Updated Kappasphere Luggage Rack!!

[Kappasphere]

Updated Luggage rack now in Stock!!!!

[The Red Baron]

Looks great. I see you've "flipped" it with the "high" side in the rear now. Looks better that way.

I only have two concerns holding me back from getting one:

1) Inevitabley microscopic dirt (grit and such) will get under the rubber "cushioning strips" running down the face of the trunk. Driving in the rain, etc..., the water spray from the road carries all sorts of junk. I would think that eventually the minute movements of those strips from normal vibration will, with the help of the grit, abrade the finish of the trunk, and when the luggage rack is removed, there will be two visible "wear" stripes running down the trunk. Has this been the experience of those who've used the luggage rack for a while?

2) I'm also concerned about where the two hooks go over the front lip of the trunk (against the roof). Won't those two hooks eventually put a permanent impression in the rubber gasket that seals the trunk against the back of the roof? So when removed, the gasket may let water into the truck through the impressions?

I'm not trying to be critical. I've designed lots of machinery, and am always careful to consider what the effects are, when one piece meets another piece.

Your response will be appreciatted.

Thanks,
Baron

[russsims]

Let me jump in and respond not for Kappa but my own thoughts. I have the older model rack and do not keep it mounted and only install it for when the need arises. The initial install took a little time but once we found some work arounds it takes very little time to reinstall. Just easier to keep the car clean without working around the rack and less obstructions looking to the rear. Stays hung up in the garage when not in use which is most of the time.

If you are concerned about the potential of marring the paint/clear coat if you plan to keep it installed I would suggest installing a couple strips of the clear film under where the mounting straps cross the trunk lid. Talking about the material used for front clear bras for the Sky/Solstice and used around the holes in the trunk like for the top.

Found no issues with your second concern, but it almost never rains in Socal anyhow and would not drive the car in the rain anyhow unless caught in showers while out of town.

What other reasonable options do you have to carry a small suitcase for an out of town trip?

[The Red Baron]

Excellent reply! Thank you. Matter of fact, if I were selling the racks, I'd include two strips of the protective film as part of the standard package.

Baron

[xmicro_Redline]

I always thought about getting one. My fear is of the weight limit. They tell you what that is, which is good, but I am worried that I over pack it while away and dent the trunk. If I have o carry a scale to weight my bag, that is just another thing to add to what I need to carry!

I also agree with the "Take it off when not using it" theory!!

[The Red Baron]

I'm thinking about getting one so I and the Better Half can do some serious cross country (as in coast to coast) touring, not just day or week trips. And that would mean it would stay on for a month or two at a time, and inevitably we'd be driving in rain, water spray, etc... Hence my concern about abrasion under the straps.

I'm beginning to think that one of those motorcycle trailers, customized as was shown in the trailer thread, might be a good alternative, and offer more storage. Hmmmm....

Baron

[xmicro_Redline]

Originally Posted by The Red Baron

I'm thinking about getting one so I and the Better Half can do some serious cross country (as in coast to coast) touring, not just day or week trips. And that would mean it would stay on for a month or two at a time, and inevitably we'd be driving in rain, water spray, etc... Hence my concern about abrasion under the straps.

I'm beginning to think that one of those motorcycle trailers, customized as was shown in the trailer thread, might be a good alternative, and offer more storage. Hmmmm....

Baron

For that kind of a situation, the trailer is a NO BRAINER!!!

The weight limit is 50lbs for the luggage rack. I know my suitcase for a week long trip weighs more than that! (At least on the airline scale )

[Kappasphere]

Originally Posted by The Red Baron

Excellent reply! Thank you. Matter of fact, if I were selling the racks, I'd include two strips of the protective film as part of the standard package.

Baron

I'll look into that. Thanks for the suggestion.

[TexSon]

When I installed mine I put down the clear protective tape and also on the "humps" when I saw how close the rack came to them. Now that they have the lift spacers I need to remove the two tape diamonds from the hump. As to the 180, having had racks on motorcycles and on my Vette, I just naturally put the high side to the rear. As to the weight limit, you pack for what you are traveling in or on, so distribute the weight properly and there won't be an issue. Soft water proof bags/luggage or an ice-chest on the rack and the rest in the trunk.

[The Red Baron]

Originally Posted by Kappasphere

I'll look into that. Thanks for the suggestion.

I suggestion that good deserves a complimentary luggage rack...

Baron

[fkeillor]

I have this luggage rack and really like it after I turned it around. Used 2" bolts and 15 washers to elevate the front. Now I have at least 1" of clearance all around. I think Kappasphere is now including the risers with the new racks. I also tweaked the rails a little so that they would lay closer to the trunk lid.

Used the rack over Thanksgiving weekend for a trip to Morro Bay, CA (800 miles round trip) The rack preformed perfectly. Found a great waterproof bag on REi's website. 10" h, 27 ' l, 16" w. approx. I did find the if you put your luggage as far to the left of the rack as possible it will give you a little more visibility on the right side of you car using the inside mirror.

My rack was on for about a month, thru rain and a couple of washings, I did not notice any scratching under the padded rails.

All in all I would say this rack is will worth the money.

[Kappasphere]

Originally Posted by fkeillor

I have this luggage rack and really like it after I turned it around. Used 2" bolts and 15 washers to elevate the front. Now I have at least 1" of clearance all around. I think Kappasphere is now including the risers with the new racks. I also tweaked the rails a little so that they would lay closer to the trunk lid.

Used the rack over Thanksgiving weekend for a trip to Morro Bay, CA (800 miles round trip) The rack preformed perfectly. Found a great waterproof bag on REi's website. 10" h, 27 ' l, 16" w. approx. I did find the if you put your luggage as far to the left of the rack as possible it will give you a little more visibility on the right side of you car using the inside mirror.

My rack was on for about a month, thru rain and a couple of washings, I did not notice any scratching under the padded rails.

All in all I would say this rack is will worth the money.

Thank you very much for the great review. I am glad that you are enjoying your rack.

Abel