Other ski rack options
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 5
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GLK
Other ski rack options
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?
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?
Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 137
Likes: 7
From: Alberta, Canada
2017 GLC300, 2015 S550 4Matic LWB
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.
When it gets here, I'll install it and post up a little mini review with pics.
Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 137
Likes: 7
From: Alberta, Canada
2017 GLC300, 2015 S550 4Matic LWB
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.
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.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2010
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GLK
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.
Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 137
Likes: 7
From: Alberta, Canada
2017 GLC300, 2015 S550 4Matic LWB
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.
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GLK
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.
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Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Chicago - Museum Campus
'10 GLK 350 Capri Blue/Black
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.
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Nissan GT-R BE / '12 Ducati-1199 Panigale S / '12 C300-4M Loaded/GLK350-4M Loaded
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2009 ML550
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.
