How to Prevent Rust on the Rola Roof Cargo Basket
Updated 03/28/2016 | Published 03/25/2016
Question:
Ive been looking into various roof basket/carriers. I like the look of the Rola basket, but in some reviews folks mentioned rusting issues. I plan on leaving the basket on year round and live in MN so I want something durable. What year did you get the Rola product in? The rust issue seems to be one in older models but not so much in the new. Thanks
asked by: Chris
Expert Reply:
The Rola Cargo basket part # 59504 that you are looking at has a tendency to rust like you mentioned, but our customers came up with a great solution for this.
They use a silicone sealer to seal up all of the tube joints on the basket. Here is what one customer recommended and said the basket is now very rust-proof.
If you live in a rainy region (Pac NW, coastal area, etc) I can now strongly recommend that you take a few minutes to rust proof your rack. You don't need to touch the outside, but you should briefly address the inside of the tubing where the rack slides together. I didn't on the first one, and then went back after several rainy months and sprayed rust inhibitor down inside the tubing, followed by expandable foam (to displace any future water), and then reassembled the two halves with stainless screws from the hardware store (highly recommend). On the second Rola rack, I did the above and then sprayed black rubberized (gutter-type) sealant on the joint. Overkill perhaps, but my roof rack is bomb-proof now. And rain proof. It is an awesome, sturdy, good looking rack that is much less expensive than some other options.
