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Honda CR-V Roof Rack Questions

57 messages,  Last post on Jan 01, 2013 at 9:08 PM

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What is this discussion about? Honda CR-V, Exterior, SUV

Messages Page 3 of 6

#18 of 57 Re: roof rack on '07/'08 CR-V LX ?? [coconut3] by tedh1

Feb 11, 2008 (12:29 pm)

Replying to: coconut3 (Jan 28, 2008 6:41 am)
Here is a fix for earlier year models but makes sense that it may help with the 07's too. Obviously, the part numbers listed may not be valid for an 07 and up. Click on the link to see the illustration that is in the article.
 
From the January, 2006 Honda Service News:
 
Jan 2006 Honda Service Newslink title
 
Wind Noise From the Roof Rack
 
NOTE: This article applies to ’02–04 CR-Vs, ’03–04
Elements, ’99–04 Odysseys, and ’03–04 Pilots.
 
If you’re installing an accessory bike rack or ski
rack, you’ve got to remove the rubber inserts
(strips) in the roof rack crossbars in order to install
the rack mountings. But without those inserts, the
open spaces left in the crossbars can make a
rather nasty noise while driving. (It’s like blowing
across the opening of a bottle or a flute.)
To keep the roof rack quiet—and your service
customer happy—cut the rubber inserts you
removed into appropriate length pieces to fill in
those open spaces. Give the pieces that would go
under the rack mountings to your customer just in
case he or she decides to remove the mountings
later.
If you need more rubber inserts, use this ordering
info:
Front Rubber Strip: P/N 75255-S3V-A01
H/C 6866123
Rear Rubber Strip: P/N 75265-S3V-A00
H/C 6412530

#19 of 57 Re: roof rack on '07/'08 CR-V LX ?? [tedh1] by bjgw66

Feb 12, 2008 (3:04 pm)

Replying to: tedh1 (Feb 11, 2008 12:29 pm)
sounds like we have it figured out. the roof racks do make noise, they try to minimalize the wind resistance but there will always be some. the only other suggestion that I might make other than getting good at taking them off and putting them on; or getting a roof visor if you have an ex/ex-l/(se before 07). You could do what I did, go to the local "off road shop" or I think you may have luck at like a Gander MNT/Cabela's/Bass Proshop etc... they make metal racks that you can attach to a trailer hitch behind the CR-V works very well, hangs in the garage when not in use, and here is the real kicker!!!!! (you dont have to load any thing ON THE TOP of your CR-V.) the down side is that they dont hold as much, and they are kinda spendy.
 
I know not everyone here will be happy to hear that I am an outdoorsman who happens to hunt and be fairly successful at it, but; the rack makes it very easy to take home you taken game. weather it is large game like deer, or a cooler full of smaller game like duck, phesant, grouse. The usefull ness of these such racks in the upper Mid-West is a huge advantage. you even see elderly folk with them on the back of Park Aves w/ wheel chairs strapped on them!

#20 of 57 Yakima Roof Rack - 08 CRV EX AWD by hockeyfool

Feb 19, 2008 (5:04 pm)

Just installed a Yakima rack (Control towers with No. 10 pads) to the factory brackets on my CRV. Thought I would share what I've learned:
 
I went with the Yakima instead of the factory rack because I already have several Yakima attachments (bike rack, ski rack, snow board rack) so it only made sense. Also, by using the Control Towers you can very easily remove and reinstall the cross bars and towers which clip into a base that stays on the roof. Also, you can buy the Yakima at www.orsracks.com for less than the factory rack - do a quick search and you can also find 10% off coupon codes for orsracks.
 
The Yakima fit guide recommends 48" cross bars. I used 58" bars since I already had them. I am glad that I did. It allows me to install a bike rack to the outboard side of the towers and leaves plenty of room for other attachments on top/centered on the roof. The ends of the 58" bars don't extend out past the edge of the vehicle, so aren't in my way entering/exiting or walking by. Of coarse I'm only 5'7". If you are 6', you may have a different opinion on this.
 
Install - Relatively easy to install, but takes some time - about an hour + on a cold morning. The hardest part is threading on nuts to factory bolts (Hidden under the plastic trim that runs along the edges of the roof) - need to thread the bolts on then off, on then off over and over to remove the paint covering the threads.
 
