roof rack

[AndyM]

I wonder if there is a sensor that inhibits operating the pano roof when the roof rack mount points are occupied?

Why? The rack should be mounted high enough to permit the roof to open and operate normally. The mounts are sufficiently distant from the roof in the horizontal direction; the rack should provide any needed vertical clearance. The roof mounts are very low-tech... they are simple doors covering simple metal threaded holes. I predict the answer is "no sensors."

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Starting out:

Flips open:

The base which you can simply screw with your hand or using the plastic built-in flipper

I bought this from MB but I think Thule is the actual manufacturer. I would suspect the TM version will be just about the same.

Those latches look identical to those found on the pano roof Model S.

 

[sublimaze1]

So has anyone officially, firmly, and positively identified that the Thule Kit 3049 is the right kit for the Model S? I assume the hard points are a standard screw size, but I have always been happy with Thule.

Either way, need to know about pano roof clearance, hard point compatibility, etc.

Thanks
WJ

 

[Jkam]

When my car was delivered a few days ago, I asked the delivery specialist about the roof rack. He said that Tesla is working with Thule. It should be ready for release soon. It will be available on the Tesla store website.

 

[sublimaze1]

When my car was delivered a few days ago, I asked the delivery specialist about the roof rack. He said that Tesla is working with Thule. It should be ready for release soon. It will be available on the Tesla store website.

Excellent. That bodes well for the foot screws (bolts) to be the same size. We should have our choice (e.g. yakima, Thule, etc.) if we have a standard screw hole.

 

[heems]

Not sure if this has been mentioned - It seems the roof rack is only available with Pano. The solid roofs don't have the mounts. I don't want a $1500 mount.

 

[jerry33]

Not sure if this has been mentioned - It seems the roof rack is only available with Pano. The solid roofs don't have the mounts. I don't want a $1500 mount.

The mount is free, you pay the $1500 so that adults can sit in the back.

 

[sublimaze1]

The mount is free, you pay the $1500 so that adults can sit in the back.

LOL - Sometimes the truth (and its wording) is the funniest !!!!

 

[hvb]

Has anyone found a roof rack for Model S?

I'll be receiving my Model S soon and am curious if Tesla is coming out with a roof rack anytime soon. Has anyone found an aftermarket one compatible with the pano roof mounts?

 

[ElSupreme]

I'll be receiving my Model S soon and am curious if Tesla is coming out with a roof rack anytime soon. Has anyone found an aftermarket one compatible with the pano roof mounts?

I have a Thule rack currently (their fork mount bike racks were by far better than Yakima when I bought mine in 2005). Their site doesn't have any 'official' feet for the Model S as of now. A quick look shows that Yakima does have a fitment for the Model S (Including clamp feet for those with the solid roof).

I worked at an REI and sold a LOT of roof racks. Both Yakima and Thule are good. I prefer the Thule ones personally, mostly due to their bike mounts being easier and better in my opinion. That and a huge preference towards the rectangular bars versus round for randoms loads being strapped down.

I wouldn't buy a 'factory system' even if they are made by Thule (who make VW/Audi, and MB factory equipment racks) or Yakima. The after market systems, especially the cross bars are MUCH BETTER. And they mount identically to a factory solution.

I have a request in to Thule to see if they have a foot for their 'mount point' tower on the Model S. And I hope my 58" cross bars are wide enough.

 

[hvb]

I'm more interested in transporting skis. I've never had to use a roof rack, because our Saab has a passthru in the backseat. I wish the S had that. Please update when you hear back from Thule.

 

[NigelM]

This inflatable roof rack could be a consideration if you're only transporting skis: http://www.handiworld.com/handirack/handirack.html

 

[ElSupreme]

Just got a response from Thule (pronounced Too-Lee, not Th-ule) not what I was hoping for:

Thank you for the email. Unfortunately we do not offer a fitment for that vehicle at this time, and nothing is slated for the near future. I will forward a copy of this email to product development so they know there is an interest. Thank you for the inquiry and have a great day.

I would send them an email (you have to setup an account :frown:) if you want a Thule solution. Yakima right now has a solution for both Pano and non-pano roofs.

Yakima Fit My Car: Automated Vehicle Rack Guide

 

[hvb]

This inflatable roof rack could be a consideration if you're only transporting skis: http://www.handiworld.com/handirack/handirack.html

On occasion we may want to move other things too, but thanks for the heads up. If nothing else, it's more compact and less expensive than your average roof rack.

Just got a response from Thule (pronounced Too-Lee, not Th-ule) not what I was hoping for:

I would send them an email (you have to setup an account :frown:) if you want a Thule solution. Yakima right now has a solution for both Pano and non-pano roofs.

Yakima Fit My Car: Automated Vehicle Rack Guide

Wondering whether I should wait for Thule to come up with a Model S rack. Ski season will probably be over before I finally get the new car, so maybe that's what I'll do. Thanks for the help, guys!

 

[JohnQ]

On occasion we may want to move other things too, but thanks for the heads up. If nothing else, it's more compact and less expensive than your average roof rack.



Wondering whether I should wait for Thule to come up with a Model S rack. Ski season will probably be over before I finally get the new car, so maybe that's what I'll do. Thanks for the help, guys!

Seasucker has a vacuum solution that is effective, though there is no specific ski solution--bikes and boards right now.

 

[ElSupreme]

Wondering whether I should wait for Thule to come up with a Model S rack. Ski season will probably be over before I finally get the new car, so maybe that's what I'll do. Thanks for the help, guys!

I'm probably going to wait for a Thule solution. I don't really need the roof rack at the moment the inside of the car is so big. But for Lowes runs I think a roof rack would be prudent. I have a bunch of Thule bike racks and wheel forks and the correct sized cross bars. All I would need is feet. But if they don't get a rack in a year or so I will probably break down and get Yakima feet and cross bars. My Thule stuff can hang on square or round bars.

 

[Robert.Boston]

For skis, popping down the 1/3-section of the back seat opens up enough space. You lose seating for 5, but you'd lose that with a pass-through ski bag, too.

 

[hvb]

For skis, popping down the 1/3-section of the back seat opens up enough space. You lose seating for 5, but you'd lose that with a pass-through ski bag, too.

I don't know if that would work with two kids. Wonder if I could fit skis under their feet, since there's no transmission tunnel.

 

[pxy]

I don't know if that would work with two kids. Wonder if I could fit skis under their feet, since there's no transmission tunnel.

Have you tried asking service? I think they have a solution that was tested.

 

[hvb]

Have you tried asking service? I think they have a solution that was tested.

Really? Where did you hear that?

 

[Robert.Boston]

I don't know if that would work with two kids. Wonder if I could fit skis under their feet, since there's no transmission tunnel.

Folding down the 1/3-section leaves two full-size seats in the rear, more than ample for kids. They might fit transversely, as you suggest, depending on how long the skis are. My nordics certainly won't fit there.