Roof rack towers?

The universe is determined to keep me kayakless. After my factory bars failed damaging my car and kayak, and Subaru ignoring me and doing notbing even though I'm still under warranty....

I get my YouTube payment Monday and am ready to get some solid mounting system. I want something ROCK SOLID. No worries my kayak will launch again.

I've looked at Thule. It looks like I have two options. Remove my entire headliner and mount towers to the bare roof  which sounds crazy.... Or buy the towers that attach to my factory side rails. My concern is they appear to hold everything on with a rubber strap. I can't see trusting that. Especially after a year or two exposed to salt and the elements.


I've also looked at Yakima. Their site is more confusing. Towers out of stock. And I think also attach with a rubber strap.


Advice please on how to attach ?

Thule are good I got those for my stock rails on my Avalanche. The ones with the rubber straps. I go 80mph with two kayaks upside down.

Thule are good I got those for my stock rails on my Avalanche. The ones with the rubber straps. I go 80mph with two kayaks upside down.

You trust that? I'm they're built well at first but I imagine  they're built well at first but I imagine after being exposed to salt water and sun rubber eventually is going to fail.  Just like rubber weight belts and bungees on kayaks 

You trust rubber hull plugs in the the ocean? With the salt sun and air? Of course I do.

You trust rubber hull plugs in the the ocean? With the salt sun and air? Of course I do.

Uhh a hull plug failing vs a kayak rack failing launching the boat into oncoming traffic and splattering someone's head open is a little different don't ya think? That may have been the worse comparison I've ever heard. lol.

ok well can't help u then. You got it all worked out.

ok well can't help u then. You got it all worked out.

Hahaha okaaaaay.

Anyone else care to give me some advice on a good tower or to just trust the rubber without the attitude

I've run the rubber straps for 5 years on my Sequoia.  No problem and not cracking.

Salt water, fresh water and sun.....no problem.

They work just fine!

I use an Innorack on my MB ML350 factory bars.  They have rubber straps that loop onto the bars, and cinch down with a cam twist.  Like most product, they have a finite useful life that is shortened by UV and salt degradation.  Any rubber polymer will oxidize, additionally with UV.  But out of box, they have mad tensile strength and will be good for years.

Mine are fine after 6 years no problem.  granted, I do not keep them attached to the SUV and only deploy when needed.

Ok thanks guys. As long as it's not going to start cracking a year or two in I'll get them. 6 years sounds reasonable. I wonder if you can just buy the rubber stray and swap it every year or so to be safe. I'm bummed about my kayak but far more concerned about someone getting hurt.