To Roof Rack or Not to Roof Rack - that is the question?

I've had my Silver Ridge now for about two months. My daughters (24 and 26) tell me I need a roof rack on my truck. They say it will make it look "cool". Do you agree with them?

If I put one on, it will be 100% for looks. I don't have a canoe, or any other thing that I need to haul on the roof. Guess I'm old fashioned and not sure they are right about making the truck look cool.

I tried doing a search on "roof rack" and almost every thread appeared (lots of you have roof rack in your signature line). Didn't see any polls on roof racks - - if I knew how to do that, I'd consider posting a poll. Maybe someone who knows how can do that to help me see if "to be", or "not to be" wins the roof rack race here on the ROC.

Thanks. ;)

I've had my Silver Ridge now for about two months. My daughters (24 and 26) tell me I need a roof rack on my truck. They say it will make it look "cool". Do you agree with them?

I say that the roof rack looks very good on the Silver Ridgelines. I don't think that it would look very good on my Green Ridgeline, but I haven't seen one in person, either.

I say go for it, if you want it. It'll look "cool" ! :)

Rick,

That's one SWEET Gator in your ID!!! Gator Nation baby ... class of 93!!! :D

I don't have a rack either. I'll probably end up getting one, but I hear they add a little wind noise to the ride. Anyone want to comment on this?

I would not put a roof rack on my silver RL, I personally think they look ugly, and clutter up the clean lines of the RL. no offense...

I love the roof rack on my Silver RTL and mine is just for looks, too!

Just be aware that it does add wind noise, so if you have a low tolerance for that, it would be best for you to avoid getting one.

Haven't needed one so far.

c-Hawk,

All my money and my youngest daughter (class of 2005) went to UF! I'm a hoosier and went to school in East Tennesee many moons ago.

Florida is now becoming the Basketball capital of the US - - - Gators for NCAA and now the Heat for the NBA. Move over football!

Go Gators! :D

I bought my roof rack MAINLY because of the looks. I haven't used it yet.:eek: :D

I've had my Silver Ridge now for about two months. My daughters (24 and 26) tell me I need a roof rack on my truck. They say it will make it look "cool". Do you agree with them?

Thanks. ;)

A Gator needs no introduction. Don't need no stinkin roof rack to look cool either. :D :D :D

Go Gators!!!!!

Hey rickdlong, I have a silver Ridge and I made sure the roof rack was in the deal only for looks. I think it gives the RL a more aggressive look, but thats just me. GO FOR IT! Just look at my pics in the links below.

i don't have a roof rack but i would think it would block your view from your moonroof.

My Element came with a roof rack and it was useful for carrying one or two things when I moved cross country.

With the larger Ridgeline, I can just put items in the truck bed now. No lifting and easier to secure.

But then, one of my little "rules" is: "will it be useful?"

We HAD to have it for the looks. I think it makes the RL more sporty and I like the line it adds to the truck. The rack frames the top and the running boards frame the bottom.

We haven't used ours in the traditional sense of hauling things on it or tying things to it. However, I use it frequently. I'm only 5'5" and I hang onto it while I wash the windshield.

There is some wind noise, but I only hear it when the moonroof is open. That's fairly rare. Pushing the crossbars clear to the back or removing them makes it much better. I don't think it's bad when the moonroof is closed, but some people are much more noise sensitive. I listen to XM loud enough that the wind noise of the truck and road noise is not a problem.

The moonroof opens just fine and is not impaired or blocked at all by the roof rack.

I think RLs without roof racks look naked. No offense to those running around without clothes.

Go for it. Your daughters are right.

It's easy to make a poll, but you'd have to start a new thread. Just go down lower on your initial thread page and it will walk you through. You could add a link to your first post on this page to direct people to your poll.

i have a roof rack on mine and i love it! I havent really used it yuet, but in the winter time, this will be used a lot! I love to snow board and have been for the past 4 years. Roof racks are a must, and when you have 4 or 5 people going, gear in the truck bed(with cover) and the boards on the top. Well, i would have to put 1 board in the bed. No biggie! Also, for those who love to fish: I have 2 situations that i come accorss when i go fishing with 3 others. With the Cover on the bed, i just flip it open and let the poles that are "1-piece" stick out laying on the truck rear bed door, or i use the ROOF RACK with the SKI holders and put the poles on the top! Works GREAT! I havent taken any pics, since its like a spur of the moment when i go fishing, but the roof rack can be for looks, but its definately a GREAT use for me! As for wind noise, i have no problem with it, since i hear music from XM as well loud enough...or i roll the windows down when im cruising the roads at moderate speeds to get the fresh air, when its not scorching hot! You should get it! Trust the girls!