Rack looks very sharp - looks better than oem in my opinion.
 
Noise: All racks make some noise, its the nature of the beast. I've had several racks on several different vehicles and this installation is the quietest so far. I've taken it on the highway a couple times and am very pleased with how quiet it is - I honestly can't tell a difference. To be fair though, I did install two of the miniature teardrop type fairings (don't remember name) that clip right to the cross bar ($16 each). This helps prevent the "whistling" noise that is common with Yak racks.
 
Ease of use: Like all SUVs, its a reach to put items on top - not as bad as my old trooper where I had to stand on the tires to use, but not as easy as my old civic or corrolla. Still, while standing on the door sill, its not too bad.
 
Problems: One problem I found is that since the factory attachment points are relatively close together AND towards the back of the vehicle, it limits your ability to put long items on top without blocking access to the rear hatch. I have an 8' surfboard that I put on top and no way can I open the hatch with out hitting the surfboard. I also noticed that the bike rack works fine, but there is only about 2" from the end of the rail to to the open hatch - could be a problem for those with longer bikes. Granted, all this can be overcome by either not using the rear hatch when loaded, or removing items before opening.
 
Also, I have a sears Xcargo roof box that we use and I'm concerned that it may not fit correctly - it requires the cross rails to be a certain distance apart and with fixed cross bar locations I may be out of luck. Will find out the next time we go camping.
 
Plenty of room for skis/bindings in between cross bars.
 
I religiously track my mpg which has been averaging about 24mpg in mixed driving. Will let you know how much impact there is with the rack on.
 
I know this is long and not very organized, but thought would be helpful for anyone looking to purchase/install a rack.

#21 of 57 roof rack on '07/'08 CR-V LX ?? by kyle1624

Feb 20, 2008 (12:29 am)

I had a similar case wherein the noise sounded like panpipes. I tried removing most of the black rubber strip to minimize the annoying sound since the vehicle have a wide attachments to the front load bar. Now the roof rack on my SUV serves its intended purpose.

#22 of 57 Re: roof rack on '07/'08 CR-V LX ?? [dewaltdakota] by stevegio

Feb 23, 2008 (10:30 am)

Replying to: dewaltdakota (Jan 01, 2008 1:59 pm)
the cr-v has higher stance then a forrester lets say
a roof rack raises the center of gravity and makes it (more) prone to tipping
i would not do it

#23 of 57 Re: roof rack on '07/'08 CR-V LX ?? [stevegio] by pinibo

Feb 25, 2008 (5:01 pm)

Replying to: stevegio (Feb 23, 2008 10:30 am)
"...and makes it (more) prone to tipping
i would not do it"
 
You are kidding, right?

#24 of 57 Re: roof rack on '07/'08 CR-V LX ?? [pinibo] by tidester

Feb 25, 2008 (10:08 pm)

Replying to: pinibo (Feb 25, 2008 5:01 pm)
You are kidding, right?
 
Actually, it's true. A roofrack with load will indeed raise the center of gravity and make the vehicle more prone to tipping. But the real question is "by how much?" A typical load of about 160 lbs will raise the center of gravity by about 1.5 inches which means that instead of rolling over at a tilt of 40° you'll roll at 39.85°. Personally, I wouldn't be too concerned.
 
tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper

#25 of 57 roof rack by stevegio

Feb 26, 2008 (1:47 am)

no, i am not kidding. the higher ground clearance (than a subaru lets say) and shorter / narrower wheelbase (as opposed to a bigger suv or van) makes it more prone to rollover - albeit as was pointed out you would have to take a turn pretty fast to rollover but it is possible on these cars.

#26 of 57 Roof Rack by pinibo

Feb 26, 2008 (3:24 pm)

"A roofrack with load will indeed raise the center of gravity and make the vehicle more prone to tipping."
 
If the roof rack is loaded to the point of having the cross bars bending, I might buy this, but that "...a roof rack raises the center of gravity and makes it (more) prone to tipping... ", I kind of doubt it very much and dealers would not install. My .02¢

#27 of 57 Re: Roof Rack [pinibo] by stevegio

Feb 26, 2008 (10:28 am)

Replying to: pinibo (Feb 26, 2008 3:24 pm)
funny - they warn against it in my owners manual

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