Surfboard Car Rack

[DoorM4n]

Hey guys, I'm getting a Toyota RAV4 very soon and I need to get a surfboard rack to haul around my longboard.

1) What kind of surfboard rack do you guys recommend? (Brand, etc.)
2) How much do they cost?
3) And where can I get them?

Thanks for all the help fellas!

Here is a picture of the style of car if for any reason you need it...

[RJD]

I has Thule ( http://www.thule.com ) their t track stuff is great for fitting ski racks too etc.

Not cheap but quality.

[scsurf]

Our Rav4 Limited came with the factory rack which is fine for 1-2 boards. If it comes with at least the side rails you can get the cross bar By Westin at Auto zone if they're in your area.
I shopped around and researched it a long time found they were the best for the money around $166.00 for the pair locks included. If you call them they probably won't know what you're talking about you may have to make them look it up on the computer.
For straping you can get D-kine straps on various surf web sights. like around 8 foot long or so then you loop them around the bar on each side so it goes over the top board twice and just leave em in your car when not in use.

[scsurf]

Here's the sight go to cargo management I have the "Sport" series no complaints. http://www.westinautomotive.com/

[LucasG]

Is that truck 4WD? My dad just got an used one from a friend and I want a 4WD to get to some uncrowded barreled brakes over here and need a 4WD to get to it.

Edit: Oh and btw man, if you ever want to do a session with someone from around, let me know, I'm located in Brownsville, moving to SPI in January/February.

[RJD]

Think all the RAV4's are 4WD.

[Hang11]

They're sort of 4wd, basically an Avensis on stilts with a soft roader drivetrain. They don't have proper locking diffs and low range boxes though, and the suspension and stock tyres won't cope with much abuse.

I rented one a few months ago and drove it to Wanaka over the Crown Range in a snow storm, it hung in there (just) and as a daily driver on the road that can do a bit of soft stuff they are great, but no way would I put one through the usual abuse of river crossings, rocky beaches, mud/ruts, snow etc. If I was taking one to out of the way beaches, I would definitely be going with a mate in a proper snotty off roader with a full recovery kit, you would definitely need it.

Regarding racks - you can't go wrong with Thule gear. It's pricey but solid as and lasts forever.

[scsurf]

I Would compare for yourself. Thule and Yakima are well known for there quality and versatility. However there's a huge markup from retailers because of the brand name. I found Westin to be very sturdy and my budget was tight. For some reason Auto Zone had the best price.

Ether way if your model of Rav4 isn't stock with the factory rack as shown in the photo, I would try to negotiate it in. Because all of the above brands have the cross bar and it makes for a cleaner set up all around.

[flyingvee]

Rhino do a pretty good soft roof rack. But Thule is prob the way to go.

[DoorM4n]

Damn you guy are helpful. I'm actually going to get the crossbars attached relatively soon.

That leaves me to my other question.
Do you have to have an official surfboard rack to haul a longboard around ontop?

One thing to add is that I don't have a chance to surf anymore than once a month for miscellaneous reasons, but I must get one for when I do.
I'm on a relatively tight budget so I'm looking for a pretty moderately priced attachment.

[scsurf]

Yeah, you just get DaKine straps And loop it I know it's hard to picture the guys at Infinity Surf had to show me. but it's really cool And cheap you don't need eyelets or hooks, you may want to get pads though.

[DoorM4n]

I like that idea. Do I need two of them?

[scsurf]

Yes you'll need two.

Actually the straps I have are Infinity, but Ive seen DaKine on web sights like swell.com etc..That's why I mentioned DaKine so you could easily find them and see what I'm talking about, but if your local shop has the same thing it doesn't matter what brand they are.

For that matter once you see what they look like you could probably go to Home Depot or Lowes and get the same thing.

[the.ronin]

I has Thule ( http://www.thule.com ) their t track stuff is great for fitting ski racks too etc.

Not cheap but quality.

x2 on the Thule. Or Yamika. You get what you pay for.

[scsurf]

The Westins are reasonable price but not low quality. I had them on my 2007 Pilot with up to 8 boards mix of long and short with no problems.

[DoorM4n]

Well the maximum boards I will ever have is 2.

Would the basic roof rack with the straps work well?

[Hang11]

It will work fine

[DoorM4n]

Awesome! Sounds like I gotta get a pair of straps and I'll be good to go!

Thanks for all of the help guys.

[scsurf]

Yep you've got it. Enjoy

[LucasG]

Btw Doorman, if you that truck is 4x4, we can go to the uncrowded tubed waves right here at the coast at Mansfield Ride some nice little tubes and longer waves than Isla Blanca Park.