High roof / low roof with racks

[Morganizer]

Hi, I am looking to buy a Delica to use for hang gliding -- this means transporting gliders on the roof (folded up, silly! picture a duffle bag, 13 feet long). I have been advised to get a Low Roof because it makes the reach a little easier when taking gliders on/off the roof.

But I've noticed that the roof racks attach to the rain gutters, which are at the same height no matter whether it's a high roof or a low roof (or a crystal lite roof, for that matter.)

My question is: Is there a real difference in the height of the roof rack from the ground, whether it's a high roof or a low roof? The only guy in the hang gliding club with a Delica has a Low Roof, and I notice his racks add about 6" to that, measured up from the rain gutters.

Can I put 6" racks on a High Roof? Can I get 3" racks on a low roof?

Has anyone tried to get the lowest reach on the highest roof?

Thanks.

[thelazygreenfox]

Morgan
The L300 lo roof is approx 3" lower. You need a bit of clearance with your rack so you don't scrape the roof when lifting on to it. You'd need a rack 4" higher on a high roof L300. Just clear the roof, why work any harder to load or unload.

I now have a L400 hi roof, non crystal, use a yakima rack with a 1" lift kit with only 1" clearance. The L400 rear rain gutter is an inch lower and more forward than the L300 so much easier to scrape when moving gear onto the roof.. I used a blanket loading my hi roof L300 and L400 to prevent scrapes.

Sucks but that's cosmetics and vehicle design needed to sell a soccer van and people mover.

Yes the L300 low roof is a lot easier to lift on to. No problem if you're 6' 4" and weigh 240. Something long like a glider will slide on easy but will be harder to pull off having to reach up so hi to purchase when off loading.

Good luck but you'll need an L300. Don't even know if you can buy a low roof L400. I'm glad I changed to an L400 (gasser).
TLGF

[glenn]

I have a high roof L300 and I have no problem lifting a canoe up onto my thule hightowers by myself - I'm 6'. As long as you take it easy and think about what your doing before you start, it should be manageable on any delica. And a canoe can be much less forgiving than a giant canvas bag if you make a mistake.

So buy whatever you like - I personally love my crystalite roof.

Glenn

[Golf Cart]

I would have thought Stewart would have piped in by now.

He's a wannabe birdman. His glider set-up is pretty good.

Hey Stewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwy !!!!

[Morganizer]

Thanks for your input, both of you. Now we need a tie-breaker! Stewart's keeping quiet because he already generously gave me a guided tour of his Deli. Thanks again, Stewart!

[thelazygreenfox]

Morganizer
Remind me not to waste my time. A tie breaker... What a joke. A survey for the inept. Get serious.

[Morganizer]

Oh, you haven't wasted your time at all. You contributed some very valuable information, and I appreciate that! I just made the joke that I got two contrasting opinions, so they cancelled each other out. But really, the two together outlined the considerations concisely, and that was helpful.

[mararmeisto]

Despite being tall, it's still advantageous to have a roller on the rear bar: helps not having to lift the entire weight overhead.

And as for the survey for the inept: just because one has an answer doesn't mean further questions (or the same question) can't be asked of others. More data can make for better decision-making.