crossbars

[Stencraft01]

I recently purchased a 2012 Rogue S that did not come with roof rails. Salesman advised that these can be applied aftermarket and this would be a lot less expensive than have the dealer install OEM ones. Has anyone had any experience with this type of aftermarket installation and if yes, have they had any issues with leaks or the like.

[ronmora]

I was thinking about adding the Nissan silver crossbars. Does anyone have a picture they can share before I buy. Thanks in advance...

[Qashqai]

I have some pictures to share at home, but right now I am at work.

Pros: They look really good. If you are going to install just for aesthetic purposes go ahead. You won't notice any noise and increase in the fuel consumption.

Cons: Not functional.
1. You can't adjust the distance between them. Most of the cargo boxes/bike careers need custom distances between the cross bars.
2. I am living in Ottawa and with all the snow and ice, I wish I never bought and install them. It is very difficult to clear 5 inches of snow with the crossbars.
3. I heard some horror stories about the screws being rusted, mine are not yet.
4. I noticed the clear coat on the front edges of the crossbars started to chip. The paint is now exposed and I guess next year I have to start touch up the chips.
5. One of the nuts on the roof bar is released from its plastic holder. So basically the rear crossbar is attached by three screws. The fourth screw is spinning with the nut. I didn't tighten too much, I guess the nuts on the roof bar is not solid.

[ronmora]

Thanks for info. Did you install yourself? Appreciate any pictures you can share.

[Rogue One]

I have some pictures to share at home, but right now I am at work.

Pros: They look really good. If you are going to install just for aesthetic purposes go ahead. You won't notice any noise and increase in the fuel consumption.

Cons: Not functional.
1. You can't adjust the distance between them. Most of the cargo boxes/bike careers need custom distances between the cross bars.
2. I am living in Ottawa and with all the snow and ice, I wish I never bought and install them. It is very difficult to clear 5 inches of snow with the crossbars.
3. I heard some horror stories about the screws being rusted, mine are not yet.
4. I noticed the clear coat on the front edges of the crossbars started to chip. The paint is now exposed and I guess next year I have to start touch up the chips.
5. One of the nuts on the roof bar is released from its plastic holder. So basically the rear crossbar is attached by three screws. The fourth screw is spinning with the nut. I didn't tighten too much, I guess the nuts on the roof bar is not solid.

Great write up! I am curious about the functionality of the roof rails. Although the manual gives a weight limit of 99 lbs (45kg), IMO they don't appear exceptionally sturdy.

As for using crossbars, Thule's AeroBlade would probably be a good substitute. They're fairly stylish, and probably a lot more functional.

[Lowes11]

The crossbars are useless. They cannot hold anything. The screws do rust right away and the paint does not stay and they turn black. Mine came on the vehicle. I would not purchase them after the fact.

[minibus4]

Yakima Whispbars bar treated me well. Look stock and I do not get any noticable windnoise or declining mpg. I think they are rated to hold like 170 pounds but im not positive.