cbudgo

Hi,

I just received an 09 RDX with a clean top. I need to carry surfboards on the top and I'm wondering who has done this or kayaks and what did you use? I hear the OEM kit only goes so far forward and seems somewhat flimsy. I'm also considering a Thule system but that clamps onto the roof around the door opening and Im not too excited about this idea.
I appreciate your help. Thanks in advance.
Cbudgo

cbudgo

Guys, Is anyone enjoying the OEM racks? do you have them and not use them? I know they are rare on this car.

I'm wondering if I should use the OEM side rails and then a Yakima or Thule cross bars?? I hear the OEM's suck because the front cross bar can't slide forward enough. because of the sunroof and the non parallel rails.

This sounds to me like it would place most of your load toward the back of the rack.

Also a second item. How does this forum compare to the forum? Does anyone use both?

Thanks

mrgold35

We have roof rack; but, you might be the only one with surfboard/kayak+RDX combo question.

I need to measure the range you can set the cross bars apart. My OEM roof rack with cross bar has been on my 08 RDX since new. It still looks pretty good in the southwestern sun. I use my roof rack for my Yakima Rocketbox cargo carrier a few times a year for vacation (a little less now since we have a MDX since Jan/14). I think max weight is 110lbs; so be mindful if you go after market and it exceeds the RDX limits. I like OEM because it doesn't look like an add-on part like some aftermarket brands. You can always remove and sell aftermarket; but, OEM will cut the RDX roof molding for the rack (will not get 1 cent extra when you sell the RDX down the road).

mrgold35

The roof rack rails on my RDX have 37 inches of travel with the oval roof cross bars being 3 inches wide (46" with my MDX OEM roof rack). You might have an issue with the rear antenna being in the way if the surfboard lays flat on the roof rack.

cbudgo

Thanks Mr. Gold, I greatly appreciate the Pics. I ordered a set of Thule racks and we'll try the fit of them. I don't like the idea of clamping to the door frame. So, we'll see how they work out.

Regards,

Bud

cuce88

I just installed the oem roof rails and crossbars on my new-to-me '08 a couple weeks ago. They were fairly easy to install (about an hour) and, in my opinion, look much better than the naked roof.

I use the bars with a Thule Sidearm bike rack, so I haven't had anything longer than a mountain bike up there yet. I do wish the bars could be adjusted a little bit further forward, but it hasn't been an issue thus far as there is still plenty of clearance when opening the hatch.