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vw-thing Samba Member
Joined: February 29, 2004 Posts: 11 Location: Louisiana
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Posted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 12:33 pm Post subject: Rollbars and canoes |
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Does anyone here use their Thing to haul a canoe or kayak? I'm thinking of getting a rollbar/showbar and would like to be able to put the top down, toss the canoe on top and head for the lake. The only rollbar I've seen on a Thing was a home made job that was extremely flimsy. How solid are the stock rollbars? I don't want to spend the money if it's something that's going to deform the first time I tie down and haul the canoe (12ft, fiberglass/wood, 50lb). Any suggestions?
Thanks...
Kristi
http://home.earthlink.net/~critter_mom/ozinvw.htm :mrgreen: |
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chinarider Samba Member
Joined: November 08, 2002 Posts: 276 Location: San Francisco, CA
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Posted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 6:15 pm Post subject: |
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I bought the Thingshop's rollbar, which is about as close to stock as you can get (they added a bend to the front tubes, so that you don't hit your head as easily as with the originals). Anyway, this is a very strong rollbar. You'll have no problem whatsoever with a 50lb canoe. I've actually put a few wooden planks on top of this rollbar, and used it as a makeshift scaffold, when I needed to do some work in the rafters of my garage - the thing is solid.
I've car-topped plenty of boats in the past (had a 150lb wooden boat on an audi for years), and this rollbar is way more sturdy than the rack I used back then. |
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z-volks Samba Member
Joined: March 11, 2003 Posts: 33 Location: Westport, CT
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vw-thing Samba Member
Joined: February 29, 2004 Posts: 11 Location: Louisiana
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Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2004 9:30 am Post subject: |
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Thanks for the information! I feel better about spending the money knowing I'm getting something sturdy. I will have to have it shipped, so I'll definitely keep Box Brothers in mind.
Kristi
http://home.earthlink.net/~critter_mom/ozinvw.htm :mrgreen: |
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fathing Samba Member
Joined: February 09, 2004 Posts: 110 Location: Switzerland
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Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2004 5:03 pm Post subject: |
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Most roll cages or bars are designed to withhold the weight of the car when rolled, maybe except cheap show bars. Now if you plan to install a real cage you need not to worry about braking it while transporting a canoe or a surf board. You may even go to your local furniture store and buy a new bed and transport it on a good cage. I transport my two little girls on it all the time. This way I don't have to listen to them fighting in the back seat... he he he
My 6 point roll cage is made out of aluminum alloy which is sturdy and light at the same time. It weighs only 42 lbs. Compare this to a steal roll bar.
Besides the stiffening effect to the frame I definitely like the looks of it. But this is of course a matter of personal taste.
Cheers Dom |
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radioman Samba Member
Joined: April 15, 2004 Posts: 430 Location: Irmo, SC
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Posted: Sun Aug 15, 2004 4:16 pm Post subject: |
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Kristi: I got my bar from the Thing Shop...arrived on east coast in three days. Perhaps a bit pricey, but I tried for four months to find something as good. Failed. Love this unit...fit perfectly, no problems. I wrote an article for Thing Stuff about the install (since it has no instructions) and can email a copy if you wish.(or see the most recent issue of the Thing Stuff). A canoe on top would be no problem. This device is HEAVY. Bill _________________ It's a Southern Thing, 73, stock.
Bill |
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