Disappointed: Factory crossbars

[nflesher87]

I was quite content to sacrifice trunk space by purchasing the EX35 because I knew I was going to get a Yakima or Thule Cargo Box for the roof.
Despite Yakima claiming compatibility with the factory crossbars (why would I go measure them before purchase when it claimed compatibility?), these crossbars are a ridiculously close 19" apart! Despite even purchasing the S (short) model Skybox, the clasps are only adjustable to a minimum of 24".

So here I am the day before our ski trip with a $500 roof box that I have to connect to one crossbar and use lashing straps to attach to the other. Here's to hoping I don't kill anyone in the vehicles trailing us.

[EXceptional]

Other people had discovered your dilemma, too... would a search here, have saved you a head-ache?

ski-snowboard-rack-recommendations-t518594.html

thule-cargo-carriers-any-luck-t509871.html

roof-box-suggestion-t536697.html

[sashki2]

I've purchased an extra rack with it's own cross bars so I don't use oem cross bars when I put my box on top. If Yakima clasps screwed in to the box, it'd be easy to drill new holes on the bottom of the box and move the clasps. Even even if they're not screwed in, but use some sort of permanent pins, it might be possible to remove the pins and replace them with screws.
I didn't want to use OEM crossbars for two reasons: 1) I thought I'd carry more wait then the maximum load of the bars and my clasps are metal and 2) I was afraid they'd scratch the flimsy paint on the crossbars. The paint rubbed of in some places without me doing anything and it shows black scuffs.
Speaking of load... If sticker on the crossbar shows, say 150lb on a crossbar, does it mean 150lb per bar totaling 300lb for two or the 150lb is the total?

[NJGuy]

Speaking of load... If sticker on the crossbar shows, say 150lb on a crossbar, does it mean 150lb per bar totaling 300lb for two or the 150lb is the total?

While it may be possible to put 300 lbs. up there, I'm pretty sure that 150 lbs. is the total combined allowable load on the entire roof rack. (EDIT: The maximum roof rack load published by Infiniti is 220 lbs for the EX). I don't think I've ever seen a vehicle with any number much higher than that.

I don't think it's related to the strength of the crossbars; instead, I believe it is related to vehicle handling dynamics and rollover safety. Depending on the vehicle, having a heavy load on the roof will likely cause an accident when the driver tries to perform evasive maneuvers in an emergency.

[sashki2]

I just can't believe only one dead body in the roof box would have such an impact on the vehicle stability

[NJGuy]

I just can't believe only one dead body in the roof box would have such an impact on the vehicle stability

Nissan/Infiniti chose what maximum load to publish.

I haven't checked or confirmed this, but I have a feeling that the 150 lb. max roof load is the same across all Nissan/Infiniti "SUV" models with the roof rack option (EDIT: The maximum roof rack load published by Infiniti is 220 lbs for the EX). I'm sure that the roof load applied to an EX has a much less effect on vehicle stability when compared to the same load applied to a Pathfinder or Xterra.

I believe that their engineers have some safety factor tied in with their chosen load limit, and their attorneys may have had some input in the numbers as well.

It's up to you whether or not you want to abide by their numbers.

[sashki2]

what are your credentials to state the assumptions so confidently? (no sarcasm intended)

[NJGuy]

what are your credentials to state the assumptions so confidently? (no sarcasm intended)

Really?

Well, I am just one random guy on an internet message board. I honestly can't claim that I have any credentials. Even if I did claim to have them, I could be lying outright .

Sorry, I was just stating my opinions. The only thing I said I was "sure" about was the handling comparison between different models. Much of what I wrote I didn't confirm as a fact. Without going into too much detail (I don't want to go off topic and bore everyone), I just wrote what I thought made sense. If my thought process was flawed, then so be it . Maybe I should put in some kind of disclaimer in every one of my posts?

If it makes you feel any better, I was wrong about the combined weight for the roof rack load. I'll edit my posts shortly. At least on an 08 model, the Infiniti's published load limit for the EX's OEM roof rack is 220 lbs. So according to Infiniti, you can put in an extra half of a dead body up there. I can't speak of the aftermarket roof racks; you'll have to check with the manufacturer. Again, it's up to you whether or not you plan to abide by their published limits.

If I ruffled your feathers a bit, I apologize.

[sashki2]

[mikey1951]

Since Thule warns about compatibility with roof spoilers (No Fit) so I guess you can't open rear door with carrier installed. Also I can't determine if the mounting hole spacing is still greater than 19". What are we to do to get aerodynamic roof carrier?

[sashki2]

You've got to get a shorter one so that the back end of the carrier does not reach the opened hitch. That's how mine is.

[mikey1951]

Sashki2: what carrier did you get?

[sashki2]

I think it's x-cargo sport. It's been years ago and my cars seem to wear out quicker then the box so I had the same carrier on different cars.
I believe that's the one: http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1260 ... 2872020000.
It costs a fraction of what Thule/Yakima cost. I bought mine at d!ck's Sporting goods for around $127.
IMHO, Thule/Yakima make descent racks but, when it comes to cargo carriers, they're way overpriced. For me a carrier is just a utility thing that I put on the top of my car a few times a year and I'm not trying to impress anyone with how it looks or it's brand . Mine is slightly less aerodynamic because it's not as elongated and taller, but this way I get more cargo space. I probably loose $5-10 a trip (if that) in fuel economy in comparing with slick looking aerodynamic Thule/Yakima. As far as quality, I have no complains.
I've got to mention that I use Thule cross bars and don't attach the carrier to the factory crossbars directly . There's no Issues with the width or length.

[levinsr]

I have a Thule Atlantic 1600. It looks great and I can open the rear hatch. I also bought their cross bars as the factory ones were too close together.

[mikey1951]

After all the research, I am going with a hitch mounted tray & cover. I believe it will be better aerodynamically and I can use a bike rack on the hitch as well - not simultaneously of course. What do ya'll think??

[sashki2]

I considered it a while ago and decided it was not a good idea. It depends on how much load you're going to put there and how far back the tray expands. Ex35 sits pretty low and the extanding on the back tray is going to keep hitting the road when driving from a driveway and other higher surfaces - I had that experience on my previous car and eventually damaged a bike wheel beyond repair. Most of the time you'd need that tray on longer trips with the car loaded and thus seating even lower. My current bike rack is still hitch mounted but I found the one with a longer arm so that the bikes sit higher. Also, you can't put as much on the tray as you can in the roof box. Remember, we have basically a station wagon, not a truck. Go roof box!

[mikey1951]

sashki2: thx for the input - I failed to consider the ex sitting so low - I'll rethink my options.

[box_of_lego]

I'm contemplating a Frontier ref 9 rack by sport rack .. at 198 bucks cdn its cheaper than a thule ...

anybody see any reason why i should spend the money on beer and pizza instead ?

http://www.sportrack.com/a21009sn/

[sashki2]

While I'd go for a cheaper roof box, I'd be reluctant to save on a rack of this construction. The rack is affixed using rubber strips and quality of rubber might differ greatly between reputable and discount manufacturer. If you don't know much about Frontier, go for Thule or Yakima. Also, when buying a cheaper box, one saves a few hundred $$, with a cheaper rack the savings are much less. I bought mine brand new Thule from a private party either from Amazon or Ebay it turned out about the same or cheaper then Frontier