Roof Rack—am I doing it right (Thule)?

[StingerJefferson]

Hey all, I’m trying to put a roof rack on my 2018 Stinger. I know little about roof racks, and think I’ve already screwed it up.

I ordered these two things:

Thule Evo Clamp: (oh cool I can’t post a link)
Thule Wingbar Evo 153: (oh cool I can’t post a link*)

*But I ordered the black version because I thought since my wheels are blacked out it would look cool.

The clamps showed up today, and I thought they would have the little...hooks, I guess...that extend down and grab the side of the car and they don’t seem to have those. They also don’t seem to have any of the rubberized footings that avoid scratching the living crap out of my roof.

They also don’t have locks, but hey, maybe I missed that.

I’m pretty annoyed, but I’m sure I’m missing something obvious. Can anyone help direct me—on my previous car, the roof rack was installed by the factory and I didn’t think much about it. Seems you can racks for your sedan a whole other hobby, but I have enough.

Anyway, thank you in advance for any advice!

-Jefferson

 

[namja]

Roof rack for Stinger

Hi, I've searched the forum and have seen a couple of references to roof racks but I'm hoping someone could confirm that they have successfully put one on the car. I'm looking to buy a stinger (with a sun roof) and this could be a deal-breaker for me. I windsurf and prefer to put my boards on...

stingerforum.org

Probably could message one of the roof rack owners in this thread

 

[Gaetman]

It requires another part Kit 145081 kit 145081, the specific Stinger adapter

 

[StingerJefferson]

Thank you both! Here’s what I ordered, for posterity and in the hope it helps someone else, and some notes:

Wing bar Evo 135: I can’t post links!

Evo Foot Clamp pack: I can’t post links!

Kit 5081: I can’t post links!

One-System Key Pack (*): I can’t post links!

Was that all bonkers expensive? Yes. I have to keep reminding myself I’ll use it for 20 years, no matter the car (except for the $50 foot pack, sure). And with a new kid, we’ll have many uses for it over the years.

I went with black Wingbars because, as I told my friend, with the black car and black wheels, “silver looks like a roof rack, black looks like a choice.”

* I bought the key pack because I already had a Thule cargo box (that I used on our former Mazda with a factory installed roof rack), but...twist!...I might have lost the key for it. So that will be fun this weekend.

When assembling, the rubber strips drove me crazy. Pull apart, then match to the right side (they’re reversed when you pull them out of the box...as soon as you start, you’ll see what I mean), then carefully push on. Everything after that is pretty easy.

Finally, the instructions for all of this are effing dreadful. Do some search for Rack Attack’s videos, _then_ care about the instructions, then follow your instincts.

When putting on the car, just measure, adjust, measure, push, prod, etc., until suddenly the little grip pops down and then tighten everything up. Do it carefully, you’ll circle the car three or four times.

Huge pain the first time. Every time after, should be way easier. I think it looks pretty darn good too.

 

[Kurt2112]

Hello folks. I was looking into the hitch option for a bike rack for my sunroof-equipped Stinger, but the amount of work at installation, and the cutting of the factory parts leaves me concerned about factory warranty. So maybe a bike rack on roof? Does anyone know anyone who actually has one on a Stinger with sunroof?

 

[StingerJefferson]

Hey Kurt, unfortunately, I can’t really offer good insight on the hitch option. I can say that, once I got past the research and first install of the roof racks, I was quite happy with them and, installed at the right angles, they do leave room for the sunroof to open.

I tested that by just placing them where I thought they would need to be tightened down, and opening and closing the sunroof. Once confirmed, I walked around the car tightening in turn.

So, I do know you can attach a roof rack, but I dunno about the hitch. Follow up here and I’ll answer anything I can. In the meantime, here’s a quick shot of the car after a big snowfall in Tennessee with the roof rack.

 

[Kurt2112]

Thanks for the info StingerJefferson, that's very helpful. I am torn which route to go, hitch or roof. Did you have to drill any holes into your car or otherwise damage your paint to get that roof system mounted?

 

[StingerJefferson]

Oh, I meant to mention that. No, did not have to do any drilling at all; the whole thing is bolt on/remove, and pretty simple to do so once you’ve figured it out. The only thing to note here is that when I took the rack off the care, there was some minor hazing where the rubber boots had been tightened down to the roof. It’s not something I notice day-to-day and should be able to be removed by a good detailer (or me if I’m so inclined).

I wasn’t too worried about it, but I live in the city and street park, so I’ve reconciled myself to minor exterior imperfections. I’ll try and get a couple pictures of it today though.

But drilling? Nope.

 

[StingerJefferson]

Alright, here’s a couple pics. Multiple snows, ice storm and plenty of salt since my last wash...so yeah. But the first pic is when I just walked up to the car, and the second was after a bit of rubbing. Like I said, I think this is easy to take off, and getting a good wax before I put the rack on again will probably protect better.

This winter’s sucked, though.

 

[Kurt2112]

Very helpful thanks! Seems like a great solution as you can just remove the rack if you no longer want it.

 

[Jayphil]

Alright, here’s a couple pics. Multiple snows, ice storm and plenty of salt since my last wash...so yeah. But the first pic is when I just walked up to the car, and the second was after a bit of rubbing. Like I said, I think this is easy to take off, and getting a good wax before I put the rack on again will probably protect better.