Another thing, when i wash the truck, i just sit on the racks and wash the top....its something i have never done before, even with my father's old suburban way back when , but i coudl do this with the ridge, the racks are very big and thick! The are well built! They also help me hold up while i wash the windshield , or just to get things down from the top,like from fishing.

That's not a roof rack....



This is a roof rack!

http://sv1.randomcrap.net/uploads/files/3611/ridgeline5.jpg (http://www.randomcrap.net)

Indeed that sure is 1 helluva roof rack! What do you carry in there? A dead bear? Nice rig tho!

As you can probably tell...to roof rack or not to roof rack is up to the person. I wouldn't have one myself as I think it looks better without it, but others think it looks better with. It's a choice that only you can make for yourself.

I am new to the forum, but i would say no, no, no on the roof rack. if you were going to be camping or need the space for a specific reason, then maybe. There are plenty of other things you can do to your truck to make it cool!!

I would not put a roof rack on my silver RL, I personally think they look ugly, and clutter up the clean lines of the RL. no offense...


I agree. I just don't like the looks of the roof rack. I am glad I don't have one and would not have bought my particular RL if it had been installed.

I agree with LadyRidge... I got the roof rack just for the look. When I was shopping for them I kept telling the dealer "something's missing" - I couldn't believe it wasn't a standard accessory. IMHO it adds a sporty look to an otherwise bare (no offense) silhouette.

Oh and the basketball net....that was a special order option to complete that "sporty" look :)

I chose not to get the roof rack. It was too short!!. No fault of Honda just a fact of what I would have used them for.

When I had my Exploder I used to haul panels for my photography displays. They were 8 feet long and grabbed the wind something fierce. When I strapped them down I had to put the crossbars at the farthest parts (5 feet in-between) of the rack to keep them from bouncing with the air going over them.

My boss then got new boards because they were a foot too wide to fit in the Ridge's bed.

I've got a black Ridge, the roof rack looked sharp. I had to go with a Yakima setup, my two Kayaks were a bit much for the factory rack. the Yak gives me a little more crossbar spread to further stabilize by 17 foot boats, and the bars are a little more burly. I still have the Honda rack if any of "youse" is interested in it. make me an offer if so. it's taking up space in the garage. I'll e-bay it if no one wants it. first dibs to ROC members.

If you want to sacrifice you quiet interior ride at speed for a roof rack that is up to you. It generates a lot of noise, and even with a wind fairing in front of it the noise is still offensive. I'll take the quiet ride...However if I really needed to transport something on the roof, I would rent a temporary one.

Again very noisy...mostly from the cross bars.

Vinnie

P.S. REmember its an install that requires you to put holes in your roof...???:D

P.S. REmember its an install that requires you to put holes in your roof...???:D

No holes are required. The bolts are there from the factory. They are under the black strips on the roof. It is a bolt on accessory. Only need to make some cuts in the black strips on the roof.....

I removed my cross bars & the noise is 95% gone. I like the looks. It seems very naked on top without them......but to each their own. It is a personal decision...YMMV

P.S. REmember its an install that requires you to put holes in your roof...???:D

Come on now...if you're serious can a mod flag this posting...can't believe someone is spreading this BS. You DO NOT need to put holes on your roof. If you remove the black metal moulding on the roof you will see there are threaded bolts sticking out...that's where you mount the rack.

Hope this is not a duplication. Computer froze up again.

Purchased the Roof Rack when purchasing the Truck. Very happy with the looks.
I see more Ridgelines with out the Roof Rack, but it does dress up the truck.
Some people complain about wind noise, I have never had that problem.

Good Luck on your decision.!!!!!

I got a laugh out of your post because this was a big deal with my kids when I bought a black RL. They informed me that the Ridgeline "looks like a Power Rangers truck" but that the roof rack would help the look. So I gave in. Of course it's a matter of personal preference, but I do believe the roof rack gives the Ridgeline a more athletic look.

