How hard is it to install roof rack and side steps?

I want to purchase the black roof rack and black tube style side steps for my Ridgeline. I got a quote from my local dealer and from H and A and because of shipping my dealer ended up only being about $20 more than H and A.

The expensive part of the quote was the installation. My dealer wants $204 to install the side steps and $62 to install the roof rack. From what I understand, the roof rack requires cutting...so the installation price doesn't sound too bad on that. However, $200 to install the side steps seems way to steep to me. As I understand it, all it requires is 24 bolts to be tightened...some of which require a special tool. Has anyone installed the side steps themselves? What tool did you use for the "rivet nut installation tool?" I don't mind spending money on a new tool especially if it saves on the $200 installation fee...

I am mechanically inclined...usually change my own fluids, have changed suspension components (struts, springs, etc...), installed intakes, etc. What are your thoughts? I'm thinking I'll let the dealer install the roof rack, $60 to pay someone else to be responsible for cutting into sheet metal on my truck sounds like a deal. But $200 for side steps is too much...what are my options?

Thanks

A large number of ROCrs installed roof racks and side steps on their own. Since you are mechanically inclined and most likely have a variety of tools at your disposal, it makes financial sense to self install. Honda installation guides are very thorough and you do have the advantage of a large RL owner community to answer any questions that pop up.

I do not have roof rack for aesthetic reasons but self installed Raptor nerf bars. It does not use the rivet nut but else wise was a no brainer. :)

Welcome to the ROC!

These were the only two accessories I ordered when I purchased my RTL last Thursday. I figured these would be the most difficult for me to install. And besides, if they screw it up, I get to yell at someone else and not myself. Plus it would be covered under warranty.

Sometimes its worth it to have things installed :D But $200 to put on steps is terrible.

I guess you could think about how much your time is worth. $62 for a roof rack install isnt that bad, but its been reported that it takes 1-1.5 hours to DIY.

The HONDA steps do need a rivnut tool, which some people have made their own, and some have relationships with their service departments to do just the rivnut step for varying costs. Do a quick search on rivnut and you can see what you think. Here's one:
http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1360&highlight=rivnut

Installing my raptor steps took next-to-no time with no helpers. I also helped put on some westin steps which were equally as simple (I only helped because I was physically present, not out of necessity).

Is there a link/thread to the roof rack install that give some tips?

I'm getting ready to DIY and a few of the steps on the Honda instructions are a bit vague.

The most difficult part of the installation of the roof rack for me, was cutting the roof trim pieces, that were removed. They have some metal running through them, like in the rim of a tire, that was difficult to cut with a hacksaw. There is no need to cut anything on the roof rack itself.

Other than that it was pretty straight forward.

Just use the instructions from the H&A site. I know they are a little confusing. You will have no problems.

Here is a link to one of threads on the do-it-yourself riv-nut tool.

http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15647&highlight=rivnut+tool

Good luck, Brad:D

I did the roof rack as a DIY and like Sparkland said the most difficult part is the cutting......I used my dremel to do the cutting but I have to trim somemore after cutting.

Are the side steps functional? What I mean is... do they add functionality that you find yourself actually using?

The reason I ask is... the '94 4Runner I show below has large sidesteps. But neither I, nor my wife, nor my Great Dane actually use the nice looking side steps. The first "step" is onto the floor of the vehicle.

I can't speak for anyone else, but my sidesteps have turned out to be more for decoration than anything else. If I make a conscious effort to use them, I can; but normally I just get in and out of the truck without them. They are tucked a little too close to the side of the truck to use without fear of slipping off of them.

Others may have different opinions and use their sidesteps all the time.

Hope this helps.:)

Brad

I can't speak for anyone else, but my sidesteps have turned out to be more for decoration than anything else. If I make a conscious effort to use them, I can; but normally I just get in and out of the truck without them. They are tucked a little too close to the side of the truck to use without fear of slipping off of them.

Others may have different opinions and use their sidesteps all the time.

Hope this helps.:)

Brad

I suppose they might be helpful if you have a roof rack... that one actually uses.

The 4Runner has both, but I never use the roof rack either. So just added weight... lower mpg, but maybe added "looks".

Are the side steps functional? What I mean is... do they add functionality that you find yourself actually using?

The reason I ask is... the '94 4Runner I show below has large sidesteps. But neither I, nor my wife, nor my Great Dane actually use the nice looking side steps. The first "step" is onto the floor of the vehicle.

My dogs actually use the steps, I have the 4-in raptor steps. But I step over them. I wanted them for the look primarily. After I got them and put them on, I was less impressed than I had hoped.

I had the both the racks and running boards installed at my dealer here in the Mtns of North Carolina. The racks $75 and the boards $70. And I did not buy the boards thru the dealer. I found that this dealer is the best with installing and buying prices(15% dicount on all parts) and I did not buy the trk from him. The dealer in FL told me that the racks was a 4-5 hr job. Until I said the dealer in NC would do it for 1 hr charge. Then he change the price to $100. Oh by the way he didnt get the job. Good Luck

IMHO save yourself the money and do it yourself. I installed both of mine and it was supper easy. I did the roof rack myself in 30 minutes and the side steps with an additional person it took about 45 minutes. I never had a problem with them and they have been on for about 10 months. It is up to you though. If you want the extra peice of mind let the dealer put them in place. Just trying to assist,
John

I did a search looking for tips on step 11 in the Honda Instructions, but came up empty handed. Only one thread I seen discussed it and it was 3yrs old...no answers as to where they want you to place these strips to reduce wind noise? :confused:

Can't speak to installing roof racks or the OE side steps but the Westin side steps could NOT be easier - put mine on lying on a very cold concrete garage floor with almost no "wiggle room" in 28 degree weather in about 30-40 minutes. No holes to drill or rivnuts to install and they're just as tight and solid today as they were the day I installed them nearly 30 months ago!

Are they functional? I find them most useful in the winter when I want to step up and knock accumulated snow from my boots or when I'm washing/polishing the truck or tying down something I'm carrying up top. I do know from past experience that side steps are vastly preferable to running boards if you live in snow country due to the difficulty in removing accumulated snow & slush from the latter.

Are the side steps functional? What I mean is... do they add functionality that you find yourself actually using?

The reason I ask is... the '94 4Runner I show below has large sidesteps. But neither I, nor my wife, nor my Great Dane actually use the nice looking side steps. The first "step" is onto the floor of the vehicle.


I pretty much use the side steps to access my roof rack. It's handy when putting things up there...but if you don't have or use the roof rack, the side steps might be useless.

I also use the side steps in the winter to kick snow of my shoes...

I thought the OEM running boards install was pretty easy. As is noted in several threads about the install, the hardest part was getting the rivnuts installed. It took me about 20 minutes on the first one and, once I got it figured out, it took me about 5 minutes to install the 2nd one. The running board install part was a breeze.

As far as functionality...that is exactly the reason I bought mine...I mean, yeah, I liked the looks of them too, but I have two small children and they use them to step up/down all the time. They are especially useful for my 8 year old daughter, who is a bit small for her age and, if I didn't have the side steps, getting in/out would be much more difficult for her.

So, long story short...for me anyway...they look nice and are functional.

So no one has performed step 11 on the roof rack install instructions?

Haven't heard of anyone cutting the strips on the crossbars. I just moved the front crossbar as far back as possible.

Brad

So no one has performed step 11 on the roof rack install instructions?

I didn't remove anything from in between the cross bars when I took it off...but I wonder if step 11 is wanting you to chop up the left over roof molding pieces and fit them in the rails in between the cross bars? Otherwise, it just sounds like a repeat of step 6.

Yeah I haven't figured out yet where they want you to put them.

btw...just installed the rack today and it looks great dj...thanks again for the sale! :D

Will post some pics soon....

Step 11 has been removed from the 2009 instruction.....:p

Yeah I haven't figured out yet where they want you to put them.

btw...just installed the rack today and it looks great dj...thanks again for the sale! :D

Will post some pics soon....

Great glad to hear you got it on. Can't wait to see the pics.
John

Yeah I haven't figured out yet where they want you to put them.

btw...just installed the rack today and it looks great dj...thanks again for the sale! :D

Will post some pics soon....

Eeeeeeexcellent! Glad you're happy with the rack.