New Z5 Cargo rack - trailering

[bjames]

Do you guys trailer with your Z5 installed? According to Z5 FAQ's, they say the 2009 Z5s can be trailered as long as you tie down the front straps. How many of you trailer with the Z5 in place? My usual commut is about 30min on the highway.

Otherwise, where would you put it - doesnt fit well in the back of the truck.

[KT Mobius]

No problem, I have gone 2.5 hours one way without the straps. My Z5 barely moves. Its nice and strong. My max speed is about 75 mph and I average around 65 mph. If your only going 30 min away I guarantee you will not ave any issues.

[jetpilot2002]

I do not know if the 08 and 08 z5 cargo tops are different, since mine does not have any straps, but I have left it on and towed up to 70 mph and a hour long drive with no problems, other then bugs.
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Medical Marijuana Card

[tazz3069]

Just returned from my trip today. 9 hr drive and no problems with the Z5 Cargo Rack. I just have to say, IT IS A MUST HAVE. Best mod I ever done to the boat.

[jeilers1]

Z5 told me to add two front tie down straps when towing which they sent to me and a couple of hold down brackets that I screwed into my tower to attach them to. First trip out and the straps came loose and marred up the tower. So, now I don't use them and haven't had any issues, just was trying to follow thier rec. I think the straps are a good idea for long trips, but need to be ratcheting to get them snug. They sent ones that just have an adjustable tarp style bracket that you get snug and hook the straps. However, the bracket won't stay tight while trailering. Also, they suggested taking the cargo webbing off the top while trailering as the two pieces of fabric will wear on each other. I took mine off as I don't really use that feature and did notice some minor abrasions. My boat had 20 hrs on it at the time.

[zegm]

Ok I probably have the most miles and hours towing a Z5 and just a week ago while 300 miles from home we gave the top a Real Good Inspection. Let me add the mileage and hours up for these trips up for the past year.....ok this is NOT for my local trips to the gas station or the boat ramps but 4 actual long distance trips. I towed it 2100 miles in one year and for about 50 to 60 hours time towing while doing it at 65mph.

First thing we noticed was that spider type hold down (for tubes and other big stuff) was getting worn bad and was also wearing against the canvas top even though it was never used. Took it off and stowed it in the boat incase we need it.

The canvas top, after this inspection we decided that the canvas had to come off for the trip home! And in the future it will for any trip over 30 minutes. It is starting to look tired from all of flapping around it does while towing at 65mph. I can only image the cost of just the Canvas from a dealer!! I also was thinking that my fuel mileage might increase a little too without that sail back there!

The frame work on the top is awesome looking and there was no wear or any other issue here. I believe they are requesting you to install the straps as a back up incase you forget to put in your safety pins and the top were to rotate down accidently, wow then you would have huge sail bouncing up and down and all the associated forces of wind at 65mph acting on that! Yeah there would probably be some damage then!

So in the future we will pull the canvas off for any trip over 30 minutes, especially if the speed will exceed 50mph! And I think I did notice a small increase in my mileage on the trip home and I actually drove faster (70mph) because I did NOT have to worry about the canvas fluttering! Yep it was worth taking it off!!!


Tazz is correct this is a GREAT FEATURE well worth the money we spent!!!!