i am thinking of getting a roof-top carrier. thule and yakima sell some sleek looking models for around $450 and sears sells a less sleek model for about $180. anyone have any experience with either? does the design have a huge impact on gas? the sears sport 20 is not listed as compatible with the 4th generation runners, any idea why? any input/advice will be much appreciated.

take it from me, go with the sleek'er model for $450!
Its only your good bike or other equipment you're talkin about, not to mention the poor sap driving behind you when it all falls off and tears up his front end! You want something that is going to lay flush with your roof top, meaning you dont want anything that is elevated in the least bit. It puts a terrible drain on your rig, not to mention your gas mileage!
Take care and good luck, from someone who learns everything the hard way!!
Joelle

The difference is in the mounting. I have Yakima Blacktop pro 16 and believe it have the best mounting system that never require you to disassemble anything. Thule use "U" bolt clamp that stil need to be removed but does not need any tool. The Sears one are the bulkiest and need tools to remove the "U" bolt.
Thule, Sears and Karrire are basically made by the same company (Thule) but marketted to different market.

Depend on your usage Sears might be the best for big luggage although they dont have any tie down point inside so you would need to stuff it or have very good padding. Yakima and Thule are geared more for sport so they could fit Ski, snowboard, paddle or any long sport gear.

Thule have the best look but its exaclty the same as Sears exepct its fatter. If you just need to carry Luggage and does not need to take it on and off I would go with Sears since the price are right.

Go over to the O/T thread and check out Kona's post on Yakima rack update; esp his update, as Yakima took care of him, and is sending him a different setup than what he originall had.

see, just what they was tellin ya! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/coolg.gif" alt="" />

no tools are required for the sears sport 20v, same concept as the thule box. i think that i would definitely go with a yakima one if i kept it on, but this would only be used two to three times a year.

I'm using the Yakima Load-Warrior with spare tire carrier, light brackets, and Hi-Lift mounts. No tools needed and it can either mount to factory roof tracks or you can use the tool-less brackets like I did that go directly on your factory cross members. They also have all the same-keyed locks for everything so the rack stays there.

Mine has been bounced around off-road carrying a BFG 275-70-16 spare and the Hi-Lift and no problems with durability. Still sound as the day I bought it. IMO, you get what you pay for. I'd go with the Yakima if you can swing the cash.

Ricochet

ricochet - do you put any type of padding between the factory cross members and the harness kit?

Gonzo,

The Yakima brackets come pre-padded so they do not mar up your factory rack cross members. I have been real happy with the setup. Not to mention Yakima has all the different accessories that are made to fit the rack.

I'll snap a pick and post it as soon as the monsoon stops here so you can see how they go on.

Ricochet