Hi All,

I was wondering about suggestions for a roof rack/basket for a 2004. We don't do much camping. However, we do often travel to my in-laws with significant amounts of luggage, cats, and at Christmas more presents than Santa. So, the main thing we would be carrying on the roof is a canoe and luggage. I am thinking of a half-basket but am not sure if this will be long enough to support the canoe appropriately. I know I could add a front crossbar for additional up-front support. Any suggestions regarding brands and such is greatly appreciated.

 

You might call Paul Grant, his number is in my signature section, I believe he has 2 used full size racks, tell him Mike sent you.
As for work on your truck, have you rebuilt or replaced your front drive shaft, they are prone to failing and can take out your tranny in the process.

 

Hi Mike,

Thanks for the tip on the rack!
I didn't do the front prop, but I have the service record for it having been done at about 45K (10K ago) and a greasing since. It is the single zerk though and I just greased it. My buddy who restores vehicles had it up on his hoist and thought it was still solid and the ppi didn't find anything wrong (I know they can go suddenly though). I do still plan on replacing it but hope to wait for a bit nicer weather. Still cold here in Michigan most of the time (last Monday was -15F).

 

Where in MI are you?
For what you are looking for, buy a Yakima rack.
Get the cross bars and feet that mount to the roof rails, then you can mount the canoe to one side and then buy a enclosed luggage carrier for the other side, you know the kind I mean, the one that looks like a bullet.
That will keep all of you Christmas presents nice and dry, and it is removable when not needed.
I have the Safety Devices full roof rack and we need to use a luggage carrier made of canvas to keep the Christmas presents dry when going to *******.
Now I have a Pelican Case so I will use that too.

 

Hi Spike,

I am just a bit north and east of you in Mt. Pleasant. I like the idea of the Yakima. On my 2003 disco I had a Yak, but it won't fit on the bigger side bars of the 2004. I have to say though, I kind of like the idea of having a basket; they just look cool!

 

I forgot about the larger roof rails of the '04.
You could swap the earlier roof rails for yours.
The full rack is the way to go.
http://www.voyagerracks.com/

 

I just installed a full length baja rack and used it yesterday for our kayaks and related crap. Worked excellent. You can get one for $890+ shipping (~$100).