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I am a mechanical engineering student at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. For my engineering design class I am designing a new roof rack system to be used on pick-up's and suv's and was wondering what are some of the features that users would want on this type of accessory. If any current or prospective users of a roof rack system would be kind enough to answer the following questions or leave suggestions it would be greatly appreciated.



1) Do you currently own or are planning to buy a roof rack?

2) Would fold down side rails be a feature you would find useful?

3) Would a sliding or resizable basket be a feature you would find useful?

4) Would a spare tire mount on the rack be a feature you would find useful?

5) Please list some of the must have features a roof rack would need to incorporate before you would consider buying it.

6) How much would you be willing to pay for a rack with the criteria you listed above?

Thanks for your help.


Here's my answers:

1. Maybe planning on designing and building one, won't buy one when I can make it myself.

2. No, but the ability to detach and remove it quickly would be.

3. No, not really.

4. No definitely not, too much weight up top, besides gotta tire carrier.

5. Wouldn't, build it myself if I do.

6. Already answered.

Since you're in the Huntsville area, ever been to one of our meetings? http://www.rocketcityrockcrawlers.com/

Thanks and good luck with your studies!

Al

KI4Dxx
?85 Toy 4Runner: 35x12.50 BFG MTs, manual, Kenwood 2M, 140 amp alt, 26 gal aux fuel tank
'06 F-350 SRW 6.0 PSD XLT 4x4, manual, Yaesu 2m, 140 amp alt, 90 gal aux fuel tank, Air Ride air bags