Need help selecting roof rack for 2012 Mazda5 with power sunroof

[Jimi in the 5]

I'm looking for a roof rack system that doesn't interfere with the power moon roof operation on my 2012 Mazda5. I would like to open the moon roof while having my Sears X-Cargo Sport 20 (made by Thule) cargo box attached. Through my initial research I have discovered that the Mazda OEM system (made by Thule, I think) is the only option I have. My only problem with that is that they come with the plastic coated, square, steel load bars. I have found these bars to be quite noisy and have had them crack and rust. I would rather go with a Thule AeroBlade or similar set-up to offset the wind noise and prevent rusting. If there is anyone out there that has definite answers it would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Davicho]

If you want full use of your moonroof. OEM is the only option. No other racks will let the moonroof fully open.

 

[Jimi in the 5]

Thanks for responding. Is that what you have on your 5? And if so, what issues, if any, have you had with the square load bars and how have you dealt with them? Thanks.

 

[Davicho]

Thanks for responding. Is that what you have on your 5? And if so, what issues, if any, have you had with the square load bars and how have you dealt with them? Thanks.

I first bought a ROLA rack which was very nice. I thought I could do without the use of the moonroof but it only lasted 1 month before I just couldn't do without it. So I sold it. I looked at the Thule, Yakima, Inno, Etc but none gave full access to the moonroof. So I bit the bullet and bought my OEM rack. I love it and after over 1.5 years of being on between my old 2006 and now my 2012 it still looks perfect. I also use from time to time a Yakima basket up there and I can still fully open my moonroof. With the basket it is a bit noisy with the moonroof open only. The rack alone does not make much noise but I didn't place the wind diffusers where the Mazda instructions say to place them. I monkeyed around with them and found a particular configuration worked better. (No diffuser on the rear bar and one each small diffuser at each end of the front bar and large diffuser dead smack in the middle of the front bar. All facing downward.)

 

[Jimi in the 5]

Just purchased the Mazda5 OEM Roof Rack Model 0000-8L-L09 off Ebay for $190. Not a bad price I thought, especially for a new one. Thanks for your help. Too bad there aren't more options available that would allow for operation of the power moon roof. Oh well!

 

[Davicho]

Just purchased the Mazda5 OEM Roof Rack Model 0000-8L-L09 off Ebay for $190. Not a bad price I thought, especially for a new one. Thanks for your help. Too bad there aren't more options available that would allow for operation of the power moon roof. Oh well!

Did you buy it for "lilbit"? They are a Mazda dealer and they have been blowing them out for a couple years now because they somehow have a crap load. At least that's what they told me when I asked why so cheap. I got it from them too. Best price hands down!!

 

[Orangutan]

Just purchased the Mazda5 OEM Roof Rack Model 0000-8L-L09 off Ebay for $190. Not a bad price I thought, especially for a new one. Thanks for your help. Too bad there aren't more options available that would allow for operation of the power moon roof. Oh well!

Did you buy it for "lilbit"? They are a Mazda dealer and they have been blowing them out for a couple years now because they somehow have a crap load. At least that's what they told me when I asked why so cheap. I got it from them too. Best price hands down!!

Whelp, I was going to buy a fancy Whispbar set, but for $190 I just bought one of these! Awesome. Thanks for the info and tip!

 

[Jimi in the 5]

Yep, got it from Lilbit! Glad to hear you got it from the same place and that you're happy with it. Again, thanks for the info.

 

[steadypimpin]

I have an inno rack on mine. If you don't have anything on the rack then you have full access of your moonroof. When the fairing is on mine I can't use the moonroof. I think you can open the moonroof all the way with the OEM rack but if you have stuff on the rack I see no need to use the moonroof.