xsfer

Got my RX8 on Friday finally, want to take her up to Falls Creek.

Any suggestions on snowboard roof racks and snow chains to suit?

sco

Good luck with the roof racks. Went looking a few months ago and couldn't find anyone who makes a kit that fits. Please let us know if you find someone.

xsfer

Yeah, found someone in the US who does them for about US$300.

http://www.yakima.com/home.html

Spoke to a guy from Rola Australia, but they don't have anything at the moment... Would be preferable for an Australian supplier, but will order over the internet if necessary...

It has certaintly been done though https://www.rx8club.com/attachment.php?postid=439526

sco

Thanks for the links xsfer

playa78

u might just be able to fit a snowboard through the removable middle bit of the backseat.. =)

xsfer

yeah, i think i'd have to take the bindings off, would prefer not to have dripping wet snowboards and skis inside the car if possible...

Choppy

Doesnt mazda offer a bag or a snow board/ski bag that will keep them from dripping wet?

Then again i dont know if its a long trip for you but would you want to take out the spare tyre?

Would you have to put chains on the wheels also if it starts snowing?

All these factors are making me think twice about taking my 8 to the snow in August.

Regards
Phillip

xsfer

Yup, I've been wondering about the chains scratching the wheels myself...

the centre console probably isn't big enough to fit a full size snowboard through, shame the seats don't fold down properly...

sco

You could remove the seats. You won't need to heat the car as much also given the heat generated by the stock muffler.

xsfer

do the seats come out easily?

Choppy

Prob not something you would want to touch on a new car man.. once you pull something off its never the same

Can you put your snowboards in from the front?

Open both doors put your seat right back and proceed to aim the board towards the area that leeds to the boot. Maybe the board doesnt fit through that hole?

Regards
Phillip

xsfer

i'll have a go tonight, take some photos as to the feasability of it all...

Gomez

Rear seat base comes out easy......I haven't done it but the manual says to give it a hard pull in the direction of up!
......L&L's lewd comments here...:p

Gomez.

Gomez

Chains won't be a problem.......the modern ones are mag wheel friendly. All you need to do is provide the hire place with your tyre size profile. May be wise to call the place you intend to hire from before you leave......this size wouldn't be too common I imagine.

Gomez.

xsfer

thanks for your advice gomez!

I'll try taking the seats out tonight, I'll probably just burn a $100 and buy some chains (hiring just slows you down on the way up).

deano

Better double check that the chains will fit. I seem to remember something in the US forum whereby the guys there were fitting 16" winter tyres so they could put chains on.

Deano.

Triple G

Xsfer,
I also just picked up my 8 on friday and am planning a trip to the snow in August sometime. Let us know how you go with the chains and racks.

Hymee

iTrader: (1)

Good news Triple G. Wildcard told me. Nice colour mate!

So when you head for the snow - I suppose there will be another chapter to the Triple G Files

Cheers,
Hymee.

xsfer

Took the spare tyre out today, plus the spare tyre holder and the other useless bits and pieces...

There is alot more room in there, and, amazingly enough my snowboard does fit...

Although I probably really should take the bindings off to maximise the use of the boot space....

Hopefully that spare tyre holder isn't a strengthening brace for the rear!

See the photos....

sco

xsfer,

Make sure you replace the bolts. They are a component in the damper towers... see the following thread for more info:
https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...ighlight=spare

Gomez

Negative Sco....they are just ballast. Leave the bolts out, they will just scuff stuff when the boot is fully loaded. The "nuts" need to be installed, they were re-installed by the dealer when the mounting bar was installed. These nuts are an integral part of the suspension and are behind the boot lining. xfer, the mount bar is not designed as a strengthening bar, but seeing as it mounts in the same position as the Mazdaspeed strut bar, it may have some benefit when it is fitted.

I doubt the MS strut bar does much except lighten the wallet, actually. It does a VERY good job at doing that!

Gomez.

Gomez

Here's more info re: the bolts.....click here
Gomez.

xsfer

Where abouts are these "nuts" exactly? Where abouts behind the boot lining???

Gomez

Mate, forget about it. You have to pull the L and R linings out of the boot to see the rear strut towers. The nuts are behind these linings on the strut brackets. The related links will give you all you need to know....the hard work has been done with regards to this mounting bar removal research. You don't need to worry, just leave the bolts out. I saw your pictures, what you have done is fine......

Gomez.

xsfer

I take it the "nuts" are just "covers" for the holes anyway...

I'd agree, who can really be bothered looking for them...