First of all, the dealer tried to tell me it would cost $1000 installed...uhh no thanks. :thief:

My question is, has any one installed just the roof rails, and attached an aftermarket roof rack system (Yakima,Thule).

Second question, how hard is the install? From the notes, it seems that drilling is involved, and wondering if it was difficult, or should I buy the rails/rack and have the dealership install?

 

I found a couple of places on the web site that discussed this:

https://hondacuraworld.hostasaurus.c...dxroofrack.pdf

https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1481

 

My sister brought her roof rack from the dealer online and saved a ton of money then we installed in on her 2007 CRV in no time. I am not sure about the RDX but I don't think it would be to hard. You can get after market Yakima or Tule (sp?) Which don't require being drilled, they clamp on.

 

Thanks for the link..and the pdf install notes.
I see nothing about drilling, so that solidifies the idea that salesmen really dont know much about aftermarket stuff. duh..

I will be taking this on as my first bolt on "mod". I think I will get the crossbars too, for an extra $100.

 

if you're interested, i bought an rdx with roof rack... but i'm going to remove it. if you're close to toronto, maybe we can work something out

 

You have to cut sections from the roof molding to install the rail brackets. Here's the link to the installation instructions: http://www.handa-accessories.com/rdx/rack.pdf You can also check the site this came from for the pricing - I use them a lot for my accessories.

 

^^Your link is for the install..

Holders pm sent..

 

I will be going thru the vendors for the rack system, and posting my own install notes, once I do so.. eff the markup stealerships....newbs!!

 

Curious...

How many people who installed roof racks actually use it regularly... ?

I have never thought of putting stuff on the roof of my RDX, and thus never thought of installing one.

It may make my RDX look more "SUV"-like... but I think for my personal needs, it is just extra weight and negative impact on aerodynamics, the RDX can do without.

 

The roof rack should be sturdy enough to carry skis or bicycles. If you don't use either of those, or you carry them inside the car or on a hitch rack, then I agree that the roof rack is not worthwhile.

 

Anyone know what the weight limit on the rack is?

 

I believe it is 80lbs

Edit: correction, it is 110lbs

 

My rack was already installed when I bought the RDX. First thing I did was remove the crossbars to reduce drag and whistle. I'm sure I'll have use for them at some point...

 

I bought the factory racks from Ebay for about $300 and installed them myself according to the instructions and tips found on this site. The first molding is a little difficult to remove, but once you get familiar with it, it's easy. Cutting the moldings is simple, and you do not have to be exact as the mounts cover the cuts. I did not install the crossbars as I have the Yakima lowriders and crossbars. I carry 2 mountain bikes on Yakima racks or 2 15ft Ocean kayaks at a time.

If you're not handy or comfortable doing modifications, take it to a dealer. If you've done mods or customizations, or have experience doing handywork, it should be easy.

 

Thanks for the update..

I have my eye on the $300 e-bay ones as well, as it seems most dealers offer it at that price.

As far as install, the directions are straight forward, and seem easy to do.
The dealerships think is a "BIG' deal for install b/c you do have to drill on the MDX.
Not the case w/ the RDX... cut~N~tuck.

 

When you do it, be sure to be careful taking off the trim and not to tear the rubber molding around the windshield. Also take note of the Left and Right pieces. Or you'll have to re-mount everything the correct way.