This winter’s sucked, though.

You might want to clear wrap (PPF) that portion of the roof to avoid potential long term damages. There so much wax can do.

 

[Nocostinger]

You might want to clear wrap (PPF) that portion of the roof to avoid potential long term damages. There so much wax can do.

This guy knows whats up! Great recommendation! You can always borrow a hair dryer and use some heat shrink tubing to cover up any exposed metal on the racks.

 

[M'Kehyah]

I went with roof rack for bikes but also kayaks and canoe, BUT! Research SeaSucker bike racks too. They just might work for you.

 

[StingerJefferson]

You might want to clear wrap (PPF) that portion of the roof to avoid potential long term damages. There so much wax can do.

Ooh, ok. Haven’t been sure what might help, but this might be it!

 

[Bucky]

Thank you both! Here’s what I ordered, for posterity and in the hope it helps someone else, and some notes:

Wing bar Evo 135: I can’t post links!

Evo Foot Clamp pack: I can’t post links!

Kit 5081: I can’t post links!

One-System Key Pack (*): I can’t post links!

Was that all bonkers expensive? Yes. I have to keep reminding myself I’ll use it for 20 years, no matter the car (except for the $50 foot pack, sure). And with a new kid, we’ll have many uses for it over the years.

I went with black Wingbars because, as I told my friend, with the black car and black wheels, “silver looks like a roof rack, black looks like a choice.”

* I bought the key pack because I already had a Thule cargo box (that I used on our former Mazda with a factory installed roof rack), but...twist!...I might have lost the key for it. So that will be fun this weekend.

When assembling, the rubber strips drove me crazy. Pull apart, then match to the right side (they’re reversed when you pull them out of the box...as soon as you start, you’ll see what I mean), then carefully push on. Everything after that is pretty easy.

Finally, the instructions for all of this are effing dreadful. Do some search for Rack Attack’s videos, _then_ care about the instructions, then follow your instincts.

When putting on the car, just measure, adjust, measure, push, prod, etc., until suddenly the little grip pops down and then tighten everything up. Do it carefully, you’ll circle the car three or four times.

Huge pain the first time. Every time after, should be way easier. I think it looks pretty darn good too.

Greetings,

I am looking into the items you listed. What size are the bars you bought? I see 43cm, 47cm, 50cm, 53 cm, 60cm. Do the Evo Foot Packs have any size or selection? Thanks for the info.

KH

 

[StingerJefferson]

Hey Bucky, I bought the 53 inch bars. Note that it’s 53 inches and 135 cm.

No options available on the foot packs, just kit #5081.

Let’s see if I can post links to these now:

Bars: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07J2HYGSN/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Foot packs: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MVMKPB8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[Blueyedjewel]

Hi! I just stumbled upon your posts because I was exploring whether I could add roof racks to my stinger without damaging the paint, weather stripping, or sunroof. And it looks like you have covered most of that. I am looking at what I think is the same kit and rack at REI (in black for the same reasons lol).

Thule Wingbar Evo 135 (711400)
Thule Clamp Evo (710501)
Kit 145081

Some questions, you said there was some hazing on your paint once you removed the rack - had you waxed it before you put it on? How long did you have it on? Was your car garaged or exposed to the elements?

I am getting ready to move my stinger across the country from Vegas to the East Coast, but I need the extra storage space on the roof so my dogs can ride comfortably in the back. But I don't want to damage my car, hence the need for the roof rack. I don't intend to leave the rack on my car past the road trip, though it will be nice to have it available in case anything comes up.

Also, does anyone know the weight carrying capacity of the roof of the stinger (with sunroof)? I know the roof rack is maxed at 165#, but I wanted to check for the vehicle as well.

Thanks again for all of the information that you have already posted!!! You are all really helpful!

 

[Gaetman]

Hi, no hazing after one week on, car left outside with the French riviera summer sun and 104°F.
Just had to clean before and after with warm water and microfiber to remove some rubber "grease", no traces left on the paint afterwards.

 

[StingerJefferson]

Hey, glad to see this thread is still useful!

> Some questions, you said there was some hazing on your paint once you removed the rack - had you waxed it before you put it on? How long did you have it on?

No waxing beforehand. Had it on for about two months.

> Was your car garaged or exposed to the elements?

No garaging at all. We street park in DC. These pics were taken after a 900 mile trip and a heavy snow.

> I am getting ready to move my stinger across the country from Vegas to the East Coast, but I need the extra storage space on the roof so my dogs can ride comfortably in the back. But I don't want to damage my car, hence the need for the roof rack. I don't intend to leave the rack on my car past the road trip, though it will be nice to have it available in case anything comes up.

I wouldn't worry too much, this is very similar to my use case, except I make that 900 mile trip a couple times a year. I have not done a great job of taking care of the exterior of the car, and I almost never notice the hazing. It's worth it for your type of trip--I haul my wife, two year old and 12 year old 90lbs pit mix on the regular and we never want for packing space with the roof rack. Someone awhile back mentioned a PPF wrap which is also a great idea.

Anyway, two years later and I'm still quiet happy with the above setup. Let me know if I can answer anything else!