Rialta-Tech Message # 4332
posted 7/28/2002
Subject: Roof Rack System Installed

Today I installed a Thule roof rack system on our 2002 QD.

For the most part, the photos and related descriptions tell the story.  Additionally, I will add a few comments here for general information.

The canoe shown in Photo 12 was easily loaded by me alone (I'm 5'9") using only a 23" step stool.  As described in the notes for Photo 14, the use of a Thule "Outrigger" makes this task pretty smooth.  The kayak can be loaded directly onto its saddles using the step stool.

It is my intention to normally only carry one boat on the passenger side with a Thule cargo box on the driver's side.  To allow easy access to the roof, I have designed a ladder that will be permanently mounted on the rear cap, offset toward the driver's side.  As of this writing, I have not procured the necessary metal tubing I intend to use in welding a custom ladder, so I will post a separate message and series of photos outlining this task.

Happy traveling...and now boating too!!

Bruce

Thule Parts:

Qty= 1, Part= 300, Item= Gutter Foot Pack

Qty= 1, Part= 542, Item= Artificial Rain Gutter

Qty= 1, Part= LB78, Item= two 78" Load Bars

Qty= 2, Part= 876, Item= H2GO Saddles

Qty= 1, Part= 579, Item= Canoe Carrier

Qty= 1, Part= 547, Item= Outrigger (load assist)

Qty= 1, Part= 544, Item= 4 Lock Cylinders

Misc. Parts:

Qty= 8, 1/4" x 2" Stainless Steel Carriage Bolts

Qty= 8, 1/4" washers

Qty= 8, 1/4" nuts (with nylon locks)

Small quantity of silicone caulking

General Notes:

1. The misc. bolts, washers and nuts are required because the ones supplied with the Artificial Rain Gutter are only 1 1/4" long, we require 2" in length for this application.

2. Plan your layout carefully so load bars do not obstruct other items on the roof.

3. Know exactly where your bolts will project into the interior ceiling, so you have access to fasten backer plate and nuts.

Click on any image to view full size
Sketch showing where the Thule artificial rain gutters were attached to the roof.  Holes penetrate roof at 6" off the projected wall plane.	Front left holes drilled and ready to receive silicone.  See Photo 8 notes for additional information relating to location.	Silicone applied to right front just before placing gutter into its final position.

 

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Rear right gutter bolted into position next to sink septic vent.  Photo 6 shows the under side of this gutter located behind the microwave.	This is the underside of rear right gutter shown in Photo 5.  To access this area, you must remove the microwave, which is simple to do requiring only the removal of 4 screws.  One bolt penetrates in this area, with the other bolt penetrating in the rear overhead bin, thus totally hiding the backer plate, nuts and washers.	Front right gutter in its final position.  The beginning of the gutter is located 1 1/4" aft of the roof silicone joint of roof and front cap.

 

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Rear left holes drilled and ready to receive silicone.  The rear gutters were placed so the horizontal load bar clears both the front of the air conditioning shroud and the large skylight.  Notice the location of the rear load bar shown in Photo 11.	Backer plates, washers and nuts for both the left and right front gutters penetrate the ceiling within the front overhead storage bins.  After everything is installed, you may wish to add a small amount of silicone to the end of the bolt if it protrudes beyond the nylon locking nut...so clothing or hands do not get snagged on any exposed threads.	The backer plate, nuts and washers from the rear left gutter penetrate one inside the rear overhead bin, and the other in the small space between the bin and closet.  Add silicone as noted in Photo 8 notes.

 

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With the artificial rain gutters permanently installed, this photo shows how the system looks if all other removable roof rack parts are not installed.  This is the normal mode if not hauling anything on top of the Rialta.	This photo shows the rack system fully installed and ready to receive a couple of boats in this case.  It is my intention to also occasionally use a Thule cargo box (the largest one they make, which we have had on a different vehicle for 8 years now).  The Thule cargo box will fit nicely on the left (driver's) side of the rack.  In that case, only one boat will be hauled on the right side.	On the passenger side is a 17' cedar strip canoe (I built it last winter) and on the driver's side is a 19' two place kayak (K-2).  The space between the two load bars is 7' 5" which gives nice support to boats of such length.  The canoe weighs 42 lbs. and the K-2 weighs 47 lbs.  Notice the roof vent is still operable.  The TV antenna is under the canoe and is only operable if the canoe is removed.  Notice the outrigger load assist in its stowed position, located just under the canoe.

 

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View is similar to Photo 12.  For boats of this length, front end ropes are nicely attached to the engine hood hinges.  This is a perfect position, very secure and won't damage any paint.  Additionally, the end ropes will not be in your primary view as you travel down the road.  ALWAYS use front and rear end ropes...please.	Boats loaded...let's get to the water!	A view similar to Photo 14, but taken from the other side of the vehicle.

 

Additional Modifications: