Yakima/Thule or other roof racks.

[bvz]

After reading this entire thread I've ordered the factory rack for my 2014 Sonic Hatchback LT. I got part number 95932737 from shopchevyparts.com. The item title says "2014 Sonic Roof Rack, Removable, Sedan" but the description says "The Removable Roof Rack kit includes cross rails and all necessary mounting hardware to expand cargo capacity for your Sonic Sedan or Hatchback. "

I paid $178.50 and $15.00 shipping. I hope it fits

Then I went to autoanything.com and bought the INNO Wind Fairing Part # INA261

I paid $64.79 with free shipping.

So, for $258 bucks I'm hoping for a nice setup. It should be here early next week. I'll post my results when I install it.

Cool. Hope it works for you. Just a couple of things to keep in mind as you install them.

First, make sure you follow the instructions with regard to the torque levels when tightening the racks. From other threads here I've learned that it is easy to actually deform the sheet metal of your car if you over tighten it.

Second, after installing the towers, before you close the doors for the first time... do it slowly because even the factory racks might hit the metal the door frames. The sonic has the tightest gap between the roof and the footer frames that have ever seen. Even the factory racks have been reported to not fit perfectly.

I bought a rhino rack and had to return it because it simply didn't fit (I took photos and sent them in to the rhino rack folks and they were surprised but agreed that there was no way they would fit). There is something unique about our Sonics.

 

[rscott771]

Hey guys, I'm new to the forum, but I had a similar issue a ways back. I just contacted the manufacturer directly and eventually someone got back to me that knew about the compatibility of their products. I'm not sure if you specified whether you were using a hitch-mounter rack or not, but if you are I think the sizes are fairly universal depending on hitch class. If you own a sonic it would likely be a class 1 or class 2 hitch. If you need a hitch, I used these guys and would recommend to anyone:

Discount Trailer Hitch - Trailer Hitches

I hope this helps. I will tell you this - I have a roof rack on my sonic and I also use a class i hitch for my cargo carrier - it is AWESOME!

 

[romei]

After reading this entire thread I've ordered the factory rack for my 2014 Sonic Hatchback LT. I got part number 95932737 from shopchevyparts.com. The item title says "2014 Sonic Roof Rack, Removable, Sedan" but the description says "The Removable Roof Rack kit includes cross rails and all necessary mounting hardware to expand cargo capacity for your Sonic Sedan or Hatchback. "

I paid $178.50 and $15.00 shipping. I hope it fits

Then I went to autoanything.com and bought the INNO Wind Fairing Part # INA261

I paid $64.79 with free shipping.

So, for $258 bucks I'm hoping for a nice setup. It should be here early next week. I'll post my results when I install it.

Well everything came. I installed the rack on Monday night. It's very good quality and appears to be very strong and sturdy. Wind noise was loud just like everyone said it would be. The fairing came today and I just installed it. It dramatically cut the wind noise and it looks pretty good too. I am not impressed with the cheap plastic finger nuts that hold it all together. This weekend when I have the light of day I'll prolly replace some of them with steel nuts and washers. At least the ones that hold the fairing to the crossbar. It's dark when I leave for work and dark when I get home, so I'll take some pics and post them this weekend.

 

[SoCalRs]

I have been looking at the rhino rack from auto anything before Christmas but since I never used one i was unsure about them , I could not decide between the aero shape or square style Crossbars ? I will probably if I use it like to make Home depot trips and tie long boards and stuff up there and also I wanted to get a rack Like the curt style for my Luggage and stuff there was a wind fairing option on auto anything when you looked up the rack itself did anyone see or buy that one with the Rack ? this thread has been great thanks Guys/gals .......

 

[romei]

Well everything came. I installed the rack on Monday night. It's very good quality and appears to be very strong and sturdy. Wind noise was loud just like everyone said it would be. The fairing came today and I just installed it. It dramatically cut the wind noise and it looks pretty good too. I am not impressed with the cheap plastic finger nuts that hold it all together. This weekend when I have the light of day I'll prolly replace some of them with steel nuts and washers. At least the ones that hold the fairing to the crossbar. It's dark when I leave for work and dark when I get home, so I'll take some pics and post them this weekend.

 

[SoCalRs]

Im a copy Kat .... I bought the Rhino aero Rack and inno fairing for my RS ready to join the Rack and Rollers
I re read a few post I think i shoulda bargain shopped a lil but eh .....cant wait ..... Rack and roll ....

 

[Chas]

Do all thule bike racks/cargo boxes fit on the rhino rack?

 

[mja]

After trying the Chevrolet Removable Roof Rack, I decided to go a different direction.
I bought and had installed a Permanent Roof Rack by Perrycraft.
It's called the SportQuest and it's rated up to 180lbs. I got the Track Mount, OEM Rack Style Bars.
SportQuest

I was reading their site, it says the sportquest is rated at 75lbs and with the 'upgrade kit' it's rated at 180 lbs. do you know if the upgrade is a new style of crossbar or connector compared to some old one they had? or is there something else needed to buy

 

[Chas]

Made 2 adjustments:

1) Taped/Concealed the open outer side of track under the crossbars (I used black duct tape) This killed 99% of the "whistles." -You can also insert the plastic spacers (if you saved your scraps) but tape will be easier to remove should you need the bars off.

2) Purchased and Installed INNO Fairing (size Medium INA261 is the name) for under $80 @ CargoGear.com! This thing killed EVERY last bit of remaining pushing, swirling, etc. noise. Drove back to work now @ 60+MPH in a 20 MPH head wind and heard NOTHING but normal wind against the car. I can drive with my windows down again!

Yes, the INNO fairing is a simple design, but its 40" - so broader than the THULE one that doesn't eliminate all noise AND it's less expensive than a used THULE/YAKIMA... highly recommend guys/gals!:banana:

Going with this game set up. I agree about the thule, 38inches is not enough but that 40 looks great on your car.

Thanks dude!

 

[LorbeerTLC]

I was reading their site, it says the sportquest is rated at 75lbs and with the 'upgrade kit' it's rated at 180 lbs. do you know if the upgrade is a new style of crossbar or connector compared to some old one they had? or is there something else needed to buy

mja, the 'upgrade kit' is if you already have the existing SporTrek Tracks:

SportQuest Upgrade Kits for Vehicles with an existing SporTrek Roof Rack.

Upgrade Kit for SporTrek Tracks
Available for vehicles having an existing SporTrek or Trac-Mate Roof Rack track ("L-shaped") only.
Provides universal fitment with choice of 55", 62", or 70" crossbar lengths (for desired load platform), and choice of Pass-Thru or Stanchion-fit crossbar configurations (see above). NOTE: The choice of configurations is determined at the time of initial installation. All necessary hardware and instructions for either option are included in the standard upgrade kit.
Increases the load carrying capacity from 75 lbs. to 180 lbs. (evenly distributed on the crossbar assemblies).

If you're getting the SportQuest Track-Mount Roof Racks (like what I have), it's rated at 180lbs right from the start. No upgrade needed.

 

[mja]

If you're getting the SportQuest Track-Mount Roof Racks (like what I have), it's rated at 180lbs right from the start. No upgrade needed.

lorbeer, thank you. That's great, I like the option of more weight on the roof if needed. It looks good too!

 

[Hunter_sonic]

Just read every single page of this and didnt find the difference between the aero and euro bars! Any help and can someone post a link of where i can get a rhino rack for the sedan?

 

[River_Rat]

Euro crossbars have a square profile whereas the Aero bars have an oval profile. Euro runs about $250. Aero runs about $300. Also, Google is a good place to find a rack.

 

[DCollins]

I just got the GM rack and I'm now looking into fairing for noise issue. Inno the only way to go or does anyone have other thoughts or ideas? The noise was bad at 55 and i haven't done my normal 75 to work :blankface:

 

[River_Rat]

If you're handy you could always diy

 

[Wakadaka]

Has anybody had issues with the rhino roof rack? Do they dent the roof like the GM ones? do you have to monitor your torque to make sure your not damaging it?

 

[River_Rat]

It's a clamp-on roof rack. Of course you have to torque it to spec. So far as I'm aware, the problems associated with the GM rack resulted from it being shipped with an incorrect tool that resulted in over-tightening. Similarly, the rhino-rack comes with a tool designed to tighten the mounting brackets to the specified torque value. I follow the instructions and it works.

I have had no problems with my rhino rack (with euro crossbars). It does exactly what it was designed to do, and it does it well. I use mine primarily for hauling canoes. I have hauled a 65 lb. canoe 180 miles at 75 miles per hour (tied down at the bow and stern, of course). The canoe did not fall off. My roof was not dented or otherwise damaged. I really don't know how much more you could expect of a removable roof rack.

Again, it is a clamp-on removable roof rack. Of course there is going to be some wear-and-tear associated with repeated installation, use, and removal. If that bothers you, you could always drill holes in your roof and install a permanent rack. No wear-and-tear associated with that.

 

[inm]

Since apparently I'm not allowed to post a new thread, but instead was directed to this barely related thread, I'll post here.

Would I be able to use these mounts with the GM rack? And would I be able to use them side-by-side?

Thule Hull-a-Port 834 - Thule<br />
<br />
Thule Big Mouth 599XTR - Thule<br/>

Sent from my Moto X

 

[inm]

Anyone know the answer to the above question? Still looking for an answer lol.

 

[Long Island LTZ]

did you ever install the rack and faring? Would love to know what you think.. I've been pulling my hair out trying to figure what kind of rack to install... there is a fellow Sonic owner on this site that custom installed, permanent mounted, a Ford Focus rail and cross bar system.. I messaged him to find out how it's working out, ie, durability, impact on the vehicle, as well as details on the installation method.. I have a 2013 1.4l LTZ hatch.. my name is Emanuele..