Is anyone able to confirm the max spread you can get between the OEM crossbars after either removing the positioning pins or drilling new holes in the rails to accommodate them? As the rails have a small increasing width from the back to the front and I suspect the OEM bars have a limit on their length adjustment, is there a point where the bars max out and can't be placed further apart?

I will be wanting to carry a canoe on top and stock spacing in insufficient. I like the locking mechanism of the OEM bars better than the likes of Thule/Yakima but if the spacing remains too restrictive I will need to consider one of those options instead. Any photo of the position fore and aft would be great.

RyanR

 

I don't know the answer to your question but I have Rhino-Rack crossbars and they're solid and they have the bar length to fit anywhere along the rail, I put all kinds of stuff on them. I deliberately didn't buy the LR crossbars because 1) those pins and 2) they're kinda high.

 

The OEM ones are not width adjustable. So they need to go where the pins are as the rails aren't straight and there doesn't seem to be much give. Eg you can't mount the rear one the wrong way around as the angle of the rails won't match up with the clasps. I don't know how much flex you may have but if you really want to change position I'd suggest non OEM adjustable ones.

 

Sounds like aftermarket is the way to go. I will look at the options. Thanks

 

I use the Rhino-Rack option.

https://www.rhinorack.com/en-us/roof...4-3D89E668B80C

There is also a Thule option for over $100 more. Thule does not have as many off-road mounting options for their bars.

 

These are the ones I have been eying.