It is true about the extra wind noise, but in my experience it is minor. I only notice it when the radio is off and I am going under 50 mph. For me, the noise would not be enough of a factor to enter into the decision.

Too bad we can't poll non-Ridgeline owners. I've had people come up to me and say nice roof rack, that looks really beefy. We all know it can't hold anything, but to the untrained eye, it's a great looking rack. I seem to get this mainly from mini van owners.

I voted No Way and Glad.
Sorry.

Look at your Silver beauty in that great picture and those straight clean lines!!!

But to each his own.

I've got a Honda installed roof rack on my Black Ridge and am glad I have it. As for wind noise it was installed before I had it delivered so I don't know how much quieter the truck would have been without it. At first I bought it for looks, I like the extra height it adds to the truck, but have used it quite a lot. I've carried canoes and my Thule ski carrier on it and love it.

But again each to his or her own.......

I liked this Rack

At least you have pics of what a Silver looks like with Roof Rack. It is a matter of preference.
You will have to make a choice!!!!!

I had a roof rack on my car...added a lot of noise. That is why I don't want one on the truck. I now have a trailer for my kayaks.

Laura

You have a nice quiet ride....if you install a roof rack, you WILL have a lot of wind noise at speed...I wouldnt. Had them before, and they are all noisy. The noise comes from the cross bars, and any trim that is not aerodynamic.

I put roof racks on my Silver Ridge and I do like the looks. However, I have yet to use them to hold any thing. (I also picked up the rear bike hitch and have yet to use that as well).

My main regret is that the roof racks add about 4 inches to the height of the truck. increasing it from 70.3 inches (5' 8.3") to about 74" (6' 2"). There are a few parking garages in my city with a height limit of 6' and 6' 2". :mad:

My last two SUV's did not have roof racks and I missed it. I would not have bought a new vehicle without a roof rack.

I have the Amazon Green with roof rack and think it really sets it off. Will try to post picture.

Don't have it and prefer my Ridge without it.

I would prefer the safari rack over the roof rack. It gives it that off road demeanor. If you ever need to go cross country ( or states ) it certainly comes in handy. It just looks cooler with the safari rack.

This is one of the items if you don't have it, there will come a time when you need it. Mine came with it.

I moved both the cross bars all the way to the rear and it cut the wind noise quite a bit.

I have the roof rack, ski/snowboard attachment, Retrax and added an electric locking tailgate kit. Between all of these, it has made a difference when I go skiing. I usually go with three people and having the ability to put the boards and skis on the lockable rack and leaving the lockable retrax/bed/trunk fully available for luggage helps quite a bit. I have to repeat an earlier post...it's one of those items that is nice to have when you need it.

Does anybody that bought an RTX with the gray wheels have a picture of their truck with the roof rack? I'm not sure if I will like the silver roof rack with my steel blue color and the gray wheels.

Does anybody that bought an RTX with the gray wheels have a picture of their truck with the roof rack? I'm not sure if I will like the silver roof rack with my steel blue color and the gray wheels.

They look good on any color but especially silver and blue.
And with some creativity you can use it for a light bar which is also mainly "for looks"
See mine here
http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9885

Yep after taking delivery of mine with it, I just think tose without it look naked as someone said.
If you notice on the poll its pretty divided. Either you like it or you don't, but of interest I see there are way more replies of people without them that wish they had them than there are people who have them and want them off.

Anyone with picts of a BLACK Ridge with the roof rack?

Thanks,
Matt

I almost ordered the roof rack but I have a Black RL and decided not to get the factory rack. It looks really nice on the silver I must admit; if I were to it would be powdercoated or painted black. After all the research and since I decided to get the Leer cap, I'm going to get the Thule Aero rack option on the cap that has slide locks so I can keep the rack off until I need it for surfing or otherwise. Perfect compromise for me since I don't care for the permanent look of the rack. I'm sure all with the rack for looks or not will find it handy for certain big items; my surfboard is too long to carry any other way with the short bed of the RL.

Someone asked about a black RL with a rack. I just bought mine and the rack is being installed today! I will post pics when I get the chance. Along with the rack the dealer is adding the ski attachment. Here in Colorado I do alot of skiing and it will be nice to be able to bring friends and keep the skis/boards up top. I think the rack adds some definition and ruggedness to the looks. The look without has grown on me as well. Personal opinion.

