roof rack question

I have searched for this, but found no answer.

I am very interested in buying a Ridgeline, but all of the ones in my area seem to come equipped with the roof rack (which I have no use for). My question is: Is the roof rack a permanent fixture or is it able to be removed. If so, are there going to be "holes" where the rack was once mounted?

Thanks for your help,

Brian

I have searched for this, but found no answer.

I am very interested in buying a Ridgeline, but all of the ones in my area seem to come equipped with the roof rack (which I have no use for). My question is: Is the roof rack a permanent fixture or is it able to be removed. If so, are there going to be "holes" where the rack was once mounted?

Thanks for your help,

Brian

The roofrack is an option, that you could / should avoid if you have no plans to use it. The black metal rails that run the length of the roof will need to be cut to allow fitting of the roofrack. If one is installed and is removed, just replace those two black rails.

I happen to think it looks better with the roof rack on. I had mine put on because I needed it for work (ladders). The rack does make a bit of noise at high speed, but it is no where near as bad as some people claim. I think the RTL's with roof racks are the loudest because they have the sunroof that isn't as soundproof as the other models w/o the sunroof. Don't buy one with it on if you are intending to take it off, you will just pay more for it.

I happen to think it looks better with the roof rack on. I had mine put on because I needed it for work (ladders). The rack does make a bit of noise at high speed, but it is no where near as bad as some people claim. I think the RTL's with roof racks are the loudest because they have the sunroof that isn't as soundproof as the other models w/o the sunroof. Don't buy one with it on if you are intending to take it off, you will just pay more for it.

I have the roofrack and I have removed the crossbars. I have the look of the roofrack (IMO, the truck looks better with it) without the noise.

I am sure that you will have to insert plastic parts where the roof rack would go. I removed the rail from the rack and to do so you had to unbolt one end of the rack so you can slide the rails out. It is a little difficult but if you take you time it all worked out fine. Here is a picture of the truck after I removed the rail....
Good Luck

http://members.cox.net/ridgeline06/RL at the Point-5.jpg

Thanks for the replies....So I guess I should either search for a Ridgeline without the rack or negotiate with the dealer to uninstall the rack and replace any necessary parts on the truck.

bpsherrill, What dealer are you going to? I bought mine from Space Coast. Did you get my P.M.?
-Jason

jason,

got your pm, I plan on talking to a friend of a friend at space coast, but am no way committed to getting my ridgeline from them. I am not going to start seriously looking until after the holidays anyway.....You can expect a PM from me if i do end up with a roof rack

-Brian

Did you guys who removed the roof rack crossbars then install new rubber strips in the slots?

Did you guys who removed the roof rack crossbars then install new rubber strips in the slots?

If you are referring to the slots that the crossbars slide in, I did not put in rubber strips. I simply removed the crossbars which resulted in the complete loss of noise from the roofrack.

If you don't want it, and aren't going to use it... then buy one without it. Personally, I prefer the look of the truck without the rack.