How to set up a Yakima Roof Rack

Yakima roof racks come in different styles and sizes to suit any car. To determine the best system for your vehicle, you should first establish the main purpose or use you intend to have for the rack. This could be for carrying anything from a few suit cases all the way to your bike, kayak or boat. You can also get the enclosed type of roof cargo racks that carry even smaller items. Once you have established the right one for yourself, it is time to fit one on your car.

Depending on the kind of Yakima roof rack you have, setting up can take between twenty to forty minutes. Each Yakima system has a different mode of mount, but the concept for all racks is relatively the same where custom made towers are fitted on the roof to form the basis of the entire system. Yakima towers are built to fit snugly on either the rain gutters of your vehicle or factory installed crossbars and side rails. You can also set up Yakima towers on a vehicle with no pre-installed rack-related components. So, basically what you need to do to set up a Yakima roof rack is first clean the roof surface or your vehicle. Dirt and any wetness will prevent the rack from fitting snugly. After the roof is clean, assemble the towers, clips and crossbars on a flat surface. This will ensure that all components are well balanced. Detailed instructions and tools for assembly are always supplied with all Yakima roof racks. When done, install the racks onto the vehicle. Start with the front rack and ensure you apply the vinyl liners wherever the towers and clips touch the car paint to avoid leaving any marks or scratches. Do the same with the rear rack, then increase the tower tensions equally and tighten gradually to prevent the towers from moving off center as tension increases. When done perform safety checks. Check the towers by gripping the bar inboard to towers, pushing and pulling using only arm strength. If nothing moves or shakes, you are good to go.

Remember, just as with all other automobile accessories, it is of utmost importance that all roof racks and accessories are properly and securely attached to the roof of your vehicle. Improper and loose attachment could result in a serious accident and cause bodily injury or even death to you or to other road users. When setting up your roof rack, you should take the responsibility of securing it to your car and check all the attachments prior to use. Luckily, all Yakima roof racks and products come with detailed illustrated instructions and cautions to use when setting up the systems. If for some reason you do not understand any of the instructions or you do not have the physical strength and mechanical experience to follow the procedures correctly, you should have the Yakima roof rack installed by a professional installer such as a qualified garage or auto body shop.