appreciate two infants riding on top of the vehicle? Although it would look cute!:D

Well I don't feel so bad: I thought I was the only person with a car that was forced to use a Thule rack. ;) My rack is very sturdy and doesn't move at all that I noticed. I used the exact combo of what was suggested by Thule.

Is you rack made for your car/truck, or did you just go with the generic rain gutter mounts?? Even with generic mounts there are like three styles depending on the age of the rack.

Here is my tip: drive with the butt end forward/towards the engine (assuming its a front engine car....lol). If a rock comes up it will strike a thick part of your rod (butt end with cork, or tape)and NOT the fragile tip section. Call me paranoid, but I rather be safe than sorry. ;)

Those U shaped plastic things with the rubber pull over fit the large handled surf rods perfectly - not sure what they were originally made for, but I need to get some more.

After you get the rack set up like you want - use some kind of tape and mark where the bars sit on the towers. This way if you pull the racks on and off you can set it back up real quick. :)

ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT THE NEW ROD BOXES THAT THULE SELLS ?? I GOT THEM LAST SEPTEMBER AND THEY WORK GREAT..... ONLY THING I WILL SAY IS IF YOU DRIVE ON THE HIWAY W/OUT RODS IN THEM THEY WILL FLIP BACKWARDS. SO WHEN I GO ON ANY LONG TRIP WITH THEM EMPTY I PUSH THEM FORWARD.... THEY'RE A "LITTLE" MORE AERO DYNAMIC THAT WAY SO IT PUTS A LOT LESS STRAIN ON THEM.

bud8, I can sympathize with you, I recently had my tendonitis resolved by surgery, cortisone was not a permanent solution. With any luck I'll be able to cast and retrieve by the end of May.

I was considering the same rack myself. It would allow me to transport a one piece rod in a mid-size car.

Hey baby, nice rack.

Bud8

I would watch the Wing nut thing!

I had a Thule rack, and with wing nuts it was very easy for someone to STEAL IT!

Mine was a Bike rack, but same thing. Very easy to install,,, very easy for some Jack Ass to walk off with it.

I would go out of my way to put new regular nuts on it. Make it a little harder.

THATS ONE OF THE NICE THINGS ABOUT IT. THE "WING NUTS" THAT MOUNT THE BOX TO THE RACK ARE LOCKED INSIDE- THE ONLY WAY TO GET IT OFF IS IF THE BOX IS OPEN....

Are you talking about the Thule Castaway rack?
I hear it says it can hold 4 large spinning reels but in reality, 2 surf reels can make it in there.
I hope they improve on the model. I like the idea of keeping the reels out of sight.

Regarding the rod tips, I found a neoprene "tip guard" that you can velcro on to protect the rod tip. It offers a bit more coverage for that expensive custom rod. Its made by Shimano

saw that at Red Top.. looked like a good idea .. Thule makes great ski racks and other carriers ..