Roof Racks

[bobancle]

Are there any aftermarket Roof Racks that will work on the Uplander. I just bought a 2009 that did not have a roof rack and I have not been able to find any aftermarket that would work.

[spike88]

Originally Posted by bobancle

Are there any aftermarket Roof Racks that will work on the Uplander. I just bought a 2009 that did not have a roof rack and I have not been able to find any aftermarket that would work.

For new van purchase, one can get the vehicle with parallel side rails but their cross beams are listed as an optional purchase. (like on a Uplander / Montana vans). If looking for cross rails, one might want to surf E-Bay. I often see cross rails for $125 (or so) on E-Bay.

If looking to add your own parallel side rails, you may want to visit a few auto wrecking yards in your area. If there's a "totaled" 2005+ Uplander or Montana, they might will you its Roof Railing system as well. Hopefully, at a discounted price. And, they may have a few vans with cross members as well.

If you visit a few auto specialty stores, they may have a few "special order" books showing the many different roof racks for vans. For example, canoe/kayak, peddle bike, general cargo design roof rack systems. Not too sure if reasonable priced (from an auto specialty store) but their different design roof racks might spark a few other design considerations as well.

Hope this helps..

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[bobancle]

So are there no aftermarket roof racks that don't involve drilling into the roof (which I am not willing to do). I was looking for something I can took off when I don't need it (which is most of the time).

[spike88]

Originally Posted by bobancle

So are there no aftermarket roof racks that don't involve drilling into the roof (which I am not willing to do). I was looking for something I can took off when I don't need it (which is most of the time).

Available "after market" roof racks???? Do ask your local Auto Performance shops.

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[CanuckVan]

I have an 09 Uplander LT without factory rails and am also looking for a solid rack option for summer only. I have a Thule system which fits aero doors, but the "fit kit" hook part is too long. It is a 400XT foot. I can make it fit with a 3/4" piece of wood under the foot pad, but it looks like heck. Also the hook part that goes over the van rubber sill, is quite straight and the door rubs on it [losing paint!] when I close it. My local well equipped Thule dealer simply replies that Thule does not list an Uplander fit kit, and won't bother trying to find one that may work. This ain't as simple as I thought it would be.

Help please

[bobancle]

I have been looking a 3rd party solution and have not yet found one and I am NOT willing to drill holes. I only want it part of the year. While Thule seems to not have solution I just checked Yakima and their site says their Q towers would work although I cannot confirm that myself. Anyone tried the Yakima?

[bobancle]

I just got an email from a local Yakima dealer that Yakima does have a rack that fits it. The base rack which is Qtowers that attach to the sides and the cross rails is $436 Cdn. locally. I have not bought it yet so I can't say so myself for sure but anyone without the factory side rails who wants a rack might want to check with their Yakima dealer. That prices includes the locks as well.

[CanuckVan]

Bobancle, we seem to have been doing the same thinking.

Yes, Yakima lists an Uplander solution, that may work.

I already have many Thule parts, but Thule don't list a solution. Initially my well-equipped local Thule dealer was unresponsive, but I called him back and spoke to owner who was very proactive. He actually spoke to THULE US fit engineer who was very knowledgeable.

Clearly, there have been millions of Uplander/Montana/Buick vans with same basic body and roof line built since 2005, but there are small year-to-year differences.

Thule will not certify a fit until they have engineered an exact fit for a specific year/model. "Close enough" is not good enough. Perhaps this all due to liability concerns?

Anyhow, a knowledgeable person has ordered the fit clips to fit my existing 400XT Thule feet which are suppsoed to work with my 09 Uplander. Shipment due tomorrow. I will post part number if it works well enough.

[Colt Hero]

Personally, I would look further into adding the factory rack. I know you don't want to drill holes in the roof, but that's what the manufacturer does! In all likelihood (although you'd probably want to verify this first at the dealer or a junkyard), the mounting nuts that would receive the mounting bolts are already welded into the roof. In other words, all the "shells" are made the same way, then the rack is either added or it isn't. If you go to the junkyard to buy a rack off an LT model like someone mentioned, you'll be able to measure exactly where the rack goes. Maybe you could even put the vehicles side by side to do this to make sure you get it right...

[CanuckVan]

Arrived this week - Thule Fit Kit 2016. For their own reasons, Thule does not list a fit for the Uplander itself, but this is the kit for the 97/98 TranSport, Venture, Montana, listed right on the instructions.

The clip "hook" is half round and fits over the rubber rain seal and tucks out of the way of the doors - both front driver door and side sliding doors. There is no perceptible wind noise. It hasn't rained yet.

This fit kit with the widely available 400XT feet and bars is the solution if you want removable racks and prefer Thule or already have Thule parts, which was my case.

Cost $80 CDN plus tax installed at Autoracks in Ottawa. Call them if you don't have good local support.

Thule told the dealer that because they had not certified that this clip fit the "new" GM vans, they told him to not offer a solution. However, my dealer went the extra mile and spoke directly to the THULE US engineer who told him this solution was secure. So, I offered to sign a waiver which made all happy.

I made a point of not searching the web to buy the clips for less. I paid the man a fair price for his effort.

The racks are rock solid with my box on the Uplander roof.

Yes. factory racks are an option as I had them on my 03 Montana.
For my own usage & lifestyle, easily removable racks are my preference.

Hope this input will be of some use to others.

Cheers.