I carry anywhere from 1 to 8 boards on my Subaru Forester for my SUP classes and tours. A few are surprised by the loads I carry. But before every trip I test my rack with a shake test to assure the rack itself is secure to the car, then I load and secure the boards.
Yesterday while loading only one board, the rack tower attachment pulled off the car roof rail. Luckily I was in my alley not yet on the road. The attachments been on the car since 2006, so definitely time for replacement. I replaced the remaining 3 towers (Yakima) for preventative maintenance. Here’s an image of the slipped part with a strap holding the rack bar to the car until I had time to replace it.
1/17 Update – We now only use Thule racks as the towers and most of the parts are metal vs plastic. No blow-outs in 2015-2016.
Check out our SUP classes in Seattle – Beginning to advanced instruction including freighter and tug wave surfing, coastal surfing, rivers and racing, plus PSUPA Certification.