I'm currently car shopping, and the Tesla Model 3 is attractive, but the roof racks available for it seem to attach to the glass roof, and that just doesn't seem like it would work to hold a longboard on top (I've heard they'll fit a 7' inside, but my shortest board is 9'2).

I've never really messed with roof racks because I've always had a wagon or a minivan, but I'm downsizing and want something electric or at the very least a plug-in hybrid (other contender is a prius plug-in hybrid but they're nearly impossible to get hold of).

Someone tell me this will work? Or talk me into the Prius, which I don't love as much? The Tesla would be good for road trips (without the board - I still plan to just surf locally for the most part) and the Prius would NOT be as comfortable for that. I have another SUV for road trips but I don't really want to put a board on or in it for various reasons.

Roof rack installation instructions for Tesla Model 3

Will the tesla work for surfing?
(this blog makes me think it might, but I'm a little nervous about the installation one, above).

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[Feminism is] a socialist, anti-family, political movement that encourages women to leave their husbands, kill their children, practice witchcraft, destroy capitalism and become lesbians. ~Pat Robertson

Edited: 07/26/2021 at 06:25 AM by moody

Hi J. I've got a 3 --- I don't have racks but have looked into it. Id probably go with the Tesla racks which pick up a special lip between the glass top and the frame which is designed just for that intent. The rack rests mostly on metal. I'd feel better having the specified rack if there is a problem later, but it looks like a solid system. 150 lb dynamic load and has a T-rail that you should be able to use with a third party system. I've had it for two years and no regrets. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grZ4yQgFbXc PM me if you want to check mine out.

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One more time.

Edited: 07/27/2021 at 10:33 AM by Chuck

Thanks Chuck, I would love to sometime. I definitely would get the Tesla racks anyway; I looked into those and they looked like really the only thing that would be safe. I have looked at a couple of Tesla-specific forums in the meantime and talked to a couple of people who have successfully carried longboards, so it looks like it's a viable option. I'm glad you like your 3!


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[Feminism is] a socialist, anti-family, political movement that encourages women to leave their husbands, kill their children, practice witchcraft, destroy capitalism and become lesbians. ~Pat Robertson