I will post pics when I get the chance.

Great and thanks!

-Matt

Rick,

That's one SWEET Gator in your ID!!! Gator Nation baby ... class of 93!!! :D

I don't have a rack either. I'll probably end up getting one, but I hear they add a little wind noise to the ride. Anyone want to comment on this?

I just picked up my blue RTX this past Friday. I too was going to get a roof rack installed but the salesman I purchased from has an RT with a roof rack. He told me he'd love to sell me one however warned me of the wind noise they create. He said he tried to adjust it everyway but with no luck, and how annoying the wind noise is. I told him I appreciated his honesty and didn't get one. Yes, they do look cool.

Here's my green one with sidesteps, and roof rack

I really like the look of them, but the wind noise from them on my wife's Odessey bothers me too much. I also don't see me ever needing them. In the 7 years we had the Odessey, we have only used them once. With the truck bed and access to a trailer, I doubt we will ever need one again.

I have not had trouble with wind noise on my ridgeline with the factory roof rack. I have carried one of my kayaks up there over highway miles and it was not so bad either. I do keep the moonroof closed both the window and the slide part when I carry the kayak, and that helps to dampen most of the noise.

I am going to be taking my road bike to work twice a week to go riding after work. I am contemplating a roof rack but just for the looks I'd say. I wouldn't want to leave my bike (not a K-mart purchased one) in the bed but would rather leave it in the rear seat compartment. It seems awfully redundant to have bike racks on top, assuming they are used to mount bikes, IMO.

i think on a certain few it looks ok but to me it sticks up too high and doesnt fit the truck , i wish they had a different design for it a more sleek approach like the truck , i have a white rl and i dont think it looks good on what , just my two cents

as for bikes the trailer hitch bike mount is the only way to go , easy access imho especially for u back and forth guys , get one that locks as well

madi05

The Roof Rack was one of many accessories that we had put on before our purchase.
We were the first Ridgeline in our city back in April 2005. Now there are many Ridgelines and very few with Roof Racks, but every one who see's our Silver Ridge says it really dresses up the Truck.

We have had the Roof Rack for two years now and have not had a problem with wind noise. It might be the fact that we keep our Ridge under 75mph.

It is for some, but not for others.....................Beauty is in the eye of the beholder!

Is it just me or does it seem like the left side of your roof rack sticks far out over the top of the cab. Much further than the right side

Regardless of RL color, IMO, I think the Roof Rack gives an overall complete Fuller look to the Ridge. Its functunality is just a bonus.

therein lies the problem. it's functionality is very very limited. but they do look good. I took mine off and sold it on e-bay.

I would not put a roof rack on my silver RL, I personally think they look ugly, and clutter up the clean lines of the RL. no offense...

Ditto ..... I am just not convinced a p/u truck is supposed to have a roof rack.

Then again it is not supposed to have a trunk either :D

I wish I had a roof rack, they are practicle and they add to the already good looks of the Ridgeline.

I wish I had a roof rack, they are practicle and they add to the already good looks of the Ridgeline.
So, what is the problem? You can get one online for a fair price and DIY install is not difficult.

Here's a link to a post with some pictures of my painted-black OEM roof rack. Not the best angle or photos, but you get the idea.

http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/forums/showpost.php?p=205793&postcount=89

IMHO the roof rack adds a nice rugged aesthetic to the RL.

-Matt

i actually used mine the other day for the first time. The idiot at the mattress store wouldn't put the mattress in the bed and tried to tie it on the rack. It worked but i didn't dare go over 40 IDIOT MATTRESS PEPS!

My drive was especially noisy last Sunday. Or maybe I just forgot how it was before, as I wasn't driving my RL for 2-3 weeks. Anyway, I am almost ready to change my vote from option 1 to 2.

I say that the roof rack looks very good on the Silver Ridgelines. I don't think that it would look very good on my Green Ridgeline, but I haven't seen one in person, either.

I say go for it, if you want it. It'll look "cool" ! :)

Looks great on my '07 Green
Want it for my kayak rack...

But those ugly sidesteps...? Never!
Flame on...

