Luggage Rack to the Test

[Gobird]

We will be on the road for two weeks going to Gettysburg and then over to York. Need packing room. I'm going to put the trunk rack to the test on this trip. I'm getting a heavy duty tarp and load two soft sided bages on it, cover them and strap them down. This should be a good test for this rack. I'll report while on the trip and let you know how it is working out.

[merlot4]

Re: Luggage Rack to the Test

Aside from the strap used to secure the luggage, is it necessary to have a strap attaching the luggage rack to top of the trunk for security or is it sufficiently stable without that? It sounds like a great trip, have fun!

[Gobird]

Re: Luggage Rack to the Test

The rack comes with two straps that fasten to the front underside of the trunk lid. I already have these installed. I am also taking a 3/16" allen wrench along just in case I have to make adjustments.

Here is how the rack is installed on the trunk. http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/forum...ad.php?t=23812

[merlot4]

Re: Luggage Rack to the Test

Thanks!

[007Cruiser]

Re: Luggage Rack to the Test

Spence.... if your rack is from the first production run like mine, you need to keep an eye on the rubber feet. Mine started to come off the rack even without a load. Aaron recommends putting them back on with Gorilla Glue. Because of this, I would highly recommend some X-Pel or similar protection under the feet as well. If you have not already done so remove the rubber and put it back the Gorilla Glue.

[Gobird]

Re: Luggage Rack to the Test

Gene, When I go to Depot for the tarp I may pick up the glue. I'm also thinking of getting some larger pieces of rubber like that used for the TBN Grill badge to lay under each foot.

[007Cruiser]

Re: Luggage Rack to the Test

Maybe you could use one of those rubber jar openers.

[Ediron]

Re: Luggage Rack to the Test

great stuff " Gorilla Glue" it holding a lot of my car cover together

[THX1138]

Re: Luggage Rack to the Test

Good stuff. I am waiting for my new rack from Aaron (please arrive in time for the Wilson Barn Show!). In the past, I've had no problem with snow, mud, rain, and salt on stuff I strapped on the outside (read top) of cars. In 1977, I strapped a crushed velvet couch to the top of a little Honda Civic and drove through a severe snow storm to Columbus Ohio from Upstate New York with no damage. Since then I've looked at the quality of good luggage and found that it is up to the tasks I will put it through without additional coverage. If it's really dirty, just hose it off at a self serve car wash. Do not treat the car like that! It's your baby! The luggage you can selvage. When I get my trunk rack, look for me; I'm the one with the soggy clothes and wet luggage, but the car will always look great. Ed

[Jim Young]

Re: Luggage Rack to the Test

Spence.. will you be going up I-77 if so I can give you this thunderbird plaque for you den. I am 10 min away from I-77 just past Columbia before Blythewood. easy detour and the best prices for gas in the area..
I saw regular was $240. a gal today with no ethanol added
Jim

[islandtime]

Re: Luggage Rack to the Test

Thanks for all the new info about the Gorilla glue & trunk rack "feet". I was planning to re-install mine on Goldilocks this weekend in prep for Keystone Thunder...will make the aformentioned mods.

[fums6]

Re: Luggage Rack to the Test

WE used our rack on the trip to Dearborne and it worked firn. I bought 6 bungee straps from Walmart and strung them three verticle and 3 horizontal. There was no movement at all either going or coming from Dearborne.

[Ol'Dave]

Re: Luggage Rack to the Test

Sounds like a great trip. Beat the Storm coming in. We use our's all the time. actually it is more on than off the car these days. Consequently, I too, have replace the rubber feet. and yes they do move, with or without loads. But I love it. Function and Form. Best of both worlds.

[Gobird]

Re: Luggage Rack to the Test

Jim, Sorry wrong side of the state. We'll be driving up 95 on the east end. Maybe another time.

[bwlewis]

Re: Luggage Rack to the Test

Spence, I found one of the "spider web" bungee cords at Lowe's that fits the rack almost perfectly, especially for soft sided stuff. It is advertised for ATVs. Have a safe trip..wish we could be there, but work gets in the way.