Hi,
I've been reading some old threads about the CRV's factory roof rack situation but haven't gotten any great answers so figured I'd ask:
I have a 2018 EX and paid for factory installed rails (didn't get the crossbars yet).
One of the reasons I bought the CRV was to carry 1-2 kayaks (15-17'), 1 canoe (17'), skis (7') and a medium roof box - not at the same time obviously
My previous cobalt had the clip on Yakima Q-tower system which worked OK but I didn't want to deal with this type of system in my new car, thus the factory rail option.
When I got my CRV, the dealer said "Of course the factory rails can carry those things", so I paid for the add-on for the EX and that was that.
Now that it's time to buy the crossbars I'm starting to realize things aren't so simple. I wish I had researched this more beforehand.
The mount points for the crossbars are fixed, and the spread seems quite short. I would probably get the Yakima or Thule crossbars for a bit more length and strength but even these only mount where the holes on the rails are (about 26.75" spread I believe?). There is no way to move or spread the bars like in many other cars with factory rails.
1. Is the spread between crossbars long enough to hold a canoe with stability? Seems quite short to me.
2. Is the spread long enough to hold an touring kayak with stability?
3. It seems like most roof boxes (and kayaks I guess??) won't fit or, if they fit, would have the tailgate hit them when open.
4. No good tie-down points on the CRV??? Really?
I'm assuming the skis would fit without hitting the tailgate. Bikes aren't an issue as I'd put those on the hitch, which I also got installed.
Are there any there any solutions that don't involve removing the rails and using a door clamp system? I also saw someone with a post that drilled extra holes in the rails to increase the spread - something I don't want to do. I'm not interested in using foam blocks either.
I sure hope this isn't going to be a large write-off mistake, as lack of proper roof rack system was a deal breaker when I was looking at cars :|
Thanks!
I've been reading some old threads about the CRV's factory roof rack situation but haven't gotten any great answers so figured I'd ask:
I have a 2018 EX and paid for factory installed rails (didn't get the crossbars yet).
One of the reasons I bought the CRV was to carry 1-2 kayaks (15-17'), 1 canoe (17'), skis (7') and a medium roof box - not at the same time obviously
My previous cobalt had the clip on Yakima Q-tower system which worked OK but I didn't want to deal with this type of system in my new car, thus the factory rail option.
When I got my CRV, the dealer said "Of course the factory rails can carry those things", so I paid for the add-on for the EX and that was that.
Now that it's time to buy the crossbars I'm starting to realize things aren't so simple. I wish I had researched this more beforehand.
The mount points for the crossbars are fixed, and the spread seems quite short. I would probably get the Yakima or Thule crossbars for a bit more length and strength but even these only mount where the holes on the rails are (about 26.75" spread I believe?). There is no way to move or spread the bars like in many other cars with factory rails.
1. Is the spread between crossbars long enough to hold a canoe with stability? Seems quite short to me.
2. Is the spread long enough to hold an touring kayak with stability?
3. It seems like most roof boxes (and kayaks I guess??) won't fit or, if they fit, would have the tailgate hit them when open.
4. No good tie-down points on the CRV??? Really?
I'm assuming the skis would fit without hitting the tailgate. Bikes aren't an issue as I'd put those on the hitch, which I also got installed.
Are there any there any solutions that don't involve removing the rails and using a door clamp system? I also saw someone with a post that drilled extra holes in the rails to increase the spread - something I don't want to do. I'm not interested in using foam blocks either.
I sure hope this isn't going to be a large write-off mistake, as lack of proper roof rack system was a deal breaker when I was looking at cars :|
Thanks!