WAAG XS Rack Basket Install

Kokopeli · 04-16-2008, 10:21 AM

Mornin' all..

Well, the WAAG basket arrived yesterday and I had to fight the urge to do the install until after my employees went home for the day. Once they were gone though, I made a bee line to the FJ and got to work..

The rack was pretty well packaged and arrived in excellent condition..

It took a while to get the rack and hardware cut out of the plastic wrap, but once I did, this is what I found...

Once together the brackets look like this...

While the rack was on the ground, I took the opportunity to stand in / on the basket. There was minimal flex and all in all, it supported my mass nicely. (sorry, no pics of this.)

I think the hardest part of the install was getting the basket on top of the roof. This definately requires a minimum of 2 people, 3 is better. I also found that bringing the basket over the back of the rig and walking it forward worked best. Make sure you have a blanket that covers your entire roof under the rack to avoid potential damage to your ride and the XS.

I was very happy to see that the basket fit inside the rack while I still had my FourTreks combo and hi-lift mounts in place. After spending the $$ on those mounts I was really worried that they would have to come off.

Once the basket is in place you can start placing the brackets. Having a second person on this step would make the process easier and faster. They could hold the basket in place while you get the bracket tightened. Remember to leave them loose so you can easily make adjustments when all the other brackets are in place.

The second hardest aspect to this install was getting the rack centered and level. Come to think of it, having an actual level probably would have made the process much easier.

This is what she looked like after the install..

All in all, I think the basket looks great. CruiserLarry did a nice job with the design and WAAG did a great job with the fabrication. The XS looks like it came from the factory and incorporates with the stock rack beautifully.

A couple things I'd like to add..
1) I was under the impression that the basket would sit flush with the top of the rack. As of now, it does not. (And yes Poker, it is below the stock antenna.) Seeing the rack in person, I don't think it looks too bad sitting high, but I'd definately be interested in seeing how it looks flush.

2) I'd like to see a few more brackets included. I'm sure 4 is sufficient, but 8 (one more per side and two in the rear) would be make me feel better. I'm sure time and use will settle my concerns.

3) An Air-Dam and ladder would be nice options.. ((nudge-nudge, guys at WAAG))

pokerDawg · 04-16-2008, 10:28 AM

Great write up and photos. Thanks for the documenting the experience from delivery to install

Quote:

Kokopeli previously said:

And yes Poker, it is below the stock antenna.

Cool, thanks

If I get one, I will harass them for more brackets even If I have to buy it. I'm no expert in physics but I just want piece of mind.

I can't wait to see some lights on that thing!

I know it will be asked.....how is the road noise?

Kokopeli · 04-16-2008, 10:37 AM

Quote:

pokerDawg previously said:

I can't wait to see some lights on that thing!

I know it will be asked.....how is the road noise?

Thanks E! I knew you'd be the first to comment in this thread. LOL...

I wish I had the $$ to add some lights right now. I think they'll look great. But alas, with the DV trip and the North Rim trip right around the corner, I need to save as much as possible. I really wish I could find me one of those money trees!

As for the noise, it is noticable, but not so much so that I can't stand it. It just gives me a reason to turn the radio up another notch or two.

I'll definately add an air-dam as soon as one is available.

**volhoo** · 04-16-2008, 10:46 AM

It looks great man.

Can't wait to see it in person.

This looks like a really good solution for the stock racks.

Tai Mai Shu · 04-16-2008, 10:57 AM

Very nice. My question is how much higher will this rack add to the stock rack? I just want to make sure this will clear the low garage. Thanks.

Fjamming · 04-16-2008, 11:05 AM

Looks like if they make it a little bigger and have the mounting holes matching the stock ones, it can replace the stock roof rack...

Kokopeli · 04-16-2008, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Kokopeli previously said:

Now, I must say that last week when I was talking to the WAAG guys, I was told that there were a total of 8 mounting brackets, but in reality, there are only four...

I need to correct myself on this point.. I just read over the email I received from Joel over at WAAG and found that I was mistaken in what he said.. In the email Joel stated that "There are a total of (8) clamp pieces..." He even states earlier in the email that there are only 4 clamps total.

Sorry for this misinformation. I'll edit my original post to correct my mistake.

pokerDawg · 04-16-2008, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Fjamming previously said:

Looks like if they make it a little bigger and have the mounting holes matching the stock ones, it can replace the stock roof rack...

I believe Oscarr's dad will have the replacement version on this Saturday.

Kokopeli · 04-16-2008, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Tai Mai Shu previously said:

Very nice. My question is how much higher will this rack add to the stock rack? I just want to make sure this will clear the low garage. Thanks.

Best I can tell, the basket sits 1.75" to 2" higher in the front and rear and 1.25" higher at the center.

I spoke with Mike at WAAG after posting the original write up and he confirmed that they will be lengthening the mounting brackets so the basket will sit flush with the rack.

pokerDawg · 04-16-2008, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Kokopeli previously said:

I spoke with Mike at WAAG after posting the original write up and he confirmed that they will be lengthening the mounting brackets so the basket will sit flush with the rack.

SAAAWEEEEEEEEET!!

I'm sold.

I hate waiting