aftermarket crossbars and roof rails?

[mojorisin]

I am looking for a good aftermarket set of both crossbars and roof rails. I like Thule but when I check there website it looks as if they only have crossbars that fit into the factory mounting holes. Is this correct? Can someone help me determine which is the roof rails and crossbars that fit into the factory mounting points? I would like for the crossbars to be able to hold more than 100 pounds as we are going on a vacation this summer and are going to have 5 adults and one child in the vehicle with us. Everything needs to go in a cargo bag or box for a more comfortable ride. I was worried with that much luggage driving at highway speeds the factory roof rails wouldn't be able to handle it. Thanks for any help.

 

[FlashJim]

Thule, Yakima, Rhino Rack, and Rola all make racks for the CX-9.

I have no experience with any of them. I've just researched them a bit since I got the CX-9 a few weeks ago.

 

[mojorisin]

Well let me ask this then. If I were to get factory roof rails and then then aftermarket cross bars would that be able to hold more than the 100 pound capacity of the factory cross bars, or is it dependent upon the roof rails also?

 

[HOLOHOLO]

You might decrease it with the wrong components, but you will not increase the capacity - the shear strength of the anchor system and bolts remains the same. An aftermarket Thule/Yakima bolt on system may increase it slightly though.

You can however maximize the stock rail's load by evenly distributing the weight, keeping it low and using tiedowns.

And driving carefully of course. ;-)

 

[crikey]

It seems that you can bypass the roof rails completely, check out this thread. This would be another option if you are concerned about the weight limit. Personally, I've used the OEM roof rack and have exceeded the 100 lb weight limit with no issues whatsoever.

 

[mojorisin]

so is there an aftermarket system that uses roof rails along with the cross bars that would also use the factory mounting points? I appreciate the help. I have never used a roof rack and am not very confident in choosing one. If anyone knows the name of one so i can see on that particular website i would be thankful. This is becoming rather frustrating for me because i don't really know what means what when I am reading the descriptions. Thanks again.

 

[HOLOHOLO]

Thule and Yakima have their own "feet" that attach directly to the Mazda roof mounting points. Very clean- very strong but not suited for every type of load.

Talk to the folks at rackattack or ORSracksdirect. They know it all and will give you a discount.

 

[mojorisin]

thanks rackattack was very helpful. they recommended getting the factory roof rails then getting thule crossbars and they would be rated for 165 pounds.