Why are roof racks so darned expensive?

[aphex]

Was looking at a setup from either Thule or Yakima and was amazed how much they charge for these seemingly inexpensive pieces of metal.

I could see the custom foot pods being kinda pricy ($150-200) as they are specifically made for certain types of cars, but a metal bar that $80? 6 lock cylinders are $70? and upright piece of metal to hold the kayaks is $140?

I'm just shocked to see how expensive this whole setup will be, likely around $400 for my car.

 

[geno]

Because they're so damn useful

 

[Beanie46]

Saris, Yak, Thule.........they're all expensive. But I think part of the thinking, at least from the rack manufacturer's point of view, is that almost all of the purchase, outside feet, will be a one-time purchase, so get the $$ while you can.

 

[rh71]

passenger cars are just for passengers

 

[Gibsons]

Originally posted by: Beanie46
Saris, Yak, Thule.........they're all expensive. But I think part of the thinking, at least from the rack manufacturer's point of view, is that almost all of the purchase, outside feet, will be a one-time purchase, so get the $$ while you can.

Yeah, low volume business.

OP, have you looked for used racks?

 

[thehstrybean]

A Yakima rack is, in my opinion, worth it's weight in gold. What are you buying? Bike, kayak, snowboard racks? I recommend Yakima. Hit up fatwallet and go to backcountry & backcountry outlet. Fatwallet has them at 5% cash back and lots of coupons, and they're outlet is the best on the net. I'm about to order another copperhead bike mount for my Yakima rack.

 

[SandEagle]

Originally posted by: aphex
Was looking at a setup from either Thule or Yakima and was amazed how much they charge for these seemingly inexpensive pieces of metal.

I could see the custom foot pods being kinda pricy ($150-200) as they are specifically made for certain types of cars, but a metal bar that $80? 6 lock cylinders are $70? and upright piece of metal to hold the kayaks is $140?

I'm just shocked to see how expensive this whole setup will be, likely around $400 for my car.

i know man. i was looking at getting a yakima loadwarrior or even the basket for my xterra... but it is waaaay too expensive.. even the mounts are ridiculously priced.... i know i'll eventually get one though

 

[Funyuns101]

buy used off Craigslist?

btw, yakima usually has a yearly sale (I forget when) where most dealers will have stuff at 20% off or something.

 

[Hammerhead]

Check out backcountry.com

 

[nakedfrog]

Because they're a luxury item?