I need some help from you guys out there. I remember seeing some pics of buggies on roof racks. unfortunately I can not remember where I saw them.

Those of you who have your bugs on your roof can you share with me your mods to your rack to make the buggy fit. Also any draw backs you have found to having your bug on your roof?

I bought a new kite mobile and I am trying to figure out how I am going to carry my buggy. A hitch is available for my vehicle, but I am worried about a possible warranty voiding issue because of the hitch, so I am thinking roof rack will be my solution.

Thanks for any help.

Check with Todd.

What kind of a warranty would be void because of a hitch? Just curious

Drawback of on top is wind drag. Huge loss in fuel economy. When I put my bike up top I notice at least a 20% drop in mileage. I imagine a buggy would be more.

Edit: see http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=5319&pa...

If it is a name brand hitch and a quality car there should be no issue with warranty. Often hitches are added at the dealer.

Thule, you retard (dino)

do it the european way!!!

Quote:

Originally posted by ripsessionkites Thule, you retard (dino) do it the european way!!!

I am not taking the advise from some guy who only owns a bicycle :P

Dino,

what kind of vehicle do you have? I carry mine just like GeoKite. Bought one of those hitch carrier platform from Harbour Freight for $40. If I rest the back tires on the carrier the front tires rest right on the top back glass of the suv. I then tie the front tire to the roof rack with bungees. A couple more bungees on the rear tires to the carrier.

Thanks geo for the link ... funny how I started that thread also :saint: In my defense I am getting old and forgetful ... afterall that was 2 years ago.
I got a little nissan cube to be the shop vehicle. I plan to plaster it with vinyl (yes heliboy you can expect a call soon ) and just make it look even funnier than it already does.
The deal with the hitch is in the owners manual it says in big, bold black letters DO NOT TOW WITH THIS VEHICLE. I talked to the dealer and they didn't think I would have a warranty issue because of the hitch on there, but they couldn't guarantee it either. So I think I will side with caution and not take my chances. Plus I kind of like the way the roof rack looks and with the buggy on the roof I will still have easy access to the rear door.
In the link above archkiter has a scion which is very similar to my cube with a libre on top. So I sent a u2u asking about any issues I should be aware of. I will also send a message to Todd for some advise (Thanks Maven).
So I have the base roof rack picked out, but I would love to see mounting ideas for the rear axle and front fork.

@ Steve - how do you transport your monster buggy?

When I first started with a buggy, the Libre was the only one to worry about transporting. Now that my son has picked up the sport I now have to tote two on my poor Mazda. Here is how I did it...

Thule rack
Two motorcycle loading ramps
Rear hitch mounted axle support
Plenty of straps

Only modifications that I did to the rack were to increase stability by adding 1" C channel to the hollow cross members. This decreased the bow from the weight of the front tire resting on the ramp. The Thule is in my opinion is a very good rack, I even have bicycle racks added for that trip to the trail. Here are some pictures from the Bash thanks to Crisi.














Chad had a custom rack made for his XB and added a set of air bags to the rear for support. To be truthful I believe that this is the way to go. Placing the buggies on the roof over time has left scratches, dents, and other damages over the years. Major drawback to having the roof mount is gas consumption, it likes the go go juice. If the Jeep were a comfortable ride on long trips I would use this method instead.

My next car was going to be a MINI Clubman. They had the rack. It had the cool factor. But in the end My answer to your problem.

F150 Crew Cab and a 6x10 trailer. No warranty problems.

Dino, I say an ugly green one today with a bicycle rack on a 2" receiver. I can't believe they would void the warranty because you carry a couple of bicycles. I mean how would they know? You ain't got enough poop in that cube to pull a trailer anyway

Quote:

Originally posted by Akulakat My next car was going to be a MINI Clubman. They had the rack. It had the cool factor. But in the end My answer to your problem. F150 Crew Cab and a 6x10 trailer. No warranty problems.

uh no you didn't start my truck is bigger than your truck chat ... chevy 3500 crewcab dually and 36' toyhauler :moon: We could put your trailer in the back of my truck I thought ya'll in texas do everything bigger :P

Seriously though I found a Yakima rack used within a couple hour drive for very reasonable. I go pick it up tomorrow, so I should have buggy on the roof by next week ..ish

This little cube's main purpose is to be a shop vehicle. Buggy on the roof covered in vinyl manufacture stickers etc. I have a picture of the little redbull car with the big can on the back in my mind .. and thats kind of what I am going after :wee: Its purpose is to be funny and eye catching

Before I bought it I heard alot of comments like Jeff made I saw this ugly little box car thing .... the key thing that I noticed was everyone saw it and remembered seeing it. ;-)

If you are wheelin' a Chevy, toss the buggy in that and bring the cube in the toyhauler. problem solved.

That toy hauler would be awesome to have at the sodfarm! Drinks in the Frig, chili on the stove, recliiner to relax in. Not much buggying in my story though............:embarrased:

You could haul the cube in the toy hauler, the buggy in the back of the truck, then you could keep the playa dust off the cube. I'll ride with you now.

must...see...pics

got it done finally!

Looks great

OOOOOOOH MY, will we get to see it at NABX?

Dino, man up and buy a truck!!

looks good!

now if you roll the kitemobile over you can keep on rolling!

Dino Thats vary vary good set up for you buggy good job!! :wee: