Trying to decide on cross rails...can you offer input?

[motoguy]

We've got an '05 EX-L with the roof racks. We do not have cross rails at this time, and we need to get a set. We sold the Suburban after purchasing the Pilot, and we use a rooftop carrier to retain the "open interior" we were able to have with the Suburban (while on trips).

I'm looking for a set of crossbars to mount across the factory luggage rack. We can actually take the set off of our old '94 Grand Cherokee, but it looks like those rails won't mount to the Honda racks.

Here's what I would like to have:

1) inexpensive
2) high load carrying capacity
3) ability to easily install / remove, if the square tube version
4) easily adjustable for "gap" between bars

I'm wondering if you all could offer some suggestions. I see the factory rails offered, with their "aero" shape. What's the load carrying capacity of these cross rails? Are they easily adjusted for spacing? Today I need to haul an extension ladder, tomorrow may be some 2x4's, and on trips we need our rooftop carrier. The lumber and ladder will require a wider spacing than the rooftop carrier. So I'd like something easy to adjust.

I understand the factory units are supposed to be quieter than the "square tube" style. Are the square tube style stronger, or do they have a higher load carrying capacity? Are they easier to adjust and / or remove? I like the "sleek" appearance of the factory units, but I'm not willing to sacrifice aesthetics for load capacity or adjustability.

If the square style rails fit my criteria better than the factory units, what would you recommend for quick-mount / dismount units? I understand the square units are more noisy than the factory units. Rather than make / buy a dam, and leaving them on all the time, I'd rather be able to dismount them and simply re-mount on the (relatively rare) occasions they are needed.

Our plan will be to use these more as general purpose rails, vs dedicated bicycle / canoe / ski / surf rails. Any input would be appreciated.

These are some of the units I'm considering:

Aero-style:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/03-08...138#vi-content

Square, locking-style:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Honda...402#vi-content

[deanmcneill]

I live in Canada, bought SportRack crossbars a couple of years ago for my 2007 Pilot LX. They're easy to put on, take off, are lockable and adjustable for the varied width of the tapered Pilot roof rails. And (bonus) they'll perfectly fit the roof rails of my newly acquired 2011 Sorento!

Here's a link: Fit Guide 2011 - SportRack®

They were about 60% the cost of the factory cross bars. Only down-side is you can hear wind noise... not terrible, but you can hear them. They are the square tube type.

[jezzy]

I've got the factory cross bars, just bought them for 200$cdn about a month ago. They have good adjustment (allen key required), aero shape, low profile.. they do compliment our cars.
I am selling them in case you are interested! I have an 05 EX-L as well.. I need aftermarket bars due to having a thule box and a kayak.. so I need wide (58" wide) bars.
BTW, for factory or aftermarket, the max load is 150LBS

[cofetym]

According to the Honda crossbar instructions the OEM's need to be installed in a specific location.

http://www.handa-accessories.com/pilot/crossbars.pdf

The weight I believe is limited to 150lbs.

[motoguy]

Thanks for the help, guys. I ended up going with these:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Honda...d=245741739645

Shipping was timely, and the bars arrived in good condition. Installation was pretty uneventful. I had to "shave" a few spots on the inside of the cap, where they were binding up during install. I also shave the bottom of the rear caps, to ensure they didn't rub on the roof. They seem to be solid and sturdy. I do notice an increased bit of wind noise due to the bars. It sounds almost like having knobby tires on the car. I'm going to build a wind deflector for them (similar to the one found in another thread). So far, for the $64 or so I have in them, I'm satisfied.

[samc]

Any pics motoguy? That certainly is a very good price and I feel like blowing a few bucks right now.

Also it's made out of aluminum or what? And I would expect some windnoise.