Any downsides to roof rack?
#1
Any downsides to roof rack?
I didn't get a roof rack initially, but I think I want one because I prefer the look and I don't want to put a christmas tree inside the car.
I can imagine the rack increasing wind noise a bit and decreasing mpg a bit due to increased friction, but I imagine these effects are small. Any other reasons not to get one?
I can imagine the rack increasing wind noise a bit and decreasing mpg a bit due to increased friction, but I imagine these effects are small. Any other reasons not to get one?
#3
Originally Posted by JurassicPizza
I didn't get a roof rack initially, but I think I want one because I prefer the look and I don't want to put a christmas tree inside the car.
I can imagine the rack increasing wind noise a bit and decreasing mpg a bit due to increased friction, but I imagine these effects are small. Any other reasons not to get one?
I can imagine the rack increasing wind noise a bit and decreasing mpg a bit due to increased friction, but I imagine these effects are small. Any other reasons not to get one?
#4
07 RDX - Royal Blue/Ebony
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The downsides to the Acura rack are that it's expensive, it's not fully adjustable, and it's not as rugged as many racks. For my needs, I would have to buy the Acura rack and then mount some Yakima crossbars on it (which would allow full adjustability). That combination is a lot of $$.
One thing I like about the optional MDX rack for 07 is that you can buy the siderails and crossbars separately. With the RDX you have to buy the whole kit, whether you need the crossbars or not.
You may notice some noise and some MPG penalty, but in my experience, SUV-shaped vehicles already have enough wind noise and drag that the rack is a minor effect.
When not hauling cargo, you could remove the crossbars to ease the noise/drag. I think RDX would look pretty cool with only the rack siderails. I take the crossbars off my wagon when not needed (they're on full time during ski season though).
One thing I like about the optional MDX rack for 07 is that you can buy the siderails and crossbars separately. With the RDX you have to buy the whole kit, whether you need the crossbars or not.
You may notice some noise and some MPG penalty, but in my experience, SUV-shaped vehicles already have enough wind noise and drag that the rack is a minor effect.
When not hauling cargo, you could remove the crossbars to ease the noise/drag. I think RDX would look pretty cool with only the rack siderails. I take the crossbars off my wagon when not needed (they're on full time during ski season though).
#5
07 RDX - Royal Blue/Ebony
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By the way, bring a blanket or something to put on the roof under the tree. I had a hard time getting fir needles and sap off my roof after bringing home a tree one year! Would help avoid scratches too.
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#9
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I had mine installed about 2 weeks after getting my car. I do not notice any addidtional noise. I did find the limitation in adjusting the cross bars to be annoying
#12
07 RDX - Royal Blue/Ebony
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Originally Posted by GreezWop
Got one on ebay for $170 + $30 delivery.
What is that, about the 3rd or 4th accessory you bought on eBay?!?! Sounds like you're having a lot of fun! That is a great price for the rack, by the way.
#13
Just had OEM racks installed ...
... and I admit I haven't tried adjusting them yet (need to get a Star wrench of the correct size) but
1) Acura installer said you could slide the crossbars across the entire span of the siderails
2) I don't see any blockages in the inner groove in which the crossbars slide in the siderails (other than the front and rear of the rail).
What prevents you from sliding the cross bars along the entire span of the siderails?
A limited span would be disappointing.
GreezWop - Great deal on the OEM racks! Let us know how the installation goes.
1) Acura installer said you could slide the crossbars across the entire span of the siderails
2) I don't see any blockages in the inner groove in which the crossbars slide in the siderails (other than the front and rear of the rail).
What prevents you from sliding the cross bars along the entire span of the siderails?
A limited span would be disappointing.
GreezWop - Great deal on the OEM racks! Let us know how the installation goes.
#14
C_Hunter you have BUSTED ME!!!! I've only bought three things though, roof rack, Applique, and Mud Guards! All on Ebay and all for a total of $315. If I went to the dealer for the same it would have cost me about $700. I also did a retro fit on my Sirius receiver. I am in HOG HEAVEN! Next month....Running Boards and Side Moldings! VVVVVVVVVVVVRRRRRRRRRRROOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMM!!!!!!!!! !
#15
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Originally Posted by rdxsteverino
What prevents you from sliding the cross bars along the entire span of the siderails?
A limited span would be disappointing.
A limited span would be disappointing.
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=583
#17
Originally Posted by JurassicPizza
I didn't get a roof rack initially, but I think I want one because I prefer the look and I don't want to put a christmas tree inside the car.
I can imagine the rack increasing wind noise a bit and decreasing mpg a bit due to increased friction, but I imagine these effects are small. Any other reasons not to get one?
I can imagine the rack increasing wind noise a bit and decreasing mpg a bit due to increased friction, but I imagine these effects are small. Any other reasons not to get one?
Yes ...its expensive ....about $700.00 CDN installled
#18
Downside of Roof Rack - Drip Marks
The only downside of my roof rack is that water gets trapped between the gasket around the base of the rack and the car roof when I am washing the car. Then when I start driving the water leaks out and creates drip marks down the side of the car. Not a big deal, but it is annoying to always have the drip marks just after washing the car.
Maybe someone has a solution?
Maybe someone has a solution?
#19
Three Wheelin'
Originally Posted by ocrdx
The only downside of my roof rack is that water gets trapped between the gasket around the base of the rack and the car roof when I am washing the car. Then when I start driving the water leaks out and creates drip marks down the side of the car. Not a big deal, but it is annoying to always have the drip marks just after washing the car.
Maybe someone has a solution?
Maybe someone has a solution?
#21
Originally Posted by PharramDX
Has anyone installed the roof rack on your own? If yes, how difficult was it?
#22
Well, I got the roof rack installed yesterday. Quite pleased. I do think it looks a little odd from the back (makes the car look even taller and "pointier"), but I like the profile a lot more. Plus the xmas tree crud will remain on the outside this weekend.
#23
Originally Posted by JurassicPizza
I didn't get a roof rack initially, but I think I want one because I prefer the look and I don't want to put a christmas tree inside the car.
I can imagine the rack increasing wind noise a bit and decreasing mpg a bit due to increased friction, but I imagine these effects are small. Any other reasons not to get one?
I can imagine the rack increasing wind noise a bit and decreasing mpg a bit due to increased friction, but I imagine these effects are small. Any other reasons not to get one?
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