Ladyridge that is one SWEET lookin truck!:)

Yes to roof rack!

manonkind

Why not have it both ways?

I installed the Yakima tracks on my roof and can have "Rack-ON" or "Rack-OFF" in only a couple of minutes. It's the best of both worlds....

All it takes is enough guts to drill holes in your roof to mount the tracks!!

Considering the wind noise issue and that some owners took the cross bars off. Does anyone have pics of their Ridge without the Bars? Thinking of taking mine off due to the wind issue. Like the looks with the rack but i'm not really using the bars for anything in the near future.

Considering the wind noise issue and that some owners took the cross bars off. Does anyone have pics of their Ridge without the Bars? Thinking of taking mine off due to the wind issue. Like the looks with the rack but i'm not really using the bars for anything in the near future.Is your rack installed properly ? The noise can be pretty much eliminated by using the strips from the roof on the spaces no the main bar.

Is your rack installed properly ? The noise can be pretty much eliminated by using the strips from the roof on the spaces no the main bar.

The dealer installed these for me, so I do not have the strips. I did move the rear bar all the way to the back of the rack to see if that makes a difference today at work. But I won't be able to hear the difference until I leave from work at midnight. The front bar is still in the default location just behind the sun roof.

Dealer installed mine, too. No sound issues though. I'm fairly certain they didn't use any additional "strips," too.

I have the redrock color and all of my accessories are black. I am looking at the black roof racks to bring some black lines to the top of the truck. I would get the racks only if you want them.

My wife wanted the roof rack and we had it put on at purchase.

The wind noise is not real bad, most of the time I dont even notice it.
It is sort of expensive when you dont use the top to carry extras, ect. but you can only put 110lbs.

I think it dresses up the Ridge and looks good, but that is one person's taste only.

The dealer installed these for me, so I do not have the strips. I did move the rear bar all the way to the back of the rack to see if that makes a difference today at work. But I won't be able to hear the difference until I leave from work at midnight. The front bar is still in the default location just behind the sun roof.Their is your problem you need those strips. The strips are cut up to put onto the side rails in between the bars.

Their is your problem you need those strips. The strips are cut up to put onto the side rails in between the bars.

There's nothing in the instructions about putting the strips in the side rails. How would you move the bars back and forth if the strips were installed? They would bunch up and get crunched when moved.

Edit..
WTF... I have the 09' bars, just checked the instructions for the 06'-08' for the heck-of-it, it does mention the strip placement for those years. Did they omit that step for the 09' rack, or do they feel it's not needed anymore?
I've seen pics of earlier models with the racks on the ROC without the strips, what gives?

I also need to recheck real closely if the bars were installed with the narrower end facing toward the rear to the Ridge.

There's nothing in the instructions about putting the strips in the side rails. How would you move the bars back and forth if the strips were installed? They would bunch up and get crunched when moved.

Edit..
WTF... I have the 09' bars, just checked the instructions for the 06'-08' for the heck-of-it, it does mention the strip placement for those years. Did they omit that step for the 09' rack, or do they feel it's not needed anymore?
I've seen pics of earlier models with the racks on the ROC without the strips, what gives?

I also need to recheck real closely if the bars were installed with the narrower end facing toward the rear to the Ridge.Read them again.;)

Read them again.;)

The 09' instructions read

" • To reduce wind noise while driving, make sure the cut
roof moldings are properly installed on the roof
channel."

The roof channel runs along the roof. They do not mean the side rails.

The 09' instructions read

" • To reduce wind noise while driving, make sure the cut
roof moldings are properly installed on the roof
channel."

The roof channel runs along the roof. They do not mean the side rails.No !!! they mean to install them on the roof rack in between the bars the excess that is. When you take the roof strips out and install the rack you have to cut them to fit back into the roof channel around the rack. Their will then be excess pieces leftover,these are what you use on the main rail in between the bars on the rack itself.

i have the oem roof rack and think is looks really good and provides more overall interest to the truck.

oh yeah, and it's very versatile, too!

i have the oem roof rack and think is looks really good and provides more overall interest to the truck.

oh yeah, and it's very versatile, too!

I mostly agree.
However, I wish the bars would move just a little farther apart.

I need a roof rack badly for my truck :(

Anyone know who has the cheapest? Price plus shipping? Would love one under 200