Cheap roof racks for Octavia

**MarksVRS** · 10-07-2012, 01:43 PM

A couple of times I have been caught out when I could have done with some roof racks. They are a bit like a tow bar; something you never think about until you need it!
I saw these come up in the daily CrazySales email and for the price I couldn't say no! I received them in 4 working days and total invoice cost was $43.95 including postage. They are very solid (rated for 68kg) and have excellent fitiing adjustment although I cannot say I have tried them on yet (although I do not see why they will not fit).
Car Roof Top Carrier Travel Lugguge Rack | Crazy Sales
I will post a photo after I fit them, probably on the weekend although I thought I should let people know while they are still available.

**gldgti** · 10-07-2012, 01:55 PM

If you want good value, the best I found were RAK racks. Mine cost me $189.00 from the manufacturer ... but looks like the price has increased since I got mine - http://www.roofracks.com/index.php?o...177&Itemid=211

They are Australian made and designed, aerodynamic, far exceed the load rating of the octavia rails (75kg IIRC), are quiet, and look great. Also, you can put them on any car with rails as they are adjustable for width.

Mark, looks like you found some very cheap roofracks there, I couldnt help mentioning the RAK ones though as I love the fact they are aussie made

**MarksVRS** · 10-07-2012, 07:25 PM

Yes, they are cheap but solid and I dont plan on touring with them. These are fully adjustable and come with a locking key to avoid theft if left on. Just for emergencies. For example I have just bought 8 x 3 metre stormwater pipe which just fit in the car but I needed two trips. It would have been a breeze with roof racks!

I commend you regarding the Aussie made approach although buying a Euro car doesn't set you up well for that! I just cannot justify spending that money for something I may use every 18 months (if that). Maybe if I saved some money on the OEM towbar things would have been different......

I just wanted to share the link in case someone else wanted a bargain while they are still available!

**gldgti** · 11-07-2012, 03:14 PM

Yeah - they do sure look like a bargain.

I use my racks a lot (fishing rods and building materials mostly) and I also drive 110km zones every day, so you can imagine noise is a concern for me

I dont know what factory options were available from skoda in the roof rack department, but if they are the same as the audi/VW ones... wow, anything would be better than those tall, expensive, noisy, ugly things

...

**MarksVRS** · 12-07-2012, 10:05 PM

So I tried a trial fit today. They were not too bad for $40-odd dollars! The width is obviously for a wider car or 4X4 as the adjustment slots are just a bit too narrow. I will need to extend them on the weekend with a metal cutting disc. So far I have to say I am pretty happy with them. A touch of gloss black paint on the silver metal screw head wont go astray either!
I could see how they look but I could not tighten them due to the slots and the rear of the rail narrows even more so I could not even try it at the rear.
The grips are covered in thick, firm but soft rubber so no scratching the rails.

**MarksVRS** · 20-07-2012, 04:12 PM

Well last weekend I extended the slots on the bars (jeez, either Skoda has a narrow roof or the racks were designed for BIG cars!). This was an easy job with a metal cutting wheel.

I am very happy with the results, for what they are and what I need them for. Not the most slim line but very solid and a good fit. Also easy to put on and take off now that I have set them up.

The bars have a minor "howl" to them over 70kph, bit like wind blowing through a tree or window if that makes sense! Overall $42 well spent.

**candy_wagon** · 22-07-2012, 11:21 PM

+1

Couldn't help myself.

After a trip to Bunnings today where I put 2 decent scratches inside my wifes new Sorento, I came straight inside and ordered some myself. Although my VRS wagon hasn't arrived yet (this week apparently - YAY!), I should be able to use these on both cars.

As much as I like the look of the Wispbar, I can't justify spending over $300 on something I might use 2 or 3 times a year.

I might have to hit you up for a pic of what you did to them to make them fit the Octavia though...

**MarksVRS** · 23-07-2012, 01:06 PM

No worries, I had taken the photos which were sitting on my phone. I measured the distance between the clamps whilst on the car and determined how much I needed to extend the slots. The photo shows the extra length, where I drilled a hole as a guide (I divided the distance by 2 so I could slot both ends). Do this before dismantling so you also mark the black outer casing. You will see the distance in this photo between the existing slot and the drilled hole, both ends. Before you extend the slots, fully dismantle as follows:
Remove the end caps (fixed in by a screw), remove the the roof rail clamps and then you will be able to remove the black outer plastic casing.

I then used an angle grinder with a metal cutting wheel to extend the slots to meet the hole.Ensure to file the cut edges after grinding, as they will have razor sharp burrs attached. The metal channels are galvanised so I suggest touching the cut faces with either some paint or grease before re-assembly.

You can do the same with the black outer casing similar to the metal channel. It is strong enough to hold in a clamp if you have one. The angle grinder will slice straight through like a knife through butter so go easy!

Hope that helps!