vabills

I've looked around and see some cheap alternatives, original OEM options that are fairly expensive and the top tier rack systems from places like thule which are nearly as expensive.

However, I noticed thule has a product 5401 Snowcat which doesn't need the cross bars and will work on the GLK siderails directly. Anyone have this or know how well in general the thule options tend to fit?

http://thule.com/en/US/Products/Snow...20Snowcat.aspx

According to their fit guide it does work with the GLK. Also, my normal transport will be 2 sets of skis and a board, any issues loading them? Bindings?

dingmah

I actually have a Thule Snowcat 5401 on order, and should be arriving sometime next week.

When it gets here, I'll install it and post up a little mini review with pics.

vabills

Thanks

dingmah

So I received and installed the Thule Snowcat 5401 Ski Carrier today.

Paid $145 USD for it brand new in box on eBay. Compared to $300 Canadian before tax from the Canadian Thule dealers. Average price is $200 if you buy it from an authorized US dealer, but they aren't allowed to ship outside of USA. Likely it's because Thule want to protect the profits of their Canadian dealers.

Total install time was ~45 mins. Most of the time was spent figuring out the vague and useless instructions. Overall, install is pretty easy.

The rack fits the GLK perfectly. I'm only 5"9 and can load it just fine. No issues with bindings, upside down or rightside up with my 160cm board.

If you need any install tips, just ask.

vabills

Looks good. I actually went ahead and ordered before you posted. I feel good about the decision. Got one for $182 new with free shippping through one of the online rack retailers.

vabills

Installed it this morning. Looks real good. Pretty easy to setup off the pictures. Also took me about 45 minutes. You have yours set about 6 inches further forward than I ste mine. It just said to make sure it is 700MM apart and I didn't want to see skis and boards over hanging the front windshield.

dingmah

For my point of reference, I lined up my front cross bar on a line on the roof rack, and used the back end of the middle roof rack support bars because it's exactly 3 feet/100cm.

vabills

I have it set about 75cms. It said make it 700mm and a max of 100. I went with the narrow setup. I have the front even with the crack in the front door to the back door and the rear set about 4-5 inches behind the brace on the side rail. This way I know I won't see the tips of the skies and board out the front window and I have room so the back gate can still open.

Al Bundy

That rack looks great and the price is right. Can it hold more than 2 boards though? Stacked base to base obviously. I'll probably get one anyway, it's better than my old BoardHiker that hangs off the passenger's window.

dingmah

It can hold 4 boards, 6 skis, etc.

medic

In case one of you owners of this rack still sees this...When closed, how much height does it add to the car? I am slightly concerned about entry to my garage...

MBRedux

About 6-10 inches depending on the make and type. In the pictures above you can see that the garage door is a small 4 panel unit with just enough clearance to get out. If he were to place bulky or large items on the rack, he may not make it out the door. So use that pix as a judge for your application. Most garage door panels are standard heights, so if your door has the same number of panels, you will have basically the same clearance. If it's a five panel door, even better!

medic

10 inches beyond and above the side rails??? why does it depend on the make? you mean the make of the car? I was asking about this specific Thule model, it should be of standard height above the side rails...no matter what car you have. Unless I am missing something.

MBRedux

Sorry you're right, I think this rack is 5.75" above the rail.