Hi all .... I’m needing to use my car for work and carry a ladder.... basically I need a roof rack but....... I have no roof rails or anywhere to fit one......

   advice I need

A ..... can a roof rack be fitted

B ......if so what do people recommend? 

Many thx 

Some things to consider for a 5-door mk2 pre-FL saloon:

 

1) do you want function or pretty?

2) do you want new or are you ok with used?

3) how important will security be (ie lockable bars vs non-lockable)?

4) how urgent is your need?

 

These guys have an excellent range and are very good for customer service (happy customer here, no commercial links):

https://roofracks.co.uk/Thule-Fit-Guide/_-/?make=Skoda&model=Octavia&version=II&type=5-door-Hatchback&modelYear=2005-to-2012&id=20

 

If you're not in a rush I'd suggest working out what you need from the above and then having a hunt on fleabay, gumtree, preloved or via a "Wanted" post here etc.  Now is a good time to buy roofbars as the Summer demand is over and people just want to get rid

 

When I carried ladders I made up a custom rack with quick release fixings for my main ladder set plus and additional stepladders etc plus a tube containing mini-trunking etc, I used the crossbars for the roof rails on my then Sierra Estate.

 

Those bars with the adaptions were then adapted to fit an Escort Estate, then a Galaxy, then an Alhambra then MK1 & MK2 Octavias.

 

I now want them to fit my new Yeti but the stupid size they have made the roof rail section for styling reasons (I believe its still only 75kg rated) means I will be really truggling this time.

37 minutes ago, J.R. said:

When I carried ladders I made up a custom rack with quick release fixings for my main ladder set plus and additional stepladders etc plus a tube containing mini-trunking etc, I used the crossbars for the roof rails on my then Sierra Estate.

 

Those bars with the adaptions were then adapted to fit an Escort Estate, then a Galaxy, then an Alhambra then MK1 & MK2 Octavias.

 

I now want them to fit my new Yeti but the stupid size they have made the roof rail section for styling reasons (I believe its still only 75kg rated) means I will be really truggling this time.

But there is nothing at all on my roof for fitting anything to, non of the plastic strips that hide where roof rails are fitted ??? Just a bare metal roof ... are rails generally screwed into the roof? 

   Many thx 

5 minutes ago, Shacky13 said:

are rails generally screwed into the roof? 

 

Take a look at the video below; this is for Thule feet but the same principle applied to most direct-fit roof bars.

 

 

 

I have seen some vehicles where there are threaded inserts into the side of the roof section that are revealed when the doors are opened.

2 hours ago, Shacky13 said:

But there is nothing at all on my roof for fitting anything to, non of the plastic strips that hide where roof rails are fitted ??? Just a bare metal roof ... are rails generally screwed into the roof? 

   Many thx 

 

No. see links and video posted by others.

 

There is a thule footpack which has a stepped rubber insert to fit on top of the roof profile. You also get some foils (clear plastic transfers) to stick under the foot.

 

If it is like the mk5 golf there is also a threaded hole to allow a pin to locate on the underside of the door aperture but it was only on the front two mounts on the mk5. The arrangement really works on clamping pressure.  Downside as far as the racks and foot packs go was a bit more wind noise and they can let the odd drip of water in around the door seal where fitted.

 

But needs must.

 

 

7 minutes ago, StickyMicky said:

 

Take a look at the video below; this is for Thule feet but the same principle applied to most direct-fit roof bars.

 

 

 

Ahhhhh I see ..... many many thx for that .... I was clicking the links on a previous post but the pdf would load to see how they fitted ..... very simple ..... thankyou again 

+1 for the Thule racks, they are fantastic. 

 

The other option is getting a decent set of Proracks (if you guys can get them over in the UK).

They make several types, including the quick remove whisperbars (great if you don't want to carry them around), as well as tradesman's racks which are permanent fixture but very very tough.