Hello all, just picked up a '20 RDX and had the dealer install roof rails and crossbars. However, I was disappointed to see that there are only two positions for the crossbars based on where the pre-drilled holes are on the rails. Has anyone tried expanding their crossbars by drilling new holes? I carry some longer surfboards and was hoping for a bit more distance between the two.

Thanks!

 

Dude! I lost my surfboard. Where did I leave it?

Just kidding!

Welcome to the RDX forum and RDX ownership! I don't have the roof rails or crossbars, but wanted to welcome you with a chuckle!

Great group here. Someone will step up to help.

 

As far as I can tell, the front and rear crossbars are the same, with the support brackets moved in and out to account for different widths between front & rear mount spots. I looked at mine and there are rubber slot protectors underneath which suggests the support brackets can be moved in & out; and rubber protectors moved to either side of bracket to keep inside the crossbar clean. Adjusting the bracket widths is important because the roof rails are not parallel. Not sure how much wider the rails get beyond front mount spot.

However, I’d be more concerned how the roof supports the weight/stress. Having only 2 spots to mount front bar suggests the roof is load bearing at that spot above the B pillar (between doors). Surf boards are not too heavy but there could be aerodynamic loads at speed.


Underside of Thule crossbar. The black stripe is rubber strips that can be removed and possibly suggest the bracket can be moved in and out and rubber strips put into remaining gap. One rubber strip is on counter behind bracket.

 

Sadly, it would be difficult and probably ill advised to attempt to add additional sites for attachment of the crossbars. As nicely illustrated above, the crossbar feet attach with little metal pins and a clamping mechanism, not bolts.

Dunno how you usually attach your boards to the crossbars, but vertical mounts might be more stable since you don't have as much aerodynamic load to deal with ( unless you get a wicked crosswind ). With the boards lying flat they get the updraft off the windshield and they want to soar. One solution is to use front tie downs. Those have saved my bacon ( and my boat ) with kayaks and canoes, but as I'm not a surfer I don't know if boards typically have attachment sites at the bow.

 

I can't imagine your surfboard is longer than my 11' paddle board and I have never had issues securing it for highway road trips. My crossbars are at the widest position.

 

We transport 10.4ft kayaks at highway speeds with no issues so far. Per the manual, we use the positioning of the rails that results in slightly higher wind noise but is recommended for larger loads. I wouldn’t mess with adding extra anchoring points - imho.

 

I've been searching for more info on this. I don't have a manual, but which position are you referring to? I see the rear rails only have one hole location, but the fronts have 2 possible options. My installation instructions stated to only use the rear most holes. Getting ready to transport the 10.3 kayak and looking for advice.

 

either position for front bar is usable. the rear spot is "noise reduced" compared to front spot due to moving the bar further away from your seat. your instructions are probably refering to this benefit.

I have mounted mine on both locations: around town there was no difference, at highway speeds there is more wind noise.

feel free to mount bar on front location for your long kayak.