I just got my very first Volvo, 2006 V50 2.4i and just love it. I want to put a roof rack on it. I do not have the rails and would prefer not to install them either (I like the clean look without them).

I have both Thule and Yakima bars, but neither company says they have feet that work on the '06 V50 yet. They have feet that fit the S40 however but not the V50.

Has anyone had any success with racks OTHER THAN the Volvo one?

I am not terribly keen on the Volvo rack as its design will not accommodate the accessories I already have for both my Thule and Yakima bars.

Cheers.

Brian

Are you trying to install a bike rack (or just a cargo rack) that clips onto the door jams? Just wondering because I'm looking at getting a V50 2.4i and the one that I like doesn't have the rails and am wondering about the occasional family trip. So, I'm interested in people's opinions and advice and the outcome you find.

Also, how do you like the 2.4i? Is it peppy enough for you? Do you haul around anyone in your V50? If so, how many? I'm going to be replacing a Explorer and I'm concerned about the room.

Thanks!
Bill

I am trying to install a set of load bars so I can put my windsurfing gear and a roof box on top. Mine is gutterless as well (very common and not an issue) and have used Thule and Yakima racks before with no problems.

I'm hoping someone has a solution to this.

As far as the 2.4i, I just completed a 3000 km trip in mine with 2 kids and the cargo area PACKED with stuff. The car was plenty peppy and passing on 2 lane highways was a breeze. With a little downshift to 4th, I could pass up to 3 cars at once without a worry.

Compared to your explorer..... well, there is no real comparison. This car actually handles quite nicely and you will enjoy the ride, either casual or spirited.

Buy one NOW!

Brian

P.S. You will be surprised at the small cargo space though. If that is an issue for you, you may want to look at the V70. However passenger room is great all around.

Thanks for the input. I'm still a little worried about the cargo space. Especially because we have a Jetta which is pretty small. I sure wish we were replacing the Jetta this year and NOT the explorer. I sure want that V50.

Bill

I'm in the same predicament that you are in. I found this U.K. website that sell roof rack bars:

http://www.roof-rack-supplies.co.uk/cgi-bi..._roof_racks.cgi

Haven't bought them but considering doing so. My wife and I have a cross-country tripped planned next year and I am concerned about the amount of cargo that we can carry. We didn't purchase the roof rail options and I called the dealership to see how much it would cost to have them installed after-market. $400 just for the parts!

The brand that they are selling on the website is Mont Blanc. They're more known for pens.

Good news about the Yakima and Thule brands is that they at least haven't classified the V50 as "No Fit." I guess it's such a new car in the U.S.

Vhance

Hi,I have a 2004 v50 and have fitted Thule 755 footpack and 861 aero bars,they are what Thule recomend for this type of car. They look great and any good roofbox should fit,I have the Mont Blanc triton 450 in gloss black which i highly recomend.

Hope this ok

nick

Thanks. I will check that out for sure. My local roof rack place said that Yakima is STILL trying to put something together for the V50. I will check on the Thule now.

Thanks.

Brian

In the Uk there are a couple of brands which I am sure you get anywhere: Thule, and Fapa. Our V50 has roof bars so it was easy to get bars to fit, Fapa are a reasonably priced option. S40 footings probably wont fit as the rearroof and doors are a lower more curved shape, however the front should be the same. If you use the bars a lot you MUST get aero-bars as the noise from normal square profile bars is ridiculous (especially when you get up to speed on the German Autobahns). Also affects fuel econonmy more than you would think.

I did finally pick up the Aero bars out of necessity. I do not have the roof rails however. If I had, then my Yakima rack would have fit no problem... but I prefer the look of the vehicle without the rails.

Agree about the noise. Thule(square) and Yakima(round) both make SO much noise at speed. Even the Aero bars have a whistle to them. I also agree about the fuel economy with the bars in place. However, this only really affects it at highway speeds. Driving around town does not have THAT big of an impact.

Since the Aero bars are so easy and quick to install, I just remove them until I need them either for hauling my windsurfing gear, bikes or skis(in winter only of course).

My biggest beef about the Aero bars is the size. They are quite narrow (do not extend past the roof line) so I cannot put too much on them. It is impossible for me to fit both a roof box carrier and my windsurfing boards as I can on my Yakima or Thule. Other than that, they are fine.

Cheers.

Brian