Posting this as I couldn't find much information on roof racks on the 2014 RDX. I purchased a set of parts from Thule per their guide for the RDX - parts purchased are:

Aeroblade Load Bar, part # ARB53
Rapid Travers Foot Pack, part # 480R
RDX kit, part # KIT1724

Took a couple of hours to install. Would have gone quicker but the dimensions on their instructions are incorrect so I had to experiment to figure out the correct dimensions. Dimensions used are:

X (inch) = 45 1/8 (they said 44 1/8)
Y (inch) = 43 1/8 (they said 42 1/2)

I used the fore-aft dimensions as specified. Rack looks ok - I'll post some photos later today. The bars are only 24 3/4 inches apart - not sure I would want to install a cargo box on them unless it was a short box. I mainly purchased it to use as a ski rack. Leaving Wednesday for a 7 hour drive up to Mammoth - we'll see what the wind noise is like.

 

 

Thanks for sharing. Looks pretty good!

I have been thinking about installing roof rack too, but the short spread on Thule is a concern. Yakima round bar system on RDX has a spread of 32", but that thing is ugly. Debating if I should install OEM.

 

beautiful RDX!

but dont forget about her tires.

 

1HP I didnt opt for the oem rails as well but im concerned about the width you mentioned. Could it not be spread further apart? what was the limiting factor? i want to put a box on. thanks

 

IndyRDXfan, I put on the RDX factory side rails, and they work out with the Yakima rail grab mounts and 58" bars. My 48" bars were too short so you will need the 58" bars. They go on and off in less than 5 minutes. They can be spread out far enough to carry a ladder on them.

 

Limiting factor in the rear is the curve of the door frame - you could move the rack further back but the bands that attach to the door frame would not reach. Limiting factor on the front is the curvature of the roof.

Drove approx 800 miles (400 each way) - roof rack was quiet. However after I added the ski rack (once I got up to Mammoth) the noise became significantly louder at speeds above 60mph.

Overall I'm happy with the racks for skis but think I'll stick to the old suburban for the paddle boards.

On a separate note, the 3.5L V6 is a great power plant for long journeys. Lot's of HP for overtaking 18 wheelers on the 2 lane roads through the high desert. The vehicle is comfortable for long periods, and the sound system of the tech package (with Sirius functioning) sounds good.

 

I got the Thule Snowcat. It fit right on the roof rails.

 

Rosen39, i think im going to have the oem rails installed. Yakima dealer says to go with rail grabs and 58 bars as well. Did you put a cargo box on top? trying to find one that will fit my 166 skis and a couple of boards. has anyone put a skybox pro 16 or a rocketbox pro 14 on a '13-'15 RDX?

 

The rack looks good. I have a bare roof RDX too and looking ahead to ski season. Which ski attachment did you use ? Anything you'd do different?
Also I'm wondering if anyone else has some experience with the aftermarket options. Has anyone tried a dedicated all in one cross bar and ski rack?

 

I also would like to know if there a ski "capable" cargo box that fits the RDX seamlessly? I don't have OEM rails. so Thule or Yakima I guess...

 

Good job!
But to set the long box, I think I will have to install the original roof rails.
With THULE really it will be too small a distance between the places of fixing the box.

Save money will not succeed

 

Also debating add on bars vs OEM- Any advice on wind noise?

 

ive had my thule bars installed since i've bought my 16 rdx and heres what ive come up with while having them:

1) wind noise is definitely noticeable on the highway. having the sunroof cover open vs closed makes a big difference. with that being said, adding ANYTHING onto your roof is going to increase wind noise
2) width between bars is limited and some cargo boxes may not work
3) looks are subjective but i think thule/yakima bars look better than the oem setup
4) cost - going with thule/yakima bars and towers are cheaper and you'll be able to swap the onto other cars (given you have the right fit kit)
5) i personally found setting up the crossbars and towers to be a pain due to the limited width adjustment and sloping roof line of the rdx so I've left the bars on all year round

if i had to go back and do it all over, i'd rather have the oem roof rails installed but go with thule/yakima crossbars. installation and removal is much easier. cleaning them isn't such a pain and wind noise would not be much of a factor here because my crossbars would mainly be used during the winter months (i live in canada)