Tomahawk73

I am wondering if there are any options out there for roof rails on a 2014 RDX. No offense to anyone who bought the factory rails, but I don't think they look very good - too tall and chunky. I have been seeing the nice low-profile rails on the Audi SUV's and thinking something like that would be great. What is really bugging me now is it seems like the both the MDX and the CRV refresh are getting the low-profile rails? Has anyone seen anything after-market or maybe Acura has an option in the pipeline?

rosen39

The only low profile rails from aftermarket I have seen are from Yakima. See link below.

Permanent Roof Rack Installation | Yakima

They mount permanently so you have to drill and screw into your roof (measure twice...drill once?). They have to be used with a " landing pad" (which does not remove from the rail), a "control tower", and a "bar". I didn't go with this system because I did not want to see the "landing pad" sticking up all the time. It was a well engineered system though. After pricing it out, I bought the factory rails and just used the Yakima bars and control towers I already had.

Hbaum73

Tomahawk73 what did you end up with? I've been waiting for options to the aluminum roof rails because I prefer black low profile but doesn't look like they exist. I'm looking for a roof system to give the car are more aggressive look and to haul paddle boards, skiis and cargo. Looking for suggestions. All I have seen is roof systems from Thule and Yakima which I can install on the naked roof. Would love to see pictures of other options and suggestions on what people have purchased and if they are happy.

Tomahawk73

Hbaum73 Nothing at this point. I think I've given up. I'm using Yakima temporary racks when I want to carry something but it's a pain. I get aggravated when I see an Audi Q5 or even an MDX roll by with the nice, low profile rails. I am sort of hoping that with the RDX update coming out for MY 2016 they will start to offer something that will work on the old models. I am not holding my breath.

bzb123

Have you considered Roof Rack Flush Bars | Whispbar ?
Look pretty nice and does not require roof rack.

Tomahawk73

Yes those look pretty good, but my understanding with those is that when you take them off the "feet" remain? Is that not correct? They look a lot like systems from Yakima and Thule and both of those leave the bases behind when you remove the cross bars.

bzb123

Hmm. You're probably right. I've just run across them and thought they looked nice and might an alternative to spending a grand on the Acura set up. I did notice that Whispbar is owned by Yakima. They appear to downplay the relationship presumably to market Whisper as a premium brand.

jmt053

When I look at the Whispbar website, I put in 2015 RDX with naked roof. They don't seem to carry any rails for the RDX to replace the roof rails. The OP was asking if there were other rails available. It looks like Yakima has something, but I don't find that solution particularly attractive either. Anyone know of other roof rail sellers?

MBLAHL

Hi All,
Does anyone know anything about HEKA auto parts? They say that they have flush mounted rails (and crossbars for them) for the RDX.
Looking to see if anyone has used them.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/US-Stock-Si...4383.l4275.c10