Is it better to put roof bars onto the gutter rails or onto the existing roof rails? I'm concerned the roof will leak if the roof rails become loose through wear & tear. They're the smaller diameter rails rather than the ES Premium type.

 

I have not had problems with either the gutter rails or roof rails mounts.

Do you have the pre-2004 model (smaller cross-section rails) or the 2004 model (with the sturdier round roof rails)?

 

It's an 04 Pursuit, but with smaller diameter rails. I'm fitting a kayak (20kgs) & two mountain bikes; so probably hit near the 50kg limit for roof rails.

 

Womble:
just remember that the manufacturers recommended maximum load for the roof rails assumes the worst case scenario; emergency braking, sudden emergency maneuvers or things that will add extra loads to the roof rails while driving. They are probably strong enough for quite a bit more than 50KG without causing any damage - unless you run into any of the abovementioned issues on the road.

 

Hi Joe. Was thinking that but it was the risk of harsh braking and rough roads constantly vibrating down through the roof mounts concerned me