Thule Cast Away on an explorer??

[B-assman]

Morning Folks! - Does anyone have the thule cast away rod rack on an explorer?

Im considering getting one and I can't figure out if it will fit the explorer. The thule site says I need to buy Thule cross bars - but my explorer already has cross bars (factory). So - my question is - has anyone mounted one of these racks to an explorer with factory roof racks???

Thanks in advance

Dave

[RIJIMMY]

I have mine mounted a 4-runner, it mounted fine on the stock roof racks, I did not need the thule cross bars, just a side note, Im not too happy with the rack. If I have my Penn 8500 in the reel box, I can barely fit another reel in there. SO its 2 sure rod/reels max. I have to jimmy it around to fit my 8500 and a Abu 7000 in it. Kind of a pain after a long nite of fishing.
Just my .02

[basswipe]

I don't own either but they had one for a raffle atthe SWE show last weekend and from what it said on the box it will mount on just about any racks made factory and aftermarket.

[B-assman]

Thanks guys - I was hoping to keep 4 rods in there (2 conventional and 2 spinning) - You think that they wouldn't fit???

[GrMtstriper]

I have a castaway-I wouldn't fell comfortable to leaveing it in a parking lot for to long-It pretty flimsy,I guess it will keep out the good guys.It has one lock,you could open it real easy.I have it on a Honda CRV -The Honda is lower then your explorer,so you may do fine with it.The size of the box isn't that big,I dont think you'll get three #704 in it.Any way thats my though.

[BigPete]

I have one on my 4 door explorer and it fits fine. The clamps are made to fit the wide crossbars.

[RIJIMMY]

Originally posted by B-assman
Thanks guys - I was hoping to keep 4 rods in there (2 conventional and 2 spinning) - You think that they wouldn't fit???

Nope, 4 saltwater reels wont fit. in teh box

[TheRattBoy]

my buddy has one on his truck...can only fit two big spinnin' reels in it...they should make a larger model for the saltwater crowd...these things are good for the freshwater guys.Glad he got it, now I won't make that mistake.
It's good for someone who fishes alone or you and yer buddy only bring one rod. johnny

[B-assman]

Thanks everybody - looks like i won't get that model. Anyone have any suggestions? I want to keep 2 trolling rods (1 with a penn 113 hsp another with a penn 330 GTI) and 2 casting / livelining rigs (both with shimano baitrunner 4500's) ready at all times.

Thanks

[RIJIMMY]

I think your best best is to build yer own, Im incabale of that so the Thule will have to do.

[RiverRatt]

RattBoy is right will barely hold 2 Stadic 5000.
And the rubber strap that holds the rods in place only lasted 5 trips before it broke. Need to find away to fix that as I can only fit 3 rods thru the sliders between cap and cab. Also had to carry a step stool to get to it..

[tattoobob]

Well if you put your reels on when you want to fish you can carry 4 rods two with reels and two without.

I made my own though and it didn't cost $320.00 for the whole set up

[STREETFIGHT]

I HAVE A PAIR OF THEM ON TOP OF MY EXPLORER - GOING INTO THE 3RD SEASON WITH THEM (I HAVE 2 OF THE FIRST 12 THAT WERE BUILT I'M NOT SURE IF THEY STARTED SKIMPING ON QUALITY).....

I HAVE THEM MOUNTED TO A THULE CROSS BAR BECAUSE THE EXPLORER FACTORY RACKS ARE NOT WIDE ENOUGH TO HOLD THEM BOTH- BUT THEY DO FIT THE FACTORY RACKS. THEY WILL NOT HOLD MORE THAN 2 LARGE SPINNING REELS OR 3 CONV. REELS- THEY WILL HOLD 4 FLY RODS WHICH IS WHAT I THINK THEY WERE ORIGINALLY DESIGNED FOR. I TRAVEL BETWEEN WESTERN CT. AND RHODE ISLAND WEEKLY / YEAR ROUND AND HAVE RODS IN THEM 100% OF THE TIME. I FIGURE THE RUBBER STRAPS AT SOME POINT WILL BREAK BUT I SEE NO SIGNS OF WEAR YET.

MY ONLY COMPLAINT...... THEY ARE JUST GOOD ENOUGH TO KEEP AN HONEST MAN HONEST........