NICE RACK !!!!!
Written: Feb 27 '04 (Updated Mar 29 '09)
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Pros: Sleek, high-tech rugged looks. Adds utility to the vehicle.
Cons: a bit too tall for garage parking or underground parking structures.
The Bottom Line: A well-designed rugged rack system that weighs less than the metal racks. Buy the security locks for it.
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| criteeker's Full Review: Yakima Load Warrior |
After I purchased my new GMC Envoy XUV it needed a roof rack to finish off the rugged look of the truck and solve extra storage space for gear. I'm moving to New Mexico (temporarily) and with three white German Shepherds in the vehicle, storage is at a premium.
I used a Yakima rack system on my Isuzu Trooper and loved it. So buying another Yakima rack system seemed like the right thing to do. With the Trooper, I needed to use the Q Tower system, while with the Envoy it was a different story. A section of the Envoy's roof is retractable, so I needed a way to mount the rack a bit higher to clear the retracting roof section. Yakima does offer a rail system for mounting cargo baskets, but I chose the GMC version. Once mounted, I drove to my local R.E.I. store and looked at the new Yakima rack systems.
The two options are the "Load Warrior" and the "Mega Warrior." The Mega Warrior was a bit too large for my Envoy at 52" long x 48" wide x 6.5" tall. While the Load Warrior measures 44" x 39" x 6.5". Both offer an 18" extension panel for around $100.00.
I bought the Load Warrior for around $280 and learned something very valuable. Yakima designed the tubes of both racks with the same diameter as the "Round Bars." What does this mean? That my old accessories (such as the bike carriers) would affix to the new rack. Very smart of Yakima.
The older version, Basket Case ($100), is a bit lower in stature, but the Mega and Load Warrior racks are better-looking and more substantial. They include a bolt-on fairing for wind issues, but I find that they do make noise that's heard when driving with the sunroof open.
The Mega and Load Warrior racks are almost 7" tall, so parking in a garage might become an issue for some taller SUVs.
Accessories Yakima offers a wide variety of accessories for this rack system. They include light tabs, spare tire carrier, ax & shovel bracket, Hi-Lift Jack bracket and more. Not to mention the fact that all of the ski, snowboard, kayak and bike accessories clamp right onto this rack.
The Load Warrier will hold up to three bikes on top, a kayak and a bike, one canoe, a PowderHound rack and a bike, OR 2 kayaks (with the stacker) and a bike.
Security: There is an available "Locking Bracket" (#07064) which is made to deter someone from removing the brackets. They include two locking brackets NOT four and run about $35. My only wish is that these could have been made out of metal!
WARNING: Buy the little suction cup accessory that has the arrow on it and says "Gear Up." You affix it to the inside of your windshield. Measure the height of your rack from the ground to the very top with AND without a bike on it. Then write those measurements on the arrow. That way, when you come to a parking structure, you'll know if you have clearance or not. This will save you from any future damage to the rack and/or your roof.
Final Thoughts: All in all, I'm very happy with my Yakima Load Warrior roof rack system. When I make the move to New Mexico, I'm sure that I'll buy a "Destination 10 Pack". This is an available weather resistant bag for the rack system and runs an additional $140. They also offer a smaller "Destination 7 Pack" for $120. You can find alternative bags (for less money) as well.
PLEASE VISIT MY WEBSITE - www.JeepRiver.com
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 280
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