Roof Racks To Protect From Hail; Thoughts? Suggestions?

[Tony Laubach]

Greetings... wanted to ask those who have roof racks for hail protection. I've seen many vehicles that have these that extend over the windshield area and was curious about the costs, where you had it done, if they are removable in the off-season, etc? Also would be curious to hear your reviews and thoughts of it; did it hold up well, how big of hail does it hold up to, how is driving with it? Etc.

I am taking in all thoughts of those that have these. Certainly would welcome pictures to show how they're attached/installed.

I am in the process of purchasing a new vehicle, and I am considering a few options. I will likely put some Line-X coating over the horizontal surfaces to start, but am giving some thought to the roof rack idea and wanted to get some thoughts and/or suggestions.

Thanks all in advance!

 

[Dan Robinson]

From 2015-2021, I used a rig based on wire shelving panels mounted on an aluminum bar stock frame. In 2022 I rebuilt the rig with galvanized hardware cloth (also called "hail cloth" not-coincidentally) which is much lighter in weight. It uses most of the original aluminum beam framing from the first rig. All of the hardware are things you can get at any home improvement store (aluminum bar stock, 1/4 bolts and fender washers, etc)

With the Subaru, I attached the rig to the roof rack using u-clamps. With my current Toyota, I'm using the roof rack mounting studs (1/4"bolts).

I can install the rig in about an hour, and take it down in a little less. The design is pretty simple: just make an aluminum frame for the hardware cloth, attach the cloth to the frame with zip ties. The most technical part of my setup is the rollers I use that allow the rear liftgate to open under the rear guards.

The hardware cloth survived 4.5-inch hail in Nebraska. Be aware that this material is really rough to work with before you get it installed (it will scratch you up good if you're not careful). Unrolling it it the worst part.

I have a few photos here:

Season forecast update for 3/20, hail shields progress

 

[JohnHuntington]

Greetings... wanted to ask those who have roof racks for hail protection. I've seen many vehicles that have these that extend over the windshield area and was curious about the costs, where you had it done, if they are removable in the off-season, etc? Also would be curious to hear your reviews and thoughts of it; did it hold up well, how big of hail does it hold up to, how is driving with it? Etc.

I threw together one out of plastic tubing before heading out to chase a few years ago. As a prototype, I just threw on plastic mesh thinking I would eventually change the frame and mesh to metal later, but it actually has worked well enough that I just left it and have used it for a few years. I take the whole thing off and put it in my storage unit in the off season.

Here's details on the guard:
Storm Chasing Hail Guard Prototype — John Huntington

My car has a bunch of pretty big dents from Happy TX a couple years ago but my windshield survived that storm so I think the plastic worked pretty well in golf ball sized hail. I don't expect it to work in baseball or anything.
Great Plains Storm Chase 2023 — John Huntington
(Scroll down to June 11 for the video)