Sealant Solution for Rust Prevention of Curt Roof Cargo Basket

Question:

Hi Im interested in the Curt Roof Mounted Cargo Basket. I looked at the instructions and would like to know if you recommend a sealant silicone maybe? between mating parts. Thank you!

asked by: Scottrallen@yahoo.com

Expert Reply:

The Curt roof basket # C18115-117 that you referenced does not have the rust reputation that some of the other baskets have but you can still use sealant to prevent rust. Here's advice we got from a customer who has a Rola basket.

If you live in a rainy region (Pac NW, coastal area, etc) I can now strongly recommend that you take a few minutes to rust proof your rack. You don't need to touch the outside, but you should briefly address the inside of the tubing where the rack slides together. I didn't on the first one, and then went back after several rainy months and sprayed rust inhibitor down inside the tubing, followed by expandable foam (to displace any future water), and then reassembled the two halves with stainless screws from the hardware store (highly recommend). On the second Rola rack, I did the above and then sprayed black rubberized (gutter-type) sealant on the joint. Overkill perhaps, but my roof rack is bomb-proof now. And rain proof. It is an awesome, sturdy, good looking rack that is much less expensive than some other options.

expert reply by: Jameson C