So I was on a budget and needed a cheap roof rack to carry some pop up tents for work, bought this cheap roof rack SportRack I don't know if anybody else has one on here, but here are some pics. I think I spent $160 one trailer.com, the quality is cheap and the instructions for fitment were incorrect but figured it out using Yakima fitment guide. Another thing I noticed is when driving on the highway I hear wind noise on the drivers door from the hooks on the frame rubber seal. But does the job. I didn't want to spend $250-500 on a Thule or Yakima so if anybody is on budget these work.

 

*** got it at etrailer.com***

 

how do you like it so far? I need to find an 'economical' snowboard solution, too...

 

Is ok does the job, the wind noise is really annoying tho.

 

Hi OP, I just got the same roof rack for my 2006 TL. Yeah, the instructions/fit guide included can't be right...
Can you share the measurements you ended up using? I tried looking at both the Thule and Yakima fit guides but each model has different measurements.

Thanks!
ps: please reply in thread if possible. This is my first post and apparently I can't PM yet.

 

I have one on my car. It does the job for my bike and snowboards. I don't get much wind noise.

 

I wonder if it's more a lack of wind diffuser up front, or maybe wind going through those rubber feet causing a whistle.
I'd play with it and make it quiet.

Thanks for sharing OP!

 

So I went ahead and installed the SportRack.

The model is SR1002. I got it on sale for $189 Canadian. I've never owned a high end roof rack for comparison but this seems pretty well made. Apparently the company is owned by Thule. I saw some reviews on Amazon that made it seem like they get damaged in shipping, probably true as there is not a lot of protective packaging inside the box. Mine were fine as I got them from a store.

installation took about 45 min because as I mentioned the measurements in the included instructions can't be correct. I ended up spacing the clamps on each bar quite a bit wider than suggested. I used the measurements from the instructions to position them on the length of the roof. Basically it took a bit of guesswork and adjusting but they are now on solidly. The metal clamps have rubber but the rubber can slip around a bit.

echoing what OP said, this is a pretty good budget solution for me since I'm just using it to carry some stuff a short distance in the city, etc.

I read somewhere the rack should be removed when not in use. Not sure if I'm gonna do that. Another plus was that it will also fit our other car.

 

UPDATE: 24 hours after install, I got into my car to find rainwater had leaked in from all 4 doors . FWIW I live in a rainforest and we are in heavy rain season and there was a fair storm last night.
The water wasn't significant, I managed to dry it off with the sleeve of my coat. I'm not giving up on these...will do some adjusting to see if I can get them tighter to the frame.

 

UPDATE #2: I made some adjustments - the clips are more at an acute angle to the roof. No more leaks. I also added a few strips of rubber to prevent scratching. Hope this info helps someone!