A dilemma
03-24-2007 | 03:50 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: 03-05-2007
Posts: 222
From: Bowmanville on canada
A dilemma
Ok I have my new 07 HHR LS, had the dealer intall the factory roof rails. I told the dealer i frequently carry 2bikes and a kayak. the dealer tells me" no problem they can handle it" and "i had the same ones on my mini van blah blah..."
so i install my yakima rack crossbars on the roof rails and notice that the roof is really flexing up and down.
I go online ,look at the specs for HHR and notice that roof rail s are NOT an option on an LS
The question is, is there a difference in the roofs ? like a reinforcing panel that the LS does not have? seriosly i don't think the rack could hold more than a few pounds.
so i install my yakima rack crossbars on the roof rails and notice that the roof is really flexing up and down.
I go online ,look at the specs for HHR and notice that roof rail s are NOT an option on an LS
The question is, is there a difference in the roofs ? like a reinforcing panel that the LS does not have? seriosly i don't think the rack could hold more than a few pounds.
03-24-2007 | 03:57 PM
#2
Senior Member
Joined: 04-30-2006
Posts: 9,149
From: Maryland Heights, MO
There is no difference but I think the weight tolerance is 150.
Notice: Loading cargo on the luggage carrier that
weighs more than 150 lbs (68 kg) or hangs over
the rear sides of the vehicle may damage your
vehicle. Load cargo so that it rests on the slats as
far forward as possible and against the side
rails making sure to fasten it securely.
weighs more than 150 lbs (68 kg) or hangs over
the rear sides of the vehicle may damage your
vehicle. Load cargo so that it rests on the slats as
far forward as possible and against the side
rails making sure to fasten it securely.
03-24-2007 | 03:59 PM
#3
Senior Member
Joined: 04-30-2006
Posts: 9,149
From: Maryland Heights, MO
To prevent damage or loss of cargo as you are driving,
check frequently to ensure your cargo is securely
fastened.
The roof rack system has siderails that are attached to
the roof. All cargo must be loaded on the luggage
carrier crossrails only.
Use GM accessory racks that are compatible with your
roof rack system, these are available at your GM dealer.
check frequently to ensure your cargo is securely
fastened.
The roof rack system has siderails that are attached to
the roof. All cargo must be loaded on the luggage
carrier crossrails only.
Use GM accessory racks that are compatible with your
roof rack system, these are available at your GM dealer.
03-24-2007 | 04:17 PM
#4
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: 03-05-2007
Posts: 222
From: Bowmanville on canada
Hey, Thanks GDZHHR , I feel better now,
the reason for the yakima stuff is i already had it, 2 bike troughs and a kayak carrier, which do not fit the ovalized shape of the factory crossbars.
for any of the other members looking to put this type of stuff
on their rails, I found out yakima will NOT warranty their"towers"(crossbar holders) on the HHR.
but here is my set up.
the reason for the yakima stuff is i already had it, 2 bike troughs and a kayak carrier, which do not fit the ovalized shape of the factory crossbars.
for any of the other members looking to put this type of stuff
on their rails, I found out yakima will NOT warranty their"towers"(crossbar holders) on the HHR.
but here is my set up.
03-24-2007 | 05:19 PM
#6
Senior Member
Joined: 05-23-2006
Posts: 1,082
From: Chandler, AZ
IMHO: I think those HHR roof rails are more for decoration than anything else! If they were meant for serious use I think Chevy would have also put some kind of protective material along those raised ridges on the roof to protect the paint!
03-24-2007 | 05:54 PM
#7
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: 03-05-2007
Posts: 222
From: Bowmanville on canada
The rails are pretty flimsy, thats why i put the crossbars at the joint, it seemed to be the strongest part.
the rack is going to get tested tomorrow as i am going on an icebreaker kayak paddle down a local river . a balmy 8 degrees C
is promised, if i get pics i will post! If i capsize , probably no pics and an HHR for sale by wife!
the rack is going to get tested tomorrow as i am going on an icebreaker kayak paddle down a local river . a balmy 8 degrees C
is promised, if i get pics i will post! If i capsize , probably no pics and an HHR for sale by wife!
03-25-2007 | 03:20 AM
#9
Banned
Joined: 10-25-2006
Posts: 1,761
From: The Show-Me State
It'd be nice if Yakima would quit ignoring the HHR and develop a set of clips for the Q-tower system. The story I got from Yak on using the Lowriders with the factory side rails is that there's not enough support in the roof where the factory rack is located to support the heavier Yakima components. So it looks like my old Yak system is going up on the 'bay at some point.
03-25-2007 | 12:50 PM
#10
Senior Member
Joined: 07-21-2006
Posts: 1,708
From: Ft Walton Bch FL
I first bought the foam blocks and set my kayak on them but used the rails to tie the kayak down. I saw some bowing in the roof as I tightened the straps. I put the blocks as far back and to the front of the car as possible to hit the strongest part of the roof. I had planned to buy the cross bars and put the foam blocks on them. However, if the rails can't handle the weight, I'll just save my money.