roof rack on '07/'08 CRV LX ??

Greetings.
Has anyone here put a roof rack (Honda or aftermarket (Thule, Yakima)) on a CR-V LX? The EX has the rack as part of the package, but I don't particularly want the sunroof, and the extra $2K+ is better spent on other things.

I'm trying to decide between a CR-V and another Forester.

Many thanks.

- Richard (who drives a '99 Forester, often with bikes or skis on the roof)
www.oldWithoutMoney.com

None of the CR-V models come standard with a roof rack. It is a dealer installed option. I believe that it is available on all models including the LX, but it would be wise to confirm that. From what I have read on the various posts here, they are relatively easy to install and are available at discount from HandA and others. HandA has the instructions available on their website:

retail website: http://www.handa-accessories.com/crvext07.html


instructions: http://www.handa-accessories.com/crv/07rack.pdf

I have seen posts regarding the aftermarket models you mentioned. I vaguely recall that they had a larger load capacity, but I would confirm that as well. The roof supports on the vehicle will have an impact on the load capacity regardless of how beefy the roof rack is.

There have been some recent complaints of wind noise from the roof rack and some thoughts possibly on the impact on gas mileage. For those considering the rack purely on the basis of appearance, they may want to reconsider.


EDIT: I just went to the official Honda website. I built a 2WD LX and requested a roof rack, bike attachement, and ski attachment. The function allowed me to install those accessories. By the fact that the accessories were listed for the LX, I would make the assumption that they are available on the LX. (For instance no moon roof visor was listed for the LX but it was available for the EX, so it appears that the build function has intelligence regarding the models and accessories). What I did note was that according to the Honda website, the load rating for the Honda roof rack is 75 pounds. HandA's website states 165 pounds. If weight is an issue, you may want to check that out. I have seen other posts mentioning 75 pounds.

http://automobiles.honda.com/cr-v/accessory-detail.aspx?Accessory=CRV0008012


Welcome to our Club, and good luck with your future purchase. Let us know what you decided, we will be looking forward to hearing from you.

None of the CR-V models come standard with a roof rack. It is a dealer installed option. I believe that it is available on all models including the LX, but it would be wise to confirm that. From what I have read on the various posts here, they are relatively easy to install and are available at discount from HandA and others. HandA has the instructions available on their website:
...
Many thanks for such a quick & detailed reply.

I'd like to think that the correct figure is 75 kilograms (kg), not pounds (lbs).
75 kg = 165 lbs. (Coincidence?)
75 pounds seems awfully light, tho' I do understand that one doesn't want to add a whole lot of weight way above the centre of gravity (or the center or gravity).

I found the following post here:
http://www.hondasuv.com/members/showthread.php?t=18859&page=2

According to the 2007 Honda CR-V Owners Manual...

If you carry any items on a roof rack, be sure the total weight of the rack and the items does not exceed 165 lbs (75 kg).



- Richard
www.oldWithoutMoney.com

I checked my owners manual and the quote is correct. The Honda Site listed above states that the load capacity is 75 pounds.

The quote from the owner manual indicates that the vehicle should not see more than 165 pounds on the roof (combined weight of the rack + the items). This may be the limitation from the supports or as you mentioned center of gravity issues, or even roof pillar issues.

The Honda site (given above) indicates that the load limit of their particular roof rack is 75 pounds. Does the roof rack itself weigh 90 pounds (seems doubtful) or is it a sissy rack that can't hold more than 75 pounds? Perhaps the after market brands will allow a greater weight up to the 165 pound roof limit. In other words the situation may be that the Honda rack can only hold 75 pounds regardless of its weight. Say the Thule weighs 40 pounds, it may allow you to go to 125 pounds of weight. I don't know. This is all supposition on my part. I did see some posts that indicated that some aftermarket racks allowed a higher load than the Honda rack. I would not exceed the 165 pound limit regardless.

Again good luck on your decision. We hope to hear from you again.

i bought my roof rack from this guy. best bang for the buck. paid C$161 w/shipping included (free shipping in canada and continental US).http://stores.ebay.ca/Import-Only-Auto-Parts
oem in my area is around C$380+ (not including taxes).
i paid C$161 for everything! looks exactly the same as OEM.
arrived today and i installed it in about 30 mins.

took the car out for a spin and i noticed a tiny bit of noise. i guess it's something you have to live with - if you install a roof rack.
yes, i installed it properly and everything is tight.

On Page 6 of Honda Service News Nov 2006 (http://www.in.honda.com/Rjanisis/pubs/SN/A061100.PDF) lists the following:

Roof Rack Load Capacity
2002–06 CR-V = 75 lbs
2007 CR-V = 165 lbs

I received my roof rack yesterday from H & A Accessories. Installation was easy and probably took about 30 minutes.

