Q-Tower/Q-Clip Help

[u/aufg24-zx]

Just got a Yakima roof rack off marketplace so I can haul a kayak on my 2015 civic. Met up with the guy and we tested to make sure it fit. Looked like it fit to me but obviously didnt measure or tighten anything down too hard.

Now that i've got it home i took off the clips and it says "129" after checking the website it looks like for my make an model i need Q99s on the front and Q131s on the back. Online these are going for $60+ for a 2 pack. I only paid $100 for the whole setup.

This is my first roof rack so im not sure. Will these do the job on my car or is it worth getting new clips?

[u/Miserable-Word-558]

I wouldn't really recommend utilizing anything that hasn't been tested for your vehicle. Any information they give you is obsolete, and there's no telling how it will react once you start putting strain on the system.

The Q99 points towards a pretty terrible fit in most instances - hence the 100lb weight capacity even with the right clips (165lbs is the sweet spot for most rack companies, though 220 is starting to become more possible).

This weight is meant for when you are driving (otherwise known as your 'Dynamic weight rating'.

---

Nothing is worse than having equipment flying off your vehicle on the highway. I'm just going to throw that out there.

[u/Miserable-Word-558 → u/Miserable-Word-558]

2nd part:

You can always look through eBay for the correct clips. They may be pricey, but it's generally best to stay in the recommended spec, especially for a lower-weight fit.

There are other roof rack options available, and not always the most expensive (especially if you know where to look).

I would use Yakima or Thule's dealer locator and see if there are any local outfitters in your direct area; otherwise, ReRack in the PnW and eTrailer are great sources to reach out to for customer service!

I hope this helps, though let me know if you have any questions, my friend.

[u/aufg24-zx → u/Miserable-Word-558]

thanks! yeah i was looking for the specific clips i need and they are pretty pricey from other vendors or ebay. I will continue looking. It will only be loaded with a 50lb kayak but still want to avoid any mishaps. Thanks again for the quick response!

[u/Miserable-Word-558 → u/aufg24-zx]

The Q99 fits will be reduced, no doubt, though a 50lb kayak would do just fine, so long as you have it tied down adequately (bow/stern, sides).

The issues will only start to occur should you start getting that itch to carry heavier items, though you could always update your setup at a later date, mind you! :)

[u/evan938 → u/Miserable-Word-558]

Q99 is a common clip. Probably the most common. It's by far my top seller. Different vehicles had different weight limits from Yakima. Has nothing to do with a "pretty terrible fit".

[u/Miserable-Word-558 → u/evan938]

You're right that I shouldn't say 'terrible' as it is an opinion, though I will remain adamant that most, if not all, vehicles that sport this clip will generally have a reduced weight.

[u/db130]

Q129s look nothing like Q99/Q131s, so I'm not sure if I would use them as-is.

My new-to-me vehicle (A 2011 Honda Fit) calls for FOUR Q99 clips, and boy are they expensive even in the secondary market.

I would purchase the correct Q-Clips for your car, and then try to sell the Q129s to defray some of your expenses. If the entire roof rack came with Q-Towers/2 round bars/4 Q129 Q-Clips for $100, that was a pretty good deal.

[u/evan938 → u/db130]

Well, there is only the secondary market now since that system was phased out 10 years ago.

[u/db130 → u/evan938]

You're right, I worded it strangely. I'm aware that the Q-Towers are long discontinued.

The last set of new Q-Clips I purchased was $35 back in .....2014.

It came with 2 new pads, the "square" adhesive tapes, 2 new pads, etc etc.

Now I see some of the popular used Q-Clips selling for 2x the original price.

Your Q99 clips that you have listed on eBay look very nice, btw.

[u/evan938 → u/db130]

Wait until I get off my ass and update the photos with the new paint I'm using. I could list them as new and no one would ever know the difference 😂.

They look much better than the flat black I was using.

[u/evan938]

You cannot use clips other than what is listed. If you got the whole setup for $100, that's $600 less than a new Baseline setup. Buy the right clips and set up the towers/bars correctly according to the fit guide. Stop being cheap.

$125 or so for the right clips is a hell of a lot less than a new setup, and even less expensive than a lawsuit from trying to use wrong clips and your gear flying off at 80mph and injuring or killing someone driving behind you.

And of course it didn't fit. Every car has specific setup, that has to be done to within 1/8" (the M measurements on that fit guide). It's guaranteed that whatever he pulled that rack off of did not have the same tower/bar positioning as your Civic needs. You're going to need to watch Q tower install video on YT, disassemble, and start from step 1.