AndyN

Hi all,

After researching the cost and complexity of installing the official 2013 RDX Acura roof rails (look at the installation instructions - pity the installer - and what if they goof!) - and knowing I'd also need to add the cost of cross bars and accessories - I decided to look into alternatives.

I already own a bunch of "euro bar" accessories - two Thule bike holders and a windsurfer carrier (that I now use for a kayak). Thule has not announced their rack system for the 2013 RDX yet (and did not answer my inquiries as to when they may provide). However, I was pleased to find an alternative from Rhino Racks - whom I have never dealt with before: rack feet specifically fitted for the 2013 RDX with 4 locks and euro bars for $260 shipped. It sounded like a deal so I went for it.

So I ordered this from CARiD.com (I am in no way connected with CARiD or Rhino Racks). The rack was drop-shipped directly to me from Rhino Racks.

I am happy with my purchase. The feet fit the 2013 RDX well and work fine with my existing euro bar accessories. While the initial set-up took some time to measure the exact placement (per Rhino instructions), once the locations are marked I can now remove or replace the racks in probably 10 - 15 minutes. I am not concerned with the feet scratching or leaving marks on the car as I had a similar set-up on my '94 Audi Coupe (yep dating myself) - a tip: make sure the roof surface is clean and apply some car wax where the rack feet sit on the roof.

Those that are cosmetically-fussy may not like the look - and I'm sure euro bars lead to more driving noise than the newer aero designs - but this economic alternative to the official Aura roof rails works for me and is easily removable.

AndyN

PS - Hey Acura: the RDX should come standard with a rugged set of factory (not dealer installed) roof rails. Our 2003 Audi Avant had them standard and they were great.

PPS - I will post some pics once this forum lets me! (I am a new member and need to get over some grace period ...)

Stump

Grace period....that ain't right...wonder what's up with that policy...anxious to see your snaps...

GarrettinSF

Very interested in seeing the installed racks! Thanks for the info and eagerly await more!

AndyN

Pics of the Rhino Rack now attached ...

i also see that the purchase link, while active above is not easy to find ... so here it is again:

http://www.carid.com/2013-acura-rdx-...m-4099570.html

andyn

inotlate

Thanks for the pics. I like the look, it's very tough. I'm also thinking that it'll handle more weight than the Acura brand racks. I'm not sure the wind noise would be a bother since the RDX is built with the added luxury of noise dampening. What is your assessment on the wind noise?

Other than that, it's a great deal to add roof racks to your RDX without paying over $1K.

aquaholik

I just got done installing this for my rdx. It seems the rear measurement is off by 1mm. I had to adjust the rear spacing to 76 mm not 75 mm to make sure that the rear bolts got a good grip. Front measurement at 110mm is dead on.

aquaholik

Actually after looking at your rear roof rack, I adjusted mine another 15 mm on both side. So the rear measurement should have been 90mm, not the 75mm that is in the instruction. Now the rear rubber grips sit in the right position.

ViperZ

Nice alternative to roof racking.

CAM2013

Example Thule Aeroblade with Ski/Snowboard Carrier.

Anyone else have any pics of their second generation RDX aftermarket roof rack system? Looking into purchasing the Thule Roof Rack system as seen above. (Disclaimer: I found this pic online- this is not my car). If anyone has any photos of their Thule or Rhino Rack roof rack system please share! I am hoping to see what it might look like before I throw $400 toward it. Thank you!