Roof Rack or No Roof Rack ?

[Gouranga]

Originally Posted by PhotoMaster

If you take the rack off, how significant is the mpg change? Also if you take the rack off, where do you get the two long black strips that go into the recess in the roof top? How expensive are they?

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I learned the hard way that not only do you need the long trim pieces but also you need 6 plastic brackets that hold those black long trims in place

because with a roof rack you have the roof rack holding them down and the bolts for the roof rack go in that spot but with no roof rack those spots become inserts for those plastic brackets I am talking about and you need 3 per side..

I still did not get mine and just the trims sitting there lol with nothing holding them down in the middle just the ends are somewhat tight lol hopefully they dont fly off on me before I get these brackets from HONDA dealer

[PhotoMaster]

The more I think about it, the more I want to keep the rack. The only benefit of removing it, in my book, is the mpg issue. I like the looks of the rack, so keeping it is my most likely option.

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[JaySuave365]

i just got my ridgeline about a week ago and i was debating on getting a white or black sport and i 2 went with black because i hate that angle design on the back also, and with the black you honestly dont pay any mind to it...it doesnt scream "look how ugly this is"...and the ridgeline looks way cleaner without the roof rack.

[ridgeline30152]

Mark another down as pro roof rack.

Makes a truck look like a truck and its functional.

Never know when I might need to hoist something up there like a kayak, the wife, or pull a Romney (dog crate).

[Gouranga]

Originally Posted by JaySuave365

i just got my ridgeline about a week ago and i was debating on getting a white or black sport and i 2 went with black because i hate that angle design on the back also, and with the black you honestly dont pay any mind to it...it doesnt scream "look how ugly this is"...and the ridgeline looks way cleaner without the roof rack.

Thank you for agreeing with me in every way AAA++++ give this man a medal

[Illbottengooty]

I love the shape and look of the ridgeline. i was looking at the Chevy Avalanche (similar angled back) but found out they were going to discontinue the line, so went to the top rated small truck. I have not seen a good looking white or silver with the roof rack. The black and the dark gray look nice above. I have been debating it for Kayak storage.. but have not seen (2) kayaks on the top of a ridgeline. and have wondered if a dark (black) rack would look better on my white. I will still keep my dogs in the passenger, and the wife in the back seat.

[matt300]

Originally Posted by Illbottengooty

...I have been debating it for Kayak storage.. but have not seen (2) kayaks on the top of a ridgeline.

Here you go. This is my current setup using the factory siderails, Yakima Rail Grabs, 66" bars, and the Kayak Stackers. One Kayak is 14.5 ft, the other is about 10 ft. Works great.


Previously I used the Yakima Q Towers on a naked roof like this.



I'd recommend the factory siderail setup with Rail Grabs over the Q Towers. You get a little more load carrying capacity that way and your less likely to damage your roof.

[xd9x19]

Regarding looks only, I've never cared for the look of the roof rack on the Ridgeline. I would only have it if I actually needed it.

[Illbottengooty]

Thanks for the images. That helps to see how it works. Is it correct you cant use the factory cross rails and kayak holders? Can you install (2) sets of J Cradles?

[matt300]

I think I remember the factory crossbars are limited to one boat. Two J cradles should work on Yakima bars. I went with 66" bars to give me more room. Cool thing about using the Rail Grabs is they install remove in under 5 min. I usually drive around with just the siderails.