Barrecrafters? Does it still exist as a company?

[MyNameIsAugustWest]

I have a Barrecrafters rooftop box from the early 2000s. The struts that hold the top up (open) are shot and I was looking to replace them rather than buy a new box. Searching for the company gets me only sketchy search sites. If I'm a moron, I can accept that if you can point me in the right direction.

[Peruvian]

They were bought by Sportrack about 15 years ago. You may want to reach out to them.

http://www.sportrack.com/

[MyNameIsAugustWest]

Thanks. Their website sucks. I searched for dealers within 50 miles of Essex Junction and got 0 returns. I then searched for all of Vermont and there are dealers in Essex Junction, Williston, Burlington. I sent them an inquiry whether or not it is possible to replace the gas struts (they are riveted).

[RShea]

If the new company does not want to offer any parts or states they are not repairable, then measure the struts and see if you can find a supplier that has the same length and mounting type. Many struts as you know for auto hoods and rear windows on SUV, wagons, vans that maybe close enough to be adapted. If they are riveted then you of course will have to probably drill them out and mount the replacements with a bolt or some different way.

[ill-advised strategy]

rshea gives good advice here.

Just bring them to napa and see if there's a generic gas strut that will plug-n-play

[I've seen black diamonds!]

Maybe contact some of the big roof rack/box dealers and ask for advice. You might find some old dude full of arcane roof box knowledge.

[Vt-Freeheel]

tool+box+gas+struts

[Timberridge]

If you replace them go with remote reservoir struts like the Fox 2.5 Factory Series with internal bypass, they'll outlive the box.

[MyNameIsAugustWest]

I guess Thule bought out Barrecrafters...here is their response:

Thank you for contacting Thule Customer Service.
Unfortunately, we do not offer spare parts for any Barrecrafter cargo box. We also don't offer gas struts for any of our own cargo boxes.
Best Wishes,

Chris
Thule Customer Service Team

So basically, fuck off, buy a new box. Thanks Vt-F and errybody else. I'll hit up the auto parts stores to see what's available. If not, I'll be buying from Yakima because of the response from Thule.

I'll also try Onion River Sports in Mount Peculiar..they seem like solid folks.

[Soups]

Really?? You're pissed off because Thule doesn't have replacement parts for a 15 year old roofbox that they never even manufactured??

What the fuck did you want them to say?

[oldblue]

If the struts are connected via a ball socket you can pull back the little metal keeper on the end of each strut. This will release the strut from the ball that is riveted to the box, no need to remove the rivets. Should be easy to find a replacement at any autoparts store.

Don't have a picture of the struts so can't say if this will work but it is how they are typically attached.

[XXX-er]

I guess Thule bought out Barrecrafters...here is their response:

Thank you for contacting Thule Customer Service.
Unfortunately, we do not offer spare parts for any Barrecrafter cargo box. We also don't offer gas struts for any of our own cargo boxes.
Best Wishes,

Chris
Thule Customer Service Team

So basically, fuck off, buy a new box. Thanks Vt-F and errybody else. I'll hit up the auto parts stores to see what's available. If not, I'll be buying from Yakima because of the response from Thule.

I call horse shit you will buy whatever you get the best deal on, but here is a thing

all them struts got numbers on them that mean really important stuff,

if I couldn't find a replacement strut I would just prop the lid open with a stick

[snoqpass]

I call horse shit you will buy whatever you get the best deal on, but here is a thing

all them struts got numbers on them that mean really important stuff,

if I couldn't find a replacement strut I would just prop the lid open with a stick

No shit you drive to NAPA or some place they'll look at either have or order it for you and install it if you have no man skills

[MyNameIsAugustWest]

Really?? You're pissed off because Thule doesn't have replacement parts for a 15 year old roofbox that they never even manufactured??

What the fuck did you want them to say?

Can't read real well I guess...they said they don't sell any replacement struts even for their own boxes.

I call horse shit you will buy whatever you get the best deal on,

Well, there's a solid chance that Thule won't be the best deal anyway. I've had Yakima gear in the past and found it to be good stuff and way cheaper than Thule.