I posted this in the accessories forum, but since this forum gets more traffic and because I need a rack asap, I'm posting here too. Hopefully, someone has a recommendation. Has anyone had any success with a universal fit roof rack? I've seen a few on Ebay and Amazon that claim to fit a 2nd gen Prius, but I prefer to hear it direct from a forum member that model X works great. I need a rack for temporary use to transport a 24ft extension ladder - I'll probably only use it 2x a year so the most I'm willing to spend is $100. I definitely don't plan to keep it installed.
Rent a truck from Lowe's, Home Depot, or (insert company name here). Some come with bed racks and can be rented for $19 for the first 90 minutes, then $5 for each additional 15 minutes. Hard to beat for occasional use. Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
Thanks, but prefer the roof rack option. Waiting to see if someone has tried one of those budget universal racks.
I read through the Amazon reviews of the universal racks and some actually came off the car while carrying loads. Others looked promising, but still cost above $100 and used straps which passed through the passenger compartment to secure the rack crossbars. That was when I realized I already have an old Yakima roof rack, and devised a way to make it "universal". I've mounted it on our 2011 Gen 3 Prius, 2010 Toyota Camry, and 2014 Toyota Corolla very solidly. https://priuschat.com/index.php?posts/3084850 Perhaps you can find someone selling a similar rack system for cheap and buying the necessary components to make your "universal" rack for occasional use. The Yakima SST towers and crossbars are engineered really stoutly, and they will be far stronger than the cheap ones found on the universal racks. Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
Yeah, seems to be hit or miss with some of those universal racks.. really depends on the model car if it works well or not. I'm also looking at some used options, but really want to keep this in budget based on my intended use. I'll also likely never exceed 50lbs on the rack.
Keep in mind that static weight isn't all that is involved. Cornering and acceleration/deceleration (braking), can multiply the forces the rack, mounts, and lashing are subjected to. Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
Those racks/crossbars require the car to have rails already installed on the roof. The OP has a Gen 2 Prius which doesn't have rails. Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
I took a chance and bought a Saris Roof Rack. The downside is that it doesn't come with the correct clips, but I got it cheap enough to experiment with bending/modify the existing clips to fit. Does anyone on this forum still have a Saris roof rack? If so, can you please provide the clip measurements.
You can score a roof rack from a 2002 to 2007 Ford Escape for $25 or so. You would need to drill holes in your roof though and the width might not be suitable. It is a high quality rack though if you're willing to do the drilling.
The Saris clip situation is quite similar to that of Yakima (they are shaped the same, and hold onto the same place) Prius Clip Racks
I see that. Just to be sure, are you saying Q clip set #5 for the front and Q Clip set #124 would fit the Saris Rack without any adjustment? If that's your webpage, do you still own the Saris rack? If so, any chance you can get me the exact dimensions of the Saris #20 clip? thanks
Not my page, more here, not sure if its suitable for your case. Prius Permanent Rack Pads $20 Ebay yakima landing pad 7 | eBay
Yeah, definitely not considering any type of permanent mount. I've already bought the Saris rack... now I just need to find some compatible clips. So hoping someone who owns a Saris rack can provide the exact measurements of the #20 clips, and I'll go from there.
Temp roof rack Turbo Rack - Easy Install Temporary Roof Rack | Darby Industries, Inc. https://yakima.com/products/easytop
Maybe call these guys. They seem to sell all the other saris clips https://www.bicyclebuys.com/saris-roof-rack-fit-clip-set/0851001PART
