Compatibility of SeaSucker Roof Rack for Surf Board at 70 MPH

Question:

Can you drive up to 70MPH with this rack on a Fiat 500? washington surfer This looks promising... I live in Seattle and drive to the coast to surf where I am on the highway for 3 to 4 hours with speeds limits up to 70mph but your video shows only tests up to 55mph. I have a 8ft surfboard I want to take with me on my 2012 Fiat 500 with a sunroof. Now I know the default answer is No you cant do this with a sunroof, because what if you open the sunroof while driving? That is not going to happen. I was planning on tying down the tail of the board towards the front bumper to prevent minimal lift force/flex. With the force on the surfboard limited by tying its tail down to the , will your rack work up to these speeds? Thanks for your help on this!

asked by: Shaun

Helpful Expert Reply:

The SeaSucker Monkey Bars Roof Rack - Vacuum Cup Mount - 48" Long # 298-SX6000B you asked about are definitely rated for speeds of 70 mph in good driving conditions. Each of the 6 vacuum cups is rated for a pull strength of 210 lbs. This rack on your vehicle is rated for up to 150 lbs at those highway speeds, so you will not have any issue as long as your board is secured to the rack well.

I recommend using the SUP and Surfboard Pads for SeaSucker Monkey Bars - 19-1/2" Long - Qty 2 # 298-SA1022 along with the Cam Buckle Tie-Down Straps for SeaSucker Monkey Bars - 1" Wide x 10' Long - Qty 2 # 298-SA0010 with those bars.

If the surf board is all you will ever be carrying, you may want to use the SeaSucker Board Carrier - Vacuum Cup Mounted - 1 Surfboard or Paddleboard # 298-BX1806 instead. This kit uses many of the same components, but does not have the compatibility to be used for carrying other things.

Either option will transport your Surfboard well at 70 mph under good driving conditions. Obviously extreme wind or other conditions it may be wise to slow down for safety, but the rack will handle what your vehicle will safely handle, so it won't be limiting for you.

With either option, you may want to consider the anchor # 298-BA0020 or window anchor # 298-BA0010 along with a cable lock like # e98891 to deter theft.