Car Top Rod Carriers

[shane cavitt]

Anyone use car top rod carriers to transport their rods instead of breaking them down each time you have to get back in the vehicle? If so, any recommendations on makes/models? I just recently returned from a month on the Frying Pan & Roaring Fork (separate post/report to follow) where I saw numerous different car top rod carriers some of which were totally enclosed and lockable. I am not having much luck on finding any through Google searches. I know I have seen them advertised in some of the fly fishing mags, but can’t locate any of the ads now. I am aware of the magnetic ones and they look good for jumping from section to section on a river, but not sure how good they would be at highway speeds. Any thoughts, experiences and recommendations are appreciated.

[dusty montgomery]

Shane,
I am in your same boat, and think I am going to go with the magnetic version if for any other reason ease of installation and removal. When I am done for the day I can put them back in the tubes. This one from Orvis is suppose to keep steady at 60m.p.h.

You could always get a bazooka tube from BP or Cabelas and latch it to your rig with some zip-ties or ratchet straps.

Let me know what you decide.
D.

[Adam McDowell]

thule makes a rod carrier, also lots of folks use ski racks out west. they will clamp about anything and can be locked but wont protect your reel from theft

[jon buto]

i do not have one but looks interesting
http://titanrodvault.com/default.aspx

[Buzz Bryson]

I’ve seen several rods bite the dust.  The outside-car carriers are convenient, but since it only takes seconds to break a rod in half and stick it inside, I just don’t think it’s worth the risk.  If the drive is short, and roads are open (no “catchy” briers/tree limbs), I sometimes put assembled rods sticking from front floorboard out through side window, rolling up window to keep them reasonably secure.

Forgetting theft, I just don’t trust magnets/vacuum seals for on-car carrying.  The more secure Thule-type carriers work well, but aren’t any quicker, in my opinion, than breaking rod in half or sticking out window.

If you decide to go with the on-car carriers, check to verify whether hood is steel.  Many are aluminum now, e.g., my Explorer, obviously limiting options to vacuum mounts.

Excepting maybe a car with cramped interior, I’d go with inside carry.

Buzz

[Mark Schafer]

Inside storage http://www.rodmounts.com/
MS

[shane cavitt]

I have looked at the offerings of rodmounts.com and like them. However, the vehicles I have both have DVD players in them (kids ages 5 & 3). The rodmounts look like they are centered mounted and would not work with a DVD system. Is that correct or can they be mounted around the DVD?

[Mark Schafer]

I have the same question my new to me car is a blazer I’ll call and find out.
MS

[Joel Thompson]

I have a sportube carrier and it works well on bigger SUV’s but DAMN that titan rod vault looks very sweet! I am going to check into becoming a dealer for those for sure!

Joel

[john michael white]

I second the Rod Mounts.

[Mark Schafer]

Joel,
I was thinking the same thing if you get a dealership let me know I’ll get one from you.

Rod Mounts used to come from my TFO rep but that has been canceled I’ll call on Monday and see what they say about the DVD player issue.

[Mark Schafer]

According to Rod Mounts there is no issue with the drop down DVD players.It looks like the rods would be more over your head instead of down the middle, I’m not tall enough to have to worry about he loss of head room.
MS

[Joel Thompson]

Joel,
I was thinking the same thing if you get a dealership let me know I’ll get one from you.

Rod Mounts used to come from my TFO rep but that has been canceled I’ll call on Monday and see what they say about the DVD player issue.  
MS

The ball is rolling Mark. I should have something set up by the end of the week with these guys. I will let you know when I get them in and get you hooked up!

Joel

[shane cavitt]

Joel, also let me know when you get them in. If I am going to go that route I would prefer to help out a fellow IAer.

[Joel Thompson]

Joel, also let me know when you get them in. If I am going to go that route I would prefer to help out a fellow IAer.

Will do Shane. Thanks!

The only thing I am a little worried about on these is the shipping as they are all one piece. I should know more about that by the end of the day.

Joel

[Mark Schafer]

Thanks Joel.
I have the rod Mounts now if anyone is interested, But I don’t like the idea of the rods being right above my head. Looks like the roof rack is the way to go.
MS

[Author]

Posts