thegabrielles

OK, I know it looks bad but we need to be able to carry more stuff, big camping weekends and stuff. I have seen towing as a major no-no so I need other ideas. I dont want to scratch the new TL so I am worried about a topper, also thought about a reciever hitch with a p[lug in storage but that puts a lot of weight on the back of the TL which seems to be the problem with towing. Give me some inputs...By the way another car is out. We got out of a SUV because we wanted a sedan but just miss the room of the SUV.

subinf

Put on a Thule rack system. You wont scratch your paint if you install it right and you can carry a load up to 165 lbs. I listed the part numbers on another thread.

thegabrielles

I checked out their site but they dont even show adistributer in the United States and no fitment for an Acura.

1995hoo

Using a rack is imperative on a car like the TL. Do NOT, and may I repeat "DO NOT" about thirty times for emphasis, simply get one of those big plastic rooftop carriers that rests directly on the roof. You'll risk damaging the electric sunroof mechanism because of the weight when the thing is filled. This is not TL-specific advice--it's true of any car that has an electric sunroof.

I don't know whether there are any ski shops in Atlanta, but that's where I'd go for advice if you can find one. Ask about the locking rooftop boxes that the skiers use. In Canada all the skiers have them; they make a lot more sense than the racks that many Americans use because the enclosed boxes don't leave your skis exposed to the elements (and the road spray, in particular). Perhaps one of our Canadian brethren has purchased one of these for a TL and can refer you to a dealer?

subinf

Thule makes a rack system for the 04 TL. I just got off the phone with the Thule rep. for my shop and the have plenty of the 04 TL componenets. The fit kit is 2138, feet are 400xt and the bars are LB50. I went into more detail about these items on another post, but you're looking to spend around 229 if you want a rack, more if you opt for the much recommended short roof adapter to increase length between your load bars.

As for boxes, Thule has a full line of boxes designed for skis, snowboards, etc...both the cascade and evolution series. the 1100 and 1200 hold plenty of skis, are watertight, mount onto the rack and come with integrated locks so it cant be stolen. Also are pretty much indestructible unless you forget you have the box on your roof and drive into a parking garage or something (happens more than you would think with different customers.)

PeterUbers

iTrader: (1)

Buy a Jeep!

thegabrielles

Thanks for the advise, I have researched Thule a little more and have found several dealers and as was stated earlier, the rack sytem is necessary. Prioces are around $300 for the rack system an d then any carrier will work onit. Prices range from brand to brand but it looks liek around $300-$400 for a good one for the TL. Thanks for the advise and I will let everyone know what I end up with.

Had a Jeep, glad its gone....had another SUV and dont miss it as much as the jeep. SUV's are great for a lot of things but we sure enjoy having the TL for everyday driving. Just mioss the room on special occasions.

jtow

dear god. please no.

thegabrielles

I know I know, but without it I have to rent a Mini Van to go on the trip... so whats worse??? The TL will get about 3500 miles in 16 days, there is no way everything is going to fit especially all the camping equipment. I bought the thule rack system, well I ordered it. They do make one specifically for the 04/05 TL. I have yet to see any pictures but I am sure I wont like it, but like I said it beats a minivan.

subinf

If you put a farring on the front of the Thule rack it doesnt look that bad.

thegabrielles

I was told to get one so it does not whistle... that would be my biggest problem, like I said I am not going for looks. Do you have any pictures with the set up??

subinf

Not specifically for the TL but I can do a mock set up if you would like so you can get an idea of how it will sit. Did you order the Short Roof Adapter??

thegabrielles

Yes I ordered it, that little piece added some $$. I would appreciate the pic if you dont mind.

Thanks...

caball88

i have the thule rack and used the snowboard attachment during this past winter. removed the rack 3 weeks ago and there were no scratches.

TLover

I had a Thule on my previous car. I had zero scratches when I removed it. I have not bought yet for my TL, but I will.

Aegir

You know, the car needs to earn its keep. I'm taking a similarly long camping trip in my Odyssey soon. I'm certain you're going to be a lot more comfortable in your TL - good call!

TBone2004

Avis.com

thegabrielles

Called Avis, they wanted $700 for two weeks, the rack/ topper combo cost me around $650, plus I will have it for future trips. The Thule rack looks ok, like I said earlier I was not expecting it to look good. With the topper on it though..whoo, whoo, its so close to a station wagon...but its not!!! SHould be good for the trip. I feel a car should earn its keep as well. This way I get to enjoy my TL and be able to carry a bunch of crap when I need to. The TL rides good with the topper up there and actually does not look to bad considering, I put a Yalima 16s box on top and the fit of the rack and the box is great, lines up with the TL pretty good. There were longer norrower boxes but this one fits the roof and is still 16 cubic feet. There is a lot of wind noise from it and it was suggesteed that I get a wind deflector but as of yet I have not.
I'll let everyone know how the trip goes, leaving on Monday for a trip of the New England Staes and Canada. 3600 miles in 16 days, well thats the planned trip, it will probably get closer to 4000 miles before its done.
See Ya'

TBone2004

The numbers don't lie. Cool. As long as it will not damage car paint or moonroof - go for it. Who cares what it looks like - unless you plan to keep it up there year round - which I doubt. Awesome - enjoy the trip, and as an added bonus - it gives you a place to toss any unruly kids on the trip there or back.

thegabrielles

Lets see, a 4 1/2 year old boy locked ina car seat for 4-10 hours a day...should be fun!!! He is actually quite used to it and he gets to watch his portable DVD player along the way so normally no sound from him at all. Lets hope that is the case on this trip!!! But just in case there is definitely plenty of room in the topper, in fact I already joked with him about it. I will have to put him in there just to prove I might do it for real. Threats and Deals...seesm to make life easier with a toddler.

thegabrielles

Well, the TL now has 7k miles onit (I got in 25Apr05) The trip was 4600 miles in 16 days and the TL and the Topper were great. The Topper acted as a paarachutre and I only got 22mpg average for the trip but I expected that. WHen we got back I took the topper off and cleaned it up a bit (raining here in Georgia) and there were NO SCTRATCHES!!!! Thanks for ther recommendations from everyone on here. I would post a pic of the car with the topper but its a big file, I will spend some time later in the week and see if I can get it posted.

Thanks again!!!!

1995hoo

Try scaling down the picture using a photo editor. I always reduce them to between 25 and 35 percent of actual size before uploading. Works fine. If you're using the one bundled with Windows, which is fine for something as simple as resizing, you either hit Ctrl-W or click Image, Stretch/Skew. Then enter the same number in both the "horizontal" and "vertical" boxes.

thegabrielles

Lets see if this works....

Nope..... Oh well, I will just post it on my site and put a link later....

MR1

How is the new car working out overall BTW? If you posted, I missed it.

thegabrielles

Everything is pretty good, no real vibration like the last one but there is still a very minor one. The tires still flat spot but thats really no big deal. There is still that wind noise from the drivers side window but I guess I can deal with that. Anyway, overall the car has been great!!!

thegabrielles

Here are some pics of the topper, I no longer use it due to having a new truck... so its for sale. It served its purpose vey well, but amazingly dropped the gas mileage to around 21-22 on the highway. I new it would drop but I did not think it would be by that much. Some one asked for the pics by PM so I figued I would post on here just in case anyone else wanted to see.

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2046787