CX5 Roof Rack Options

[Phayle]

Hi all.

Just traded in a CX9 GT for a CX5 GT, love it so far.

When I had my CX9 it came with the roof railings. I bought the Thule 450R/Aeroblade set. However, when installed I noticed that the roof rails bowed inward so much that the ends of the roof rails lifted a bit. My fear was that the mounting screws would be exposed to weather, leading to corrosion.

My new CX5 came without the railings and I am wondering which way to go. Get roof rails installed and risk the same issue with my 450R set? Go with the Thule Traverse Foot Pack? Or a fixed point option? Or try the Aeroblade Edge 7503?

Has anyone noticed any bowing using the roof rails? Or damage using the clamps from the Foot pack fit kits?

Thanks.

 

[icarlos]

Can't answer your question but I do have the 450R/Aeroblade combo and the wind noise was too much for me. MPG is also a problem.

 

[MikeM.]

My new CX5 came without the railings and I am wondering which way to go. Get roof rails installed and risk the same issue with my 450R set? Go with the Thule Traverse Foot Pack? Or a fixed point option? Or try the Aeroblade Edge 7503?

Of course it's a matter of personal preference.

I prefer roof racks that quickly and easily remove entirely since 98% of the time I don't need a roof rack. By mounting the rack only when I need a rack I avoid all the wind noise and the very significant hit my MPG takes with a roof rack mounted. Additionally, I like a car that corners flat (one of the CX-5's best attributes compared to the competition) so I avoid adding the extra weight of a roof rack in the place it can most be noticed, up high on top of the roof. Of course if I need to haul something that's too long to fit in the cabin, it's a simple matter to throw a roof rack on.

 

[Phayle]

Yeah I would use a rack maybe once or twice a year tops. Leaving on fixed racks does not make sense actually.

I would prefer my existing 450r set but roof rail bowing concerns me. I doubt that roof rails alone, I hope, would be a big MPG hit.
It seems like the Yakima Railgrabber might be less prone to rail bowing. Are the roof rails rated at 100 lbs like the bars?

Otherwise I guess a clamp on set like the Traverse might be the way to go.

 

[rjdee]

When using the Yakima Railgrabs on the factory rails, your weight limit is 165. Definitely stronger than the factory crossbars which are rated at 100lbs as said ^. I'd expect the Yakima bars to be louder than the factory bars. How much is a big unknown as it really depends on bar placement. The Railgrabs do uninstall pretty easy. A few spins of one bolt at each corner and they're off.

What are you carrying on the bars?

 

[Phayle]

I plan on using a cargo basket up top.

But if the OEM rails, not crossbars, are rated at 100 lbs wouldn't the entire setup be limited to 100 lbs?

 

[rjdee]

I plan on using a cargo basket up top.

But if the OEM rails, not crossbars, are rated at 100 lbs wouldn't the entire setup be limited to 100 lbs?

Based upon Yakima's rating, the rails are solid and secure but factory crossbars design has a weakness which requires the lower limit. Yakima will use the factory limits unless there is a distinct weakness or flaw. I don't have nor have I looked close at the raised rail but usually the warning label references using factory crossbars. I do know the factory rails are mounted with 2 good bolts at each corner.

On some cars the rails are the weakest point, on others it's the crossbars, each application is different. The big plus is the CX5 has a decent system. Other cars are just cosmetic.

Fit Information
Vehicle: MAZDA CX-5
Year Range: 2013-2014 Fit Type: Top
Factory Rack: Raised Siderails Weight Limit: 165
Tower/Attachment: RailGrab Required Accessory:
Crossbar Length: 48" CrossBars Recommended Fairing: 38" Fairing
Front Clips/Landing Pads: Medium Claws Rear Clips/Landing Pads: Medium Claws

Fit Information
Vehicle: MAZDA CX-5
Year Range: 2013-2014 Fit Type: Top
Factory Rack: Optional Crossbars Weight Limit: 100
Tower/Attachment: Factory Crossbar

 

[Phayle]

Tyvm for posting that, good info.