1) How much louder does it make your drive?
2) How hard is it to install for someone who doesn't work on cars in any way?
3) Have you noticed a decrease in MPG?
4) Can you get a Thule hard-shell carrier that attaches to it? If so, can you direct me to a specific carrier that works?


I had a roof rack for my VW Golf, but it was REALLY nosy and cut down my MPG by 3-4, which really adds up.

Thanks.

1) How much louder does it make your drive?
2) How hard is it to install for someone who doesn't work on cars in any way?
3) Have you noticed a decrease in MPG?
4) Can you get a Thule hard-shell carrier that attaches to it? If so, can you direct me to a specific carrier that works?


I had a roof rack for my VW Golf, but it was REALLY nosy and cut down my MPG by 3-4, which really adds up.

Thanks.

1. not sure how much louder but you will definitely know it's there. for my car, i can hear this constant howling - also depends on how windy it is.
2. if you can assemble say... those ikea furniture, you shouldn't have problems installing the rack.
3. i havent noticed any decrease in fuel consumption
4. sorry, i have no clue.

I'm just wondering why people have the roof rack if they don't have a Thule or Yakima carrier? I'm just wondering how you use it.

Also, how bad would you describe the "howling?" On my VW, I couldn't have the sunroof open it was so loud even at low speeds. Is it a make or break type of noise?

I'm just wondering why people have the roof rack if they don't have a Thule or Yakima carrier? I'm just wondering how you use it.

Also, how bad would you describe the "howling?" On my VW, I couldn't have the sunroof open it was so loud even at low speeds. Is it a make or break type of noise?

i dont use the rack to carry bikes or skis. i use it sometimes to carry pieces of wood. i just put it on top of the bars and tie it down. i use a hitch type bike rack to carry bikes.

the noise is not that bad.
hard to describe but maybe it's similar to when u have your windows open for about 2 inches or so. i turn up my radio and problem solved. :D
depends on the person i guess, for me - it doesnt bother me.

I'm just wondering why people have the roof rack if they don't have a Thule or Yakima carrier? I'm just wondering how you use it.

Also, how bad would you describe the "howling?" On my VW, I couldn't have the sunroof open it was so loud even at low speeds. Is it a make or break type of noise?

Very little noise for me if at all with the rack.

I have carried a 17ft canoe on the rack with no Thule/Yakima carriers of any kind - just used straps.

I have a Thule Rack on my 07' CRV EX. I got it cheaper than a factory one from Honda and I think it is a better Rack. I like it because it is flat and will except Thule asseccories. I carried 65 12' pieces of strapping on it no problem once. Just strap things down real tight.

I'm just wondering why people have the roof rack if they don't have a Thule or Yakima carrier? I'm just wondering how you use it.

Also, how bad would you describe the "howling?" On my VW, I couldn't have the sunroof open it was so loud even at low speeds. Is it a make or break type of noise?
on an 06 or 07 with a yakima rack the noise is only disagreeable when the sunroof is angled open. closed or retracted it is not noticable. I have not noticed a decline in MPG - gotten as high as 29 with rack on the 06.

on an 06 or 07 with a yakima rack the noise is only disagreeable when the sunroof is angled open. closed or retracted it is not noticable. I have not noticed a decline in MPG - gotten as high as 29 with rack on the 06.


Does anyone know a specific Yakima or Thule carrier that would work with my 2008 CR-V with Honda cross-bars? I really need to know. Also, I have know idea where to get them? Please help!

Go to Thule.com All your answers are there for Thule.

I have Yakima on my Civic with a farring.Very strong and they have locks. Come off in a seconds. No noise.They are noisey without the farring Have stock Honda racks on my 2006 CRV and they stay on. No noise and are strong. I think the OME look better if you want to leave them on all the time! My two cents, Hal

I just bought the OEM rack and carriers for my 08 CRV from the stealership. Got a really good price and all I had to do was ask for a discount.
Still need to install them though. I hope they won't make too much noise.

I don't hear mine! Hal:D

Seattle to Arizona with two sets of golf clubs in this Thule SideKick mounted on my factory rails. It's a smaller box but perfect fit with little wind noise.

I just bought the OEM rack and carriers for my 08 CRV from the stealership. Got a really good price and all I had to do was ask for a discount.
Still need to install them though. I hope they won't make too much noise.
I just installed my oem cross bars.........it took all of 1/2 hour (including the beer) had to be a little careful with making sure you don't get the screws crossed threaded or over tighten them........that's about it........I took the cr-v out for a quick run..........all seems ok........and I could not here any wind noise, I don't 'spose I will ever carry much up there.........I just like the look they give the vehicle.