Roof Rack: Sportrack? Or other brand?

[LaurelAZ]

Hello, CMax owners! I've had my Cmax now for almost a year, and we're finally ready to add cargo management to it in the form of a roof rack and hitch.  I'm leaning toward the Torklift hitch, mainly because it won't require drilling and, being a leased car, I don't want to run into any problems at lease end.  Chances are good I'll get another CMax so then I'll have the hitch ready to go. :-)

 

A question for those of you who've put on roof racks. I've perused the forums, and saw one person mentioned the Sportrack brand (a less expensive mark of Thule) but I haven't been able to find any fit information on Sportrack's website for the C-Max. Does anyone here have the Sportrack? 

 

Again, being a leased car, I can't drill holes in the roof, so a clip on/strap on roof is my only option. Has anyone used a roofrack other than the Thule 480? 

 

Thank you!

 

[bro1999]

Hello, CMax owners! I've had my Cmax now for almost a year, and we're finally ready to add cargo management to it in the form of a roof rack and hitch.  I'm leaning toward the Torklift hitch, mainly because it won't require drilling and, being a leased car, I don't want to run into any problems at lease end.  Chances are good I'll get another CMax so then I'll have the hitch ready to go. :-)

 

A question for those of you who've put on roof racks. I've perused the forums, and saw one person mentioned the Sportrack brand (a less expensive mark of Thule) but I haven't been able to find any fit information on Sportrack's website for the C-Max. Does anyone here have the Sportrack? 

 

Again, being a leased car, I can't drill holes in the roof, so a clip on/strap on roof is my only option. Has anyone used a roofrack other than the Thule 480? 

 

Thank you!

 

I also leased my C-Max, and I also didn't want to drill. I ended up getting the Torklift Ecohitch and this Rhino Rack roof rack system: http://www.cargogear.com/OneItemInfo.aspx?partnum=RKFOCMX14E

 

I posted pics of my setup on the Energi forum: http://fordcmaxenergiforum.com/topic/2536-road-camping-warrior/

Ended up buying a couple of Yakima Highroller bike racks, Curt roof rack basket, and one of these a well: http://fordcmaxenergiforum.com/topic/2456-thule-transporter-665c-hitch-mount-cargo-box-review/

Take note that there is a metal tab that you have to bend back in order to install the Ecohitch. Once you do that, it's smooth sailing.

 

With everything loaded, my C-Max looks more like a tank! ha

Edited May 13, 2014 by bro1999

[LaurelAZ]

I also leased my C-Max, and I also didn't want to drill. I ended up getting the Torklift Ecohitch and this Rhino Rack roof rack system: http://www.cargogear.com/OneItemInfo.aspx?partnum=RKFOCMX14E

 

I posted pics of my setup on the Energi forum: http://fordcmaxenergiforum.com/topic/2536-road-camping-warrior/

Ended up buying a couple of Yakima Highroller bike racks, Curt roof rack basket, and one of these a well: http://fordcmaxenergiforum.com/topic/2456-thule-transporter-665c-hitch-mount-cargo-box-review/

Take note that there is a metal tab that you have to bend back in order to install the Ecohitch. Once you do that, it's smooth sailing.

 

With everything loaded, my C-Max looks more like a tank! ha

Wow, thank you, Bro1999!! Those are some great photos! Is your car color the pure white or the pearl white? Did you put anything under the Rhino Racks to prevent scuffing? You're right, it does look pretty heavy duty with all the rack accessories on top. :-)  I'll have to hop over to the Energi forum for some more ideas. 

[bro1999]

Wow, thank you, Bro1999!! Those are some great photos! Is your car color the pure white or the pearl white? Did you put anything under the Rhino Racks to prevent scuffing? You're right, it does look pretty heavy duty with all the rack accessories on top. :-)  I'll have to hop over to the Energi forum for some more ideas. 

 

It's White Platinum (the $$ paint =P). The Rhino Rack clamps that sit on the roof are rubber, and the clamps that clip to the door frame are also coated in rubber. I figure that's enough protection to ensure there's no paint damage, but I've heard some owners put some clear 3M film over the spot the clamps affix to as an extra precaution.

[kostby]

I've heard some owners put some clear 3M film over the spot the clamps affix to as an extra precaution.

 

No empirical evidence (only owned this C-MAX ~45 days, and it doesn't have a roof rack), but based on experience with other white vehicles over the years, would think any lighter color, but especially White Platinum or Oxford White could be subject to discoloration from prolonged direct contact with rubber 'feet' of a carrier.

[LaurelAZ]

No empirical evidence (only owned this C-MAX ~45 days, and it doesn't have a roof rack), but based on experience with other white vehicles over the years, would think any lighter color, but especially White Platinum or Oxford White could be subject to discoloration from prolonged direct contact with rubber 'feet' of a carrier.

Thanks for the warning, kostby. I hadn't considered that (having never owned a white vehicle before). I will be sure to remove the rack when not needed, just in case. 

[bro1999]

Here's my NRG all pimped out, ready for camping.

Edited May 18, 2014 by bro1999

[salsaguy]

Roof rack = instant lower mpgs by at least 2-5 mpgs.

Unless you must have them don't do it. Defeats the purpose of a hybrid.

Ever wonder why all those suvs get bad mpgs? One of the secondary reasons other than the large inefficient engines is the standard installed roof racks which most people never ever use!

[bro1999]

Roof rack = instant lower mpgs by at least 2-5 mpgs.

Unless you must have them don't do it. Defeats the purpose of a hybrid.

Ever wonder why all those suvs get bad mpgs? One of the secondary reasons other than the large inefficient engines is the standard installed roof racks which most people never ever use!

 

With everything loaded, like pictured above, I've noticed about a 20% hit in EV range, though I'm still able to complete my round-trip commute on battery alone. Burning a few extra electrons is fine with me, though I would have removed the roof rack if it caused me to burn gas on my commute.

With just the roof rack on top, the aero hit is minimal, at least according to my data. Here's the compilation of data recorded by myford mobile for my home to work AM commute (8 miles, ~57 mph on Eco cruise, 80/20 highway/local):

 

Naked roof  - 4.6 miles/kWh, avg temp: 46.7

w/Roof rack - 4.8 miles/kWh, avg temp: 57.8

(My efficiency recorded was actually better with the roof rack installed, though the 11 degree warmer temps probably explain the increase. I'm thinking the actual aero hit with the roof rack on is less than 5%.)

 

fully loaded (Rhino Rack roof rack, 2 Yakima roof mount bike racks, Curt Cargo basket, Thule hitch-mount cargo box) - 3.68 miles/kWh, avg temp: 49.2

(About a 20% decrease in efficiency, compared to a naked roof)

Edited May 19, 2014 by bro1999