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Roof rails?

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Spchaser

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
I have a 2016 Odyssey EX-L without roof rails.
I'd like to get a rack system to haul things like a cargo luggage for camping/skiing and paddle boards.
Can anyone recommend a system that is user friendly and easy to install yourself?
thanks
 
#2 ·
I use the OEM rails and aftermarket Malone crossbars. I got the OEM rails because I didn't want any fitment issues - the rails get bolt to existing bolts hidden in the roof tracks. I went with aftermarket crossbars because I wanted them to be adjustable. The OEM crossbars are not adjustable. I needed to mount a hand me down cargo box that already had holes drilled and didnt want to drill new holes.

This is probably the most flexible option. Only downsides are the cross bars are a little higher (they go on top of the rails instead of between the rails) which makes them a little noisier. I take them off when I'm not using them.



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#3 ·
I would recommend the above also, use the OEM rails and get aftermarket crossbars.

From what I read, I don't believe the OEM roof rails are a difficult installation.
 
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#6 ·
this is an old thread, and they look sold out too, but perhaps you can contact the company and see what they say:
www.odyclub.com

Aftermarket roof rail report

Howdy folks. This is a report on a set of aftermarket roof rails I installed on our 2015 Odyssey EX. Have to get this out of the way first – Honda’s roof rail implementation is a complete joke. Whoever signed off on this whole business where you have to remove the weather stripping, cut it...
www.odyclub.com www.odyclub.com

one of the last posts suggests trying a junk yard. good luck.
 
#7 ·
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#9 · (Edited)
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#11 ·
egads said:
$187. at Bernardi, free "standard shipping"
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I wonder if the other locations are actually out of stock but they'll get them for you if you really want them from them.

I've seen other vendors (not just auto parts) that will play with pricing instead of saying "Out Of Stock".
 
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#14 ·
FYI Thule changed their crossbar design and the 60" rectangular crossbars don't work on the Ody with the Thule Evo Raised Rail feet because the crossbars are limited to where they can connect to the feet. The crossbars no long have universal width. I like my crossbars a little wide because I carry windsurfing boards. I had to return the Thule and purchase Yakima Timberline system with the traditional round bars - I haven't tried to put it on the Ody yet.
 
#15 · (Edited)
Spchaser said:
thanks everyone for your comments. So the OEM roof rails (Part# 08L02-TK8-100) are on national backorder until 2022.
Are there any other options?
Click to expand...
If you can't get them from a dealer, you might be able to get them from a used parts service like LQK, through a wrecking yard. They are held on with special "ball nuts" which are at least $5 each from Honda. Also, the trim pieces necessary to fill the gap between the roof rack mounting pedestals are needed if you want to look "factory".

A word about crossbars - round bars whistle in the wind more than rectangular or oval bars. The difference was quite noticeable to me when I ditched the Yakima round bars..

Or - you can make them if you're desperate, and you have some DIY skills. You will have to remove the trim from the roof seams, and you will find 6mm studs that need those Honda ball nuts to attach a custom roof rack. You will need two 1/8" by 6" wide aluminum plates per corner, drilled to fit those studs, for starters. If you really want to make your own, there may be a way to PM me through this forum, and I can get you a picture and some more details on how to do this. I am extremely happy with the ones I made in this way. They are strong enough to carry four canoes.
 
#16 ·
It may be already too late, but look into Seasucker Monkey Bars. Etrailer sells them and I believe they are one of the forum sponsors. They work using a vacuum and users seem to rave about it. They are not cheap ($500) but you have no install and can use them on any current or future vehicle. Also easy to take off when you no longer need them for tour trip.

I'm not affiliated with eTrailer or Seasucker, just sharing what I came across when doing my own research. In the end I just paired down the stuff we take camping instead.... . .
 
#17 ·
infoseive said:
FYI Thule changed their crossbar design and the 60" rectangular crossbars don't work on the Ody with the Thule Evo Raised Rail feet because the crossbars are limited to where they can connect to the feet. The crossbars no long have universal width. I like my crossbars a little wide because I carry windsurfing boards. I had to return the Thule and purchase Yakima Timberline system with the traditional round bars - I haven't tried to put it on the Ody yet.
Click to expand...
Too bad about the Thule Evo system--looks nice. I am using the Thule 450 crossroads (discontinued but available used on the resale sites) and 58" square crossbars. The spacing between the factory rails decrease rearward so one can actually use a 50" crossbar on the rear (was able to use 50" crossbars on front and back on our '99 as well as '06 Odysseys). There is an irritating howl at low speeds with the 450 feet and square cross bars with nothing mounted on it. No excessive noise when a roof box or kayak(s) or paddleboards are attached though, so I try to remove the feet and bars when not in use.

Good luck OP, I would recommend OEM bars either new or from a dismantler (aka used parts stores) and use aftermarket crossbars--you can vary the spread between front and back bars depending on your load, the OEM cross bars are not adjustable. Any luck with Bernardi?
 
#18 ·
vango5 said:
use aftermarket crossbars--you can vary the spread between front and back bars depending on your load, the OEM cross bars are not adjustable.
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I had to get aftermarket cross bars to fit my long roof box without hitting the hatch. I went with the 65" Malone cross bars: https://www.etrailer.com/Roof-Rack/Honda/Odyssey/2016/MPG217.html?VehicleID=20161671224

They are still narrower than the van, but it is possible to hit your head on them getting in and out of the second row. There is enough room to put the outer leg of many attachments outside the foot, which makes for tons of available room up there! Almost no extra noise, even at highway speeds. (nothing like the Yakima round bars I have used in the past, even with the windjammer on there)

-Charlie
 
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#19 ·
Hey Charlie--

Those Malone Cross Bars look pretty nice. If I didn't already have the Thule 450 feet I probably would have gone with what you bought. Is there a typo on the etrailer site? the 65" air flow bars have a 132# capacity whereas the 58" bars are rated at #165.
 
#20 ·
vango5 said:
Is there a typo on the etrailer site? the 65" air flow bars have a 132# capacity whereas the 58" bars are rated at #165.
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I'm going to assume there is - the Malone website does not state any varying weight capacity with length.

-Charlie
 
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