2009 Mazda CX-9 needs rails?

[beagle2024]

I’m trying to figure out if my 2009 Mazda CX9 needs rails or if I can just purchase crossbars to go directly on the vehicle without rails . I’ve seen various styles. I attached a photo of one with only crossbars and no rail for reference.
*to clarify it currently doesn’t have anything*

 

[Mazdiod2]

You can attach anything you want if you use M6 screws. THere is a thread on this forum where someone made one 'from scratch'.

 

[Bronco Boy]

Look at Thule or Yakima; they attach to the roof without rails. Or go to a junkyard and get a factory rack.

 

[jweaks]

Year ago, I bought OEM rails for our 2012 CX9 and they were stupid simple to install. Then, lots of cheap options for crossbars.

 

[youri]

The issue with the ones on the photo is how low they are to the roof. There is a good amount of curvature on the roof. And the mounting points are pretty far forward and to the rear. So your load on the bars may hit the roof. You just need to make sure that what you plan to put on these bars will fit (be high enough to clear the roof and long enough to reach both bars.)

Compare the location, distance and height of the bars with the rails and without the rails, and see what fits your need. It is possible that the rail be required to get the bars closer to each other to mount standard accessories. (Bike rack, cargo baskets, etc)

 

[youri]

You can see an example here of an install without rails

https://www.etrailer.com/tv-install-thule-podium-2010-mazda-cx9-thkit3069.aspx

 

[youri]

And an example of how much closer the cross bars are with the mazda rails: on the photo in that link

Roof Rack System: Crossbars & Side Rails | Mazda CX-9 (2007-2015)

No matter what activities you love, you can take your favourite gear with you on your Mazda CX-9. This versatile crossbar system is used in combination with attachments for transporting bicycles, skis, snowboards and more. Roof racks offer additional storage without obstructing your view of the...

mazdashop.ca

It depends what your needs are