Help with crossbars

[AndyM]

I have been looking at a Yakima and Thule roof box. One issue in my research is that OEM crossbars may not be the best choice. Is this correct? If so, what crossbars are you running and do you have any issues?

 

[fkheath]

I have been looking at a Yakima and Thule roof box. One issue in my research is that OEM crossbars may not be the best choice. Is this correct? If so, what crossbars are you running and do you have any issues?

The OEM cross bars are too close to the roof; my Yakima SkyBox attachment latches on the bottom wanted to drag on the roof when installing it. Better to get cross bars that are further above the roof.

 

[mahdits]

Stock bars are not firm enough, when I put my box on factory bars it bounced up and down just enough to hit the roof. Ended up buying the Thule wingbar edge cross bars, problem solved, and they don't look bad either, very low profile.

 

[AndyM]

The OEM cross bars are too close to the roof; my Yakima SkyBox attachment latches on the bottom wanted to drag on the roof when installing it. Better to get cross bars that are further above the roof.

Thanks, that is what my concern was. Do you have a recommendation for crossbars?

 

[AndyM]

Stock bars are not firm enough, when I put my box on factory bars it bounced up and down just enough to hit the roof. Ended up buying the Thule wingbar edge cross bars, problem solved, and they don't look bad either, very low profile.

Thanks!

 

[YT-1300]

Couldn't be happier with my LFD bars and Yakima Skybox 16.

Ruggedized Crossbar - 5th Gen 4Runner
– LFD Off Road

 

[AndyM]

Couldn't be happier with my LFD bars and Yakima Skybox 16.

Ruggedized Crossbar - 5th Gen 4Runner
– LFD Off Road

Thanks, I had been looking at the LFD bars. Any issues with wind buffeting?

 

[YT-1300]

They have wind fairings but the Skybox won't work with them. I solved any wind noise by stuffing $2 worth of foam pipe insulation in the underneath side of the front bar, basically just taking up the void.

 

[John in NC]

As said above, LFD crossbars. They're very strong, and get the roof box a little higher off the roof, and the front bar (I think) can be slid slightly further forward compared to the stock crossbars.