Should you Fashion your Own Landing Pads

Question:

I purchased 70”core bars and skyline towers last November after your web site said you had Landing Pads 24 in stock. Long story short you didn’t have them in stock. I received notice that you would send them in May. I am looking at your video and I am concerned that the 24 landing pads are PLASTIC!!! I have used Yakima roof racks with round bar system for over 30 years... I am currently using a Yakima LoRider system on my RAV4. It’s mostly cast metal and rubber. I intend to carry 2 canoes on the Tacoma, probably at 70 mph , and sometimes across Kansas . I am very concerned that Yakima is cheaping out and I have spent a lot of money on a rack system that is not really up to “Old School “ standards... I have considered casting my own version of Landing Pads out of Aluminum... but I surely thought for the money I would get Yakima strength and quality. What do you think?

asked by: Frank B

Helpful Expert Reply:

I would not recommend trying to fashion the Yakima Landing Pads 24, part # Y74FR, out of aluminum yourself. These fit kits have to be very precise, and trying to make one for yourself will definitely void any kind of warranty on the towers and crossbars.

As for the strength, Yakima has been doing quite well over the years with improving the quality of their products, so you can rest assured that the material of the Landing Pads 24 is strong enough to handle the 165-pound limit of the crossbars. In fact, the pads come with a limited lifetime warranty for the rare times something doesn't work properly. Still, I have seen nothing but positive reviews for the quality of these pads.

expert reply by: Kef G