Capacity on Dead Aunt Edna.

If you don't understand watch the Movie Vacation.

 

Well, GM is going to give me a call. Don't know what will happen:
Customer Relationship Specialist: Clinton


Dear David,


Thank you for contacting the Chevrolet Customer Assistance Center. We appreciate you taking the time to write us about roof rail issue on your 2010 Chevrolet HHR.


Based on the nature of your concern, it is apparent that contacting you by phone would allow me a better opportunity to assist you and ensure that I respond to your inquiry to your complete satisfaction. Since you included your phone number in your e-mail, I will be contacting you on Monday, July 5, 2010, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., Eastern Time with hopes that I can resolve this in a timely manner.

 

Clinton from GM called me and asked that I get in touch with the dealership service department to see what solutions they might come up with.
David

 

I have cross rails on mine carry 2 bicycles up there a lot was a little worried at first was not the strongest set up I've Sean but never had a problem

 

I have an after market system which is longer than the factory rails. In the front it is mounted solely through the thin sheet metal. I have carried my mountain bike pictured and my windsurfer at the same time and have not had any issues. Weight's about 60 lbs. I cross bridges in the San Fran area daily in 30 knot winds, in addition to the vehicle speed wind, and I have not had any issues. I have to admit the first several trips I drove in the slow lane till I realized it wasn't goling to blow off, lol.

Btw, cross rails are available at many roof rack shops for much less than going through the dealer. Thule has a great package.

 

I have an extra set of Saris cross bars from a Saturn wagon that I may use for my mother. I was going to put on Thule 450s. I talked to Chevy and they said to talk to the service at Mike Hellack Chevy where I bought it. I talked to Lacey and she said she would check. Then Larry from parts called and talked with me. He said that he had talked to the accessories guys at GM and the accessories guys at GM said that the cross bars would strengthen it. But Shawn (salesman) had shown Larry the issue and Larry agreed that it was on the weak side.
I am sure that it will work fine for a few years, but I need the car solid for 8-12 years. There is not one bit of give in my '95 Taurus, '94 Caprice, '95 Caprice, '97 Sable, '01 Suburban, '04 Saturn LW300, '05 Taurus, '09 Flex. They just mounted the side rails too far from the edge and without enough reinforcement.
David

 

Since I don't got rails, I am looking at this

http://rackattackboston.wordpress.com/?s=hhr

 

IF you guys have hitch recievers have you considered a rack back there. Wouldn't nessc help you with the kayek but with luggage.



I added the safety tape and reflectors that I had around the garage. I know I have nearly missed these before on other peoples cars at night... so I wanted to make sure they saw mine.

They do make alum versions as well. Both bought at Harbor Frieght.

 

I like the looks of the Yakima installation more than the Thule because it is closer to the edge of the roof and may be stronger.
David

 

I just saw a HHR today w/ Plastic Kayak tied down to either a Thule or Yakima system which appear to be mounted to the factory rails....

Looked very strong, Seems like using a system like this would really tie everything together strength-wise. If your attaching something to factory rails you could remove headliner and make some backer plates from stainless to help sandwich your bolt-thru rail assembly which should solidify things.

Motoretro