roof rack question-Sport 20-SV

andedan · Apr 20, 2008

I have a Sport 20-SV roof rack that I used to use with my 2002 Chrysler Town and Country. I now have a 2008 Odyssey touring that I just installed the roof cross bars onto. I was thinking they would be adjustable like the town and country, but you have to use the torx head screwdriver to loosen and move them.

My question is this. The instructions for the cross bars from Honda say you have to line up the crossbars with the dots on each side of the roof rack. But, I need to adjust these an inch to 2 inches to allow the roof rack I currently have to fit on the crossbars. Will it cause any problems to move the crossbars from the predetermined dots on the sides for weight distribution sake? We are taking a trip to Florida (1,000mile trip) and I don't want to have any problems with the roof rack on the way (it worked fine on the town and country we used to have).
I can clarify a little more if I'm not making sense. Let me know.

Thanks.

kjrun · Apr 21, 2008

I don't think it would be a problem. I've had mine about a inch beyond the marked spot on both ends (spread out total 2 in.) to better accommodate a canoe. I've had no issues with it at all. I think they just don't want it mounted at the far corners, especially stressing the front mounts.

sega626 · Apr 21, 2008

I too have a 20sv, and have used it on both the '05 and '06 Ody, and my bars are not at the "prescribed points" I have had no issues with them. Also, the mounting points are adjustable on the cargo box as well, so you can move those around to better suit your needs if need be.

noyu · May 2, 2008

sega626 said:
I too have a 20sv, and have used it on both the '05 and '06 Ody, and my bars are not at the "prescribed points" I have had no issues with them. Also, the mounting points are adjustable on the cargo box as well, so you can move those around to better suit your needs if need be.

Hi sega626,

May I ask you how's would you like your 20sv?

And how sturdy is the box on freeway speed?

I know its made by Thule but I used to have a sportrack 15cu ft but the box feel flimsy and impossible to open or close with one hand.

Thanks

sega626 · May 3, 2008

My 20sv has worked awesome! I have used it twice, first across country from WA to GA, then just last summer up to WV and back. Both times it always felt tight on the rack, and when driving I could not even tell it was on. It does almost seem flimsy opening (since it opens from the rear), but it is still plenty sturdy. I think I like the fact that it opens from the rear, because it seems less likely for the wind to get up under and lift it open.

noyu · May 3, 2008

sega626 said:
My 20sv has worked awesome! I have used it twice, first across country from WA to GA, then just last summer up to WV and back. Both times it always felt tight on the rack, and when driving I could not even tell it was on. It does almost seem flimsy opening (since it opens from the rear), but it is still plenty sturdy. I think I like the fact that it opens from the rear, because it seems less likely for the wind to get up under and lift it open.

Thanks for your reply!

How hard is it for you to load / unload?

Besides stepping on the rear bumper can you load on the side?

Thanks

sega626 · May 4, 2008

You can partially load from the side, although you still have to open from the rear. I just carried a small folding step stool to use, rather than the rear bumper. I just kept it in the back of the van with anything else I knew I would need mid-trip, to minimize having to get in the cargo box.
Attached is a pic of the '05 when I came across country with it on top. I was moving then, so I filled it with things I didn't need on the trip, but too valuable to allow the movers to have, so I didn't need to get in it much.

noyu · May 4, 2008

Thanks sega626 for your reply!

I have seen the same pic on the other thread, do you have any other pics with the box mounted?

I am just trying to visualize how hard it will be to load / unload because I have an opportunity to pick up an used one for under $100 vs spending $400 on the Thule Atlantis 1600 which I have ordered from REI already and pending to be pick up at their store.

Thanks

andedan · May 4, 2008

Just returned from an 1800 mile trip. Sport 20-SV worked perfectly at all speeds up to 80 mph. Was even water tight in a driving rainstorm for about 150 miles!!

noyu · May 6, 2008

andedan said:
Just returned from an 1800 mile trip. Sport 20-SV worked perfectly at all speeds up to 80 mph. Was even water tight in a driving rainstorm for about 150 miles!!

Great thanks sega626 and andedan for feedback on the 20-SV you guys just save me over $300.00

andedan, I want to ask you how you load and unload the carrier on the ody?

Did you use a step stool like sega mentioned or from the rear?

Any pics to show the box on the ody?

Thks

cebrew · May 6, 2008

I've got the same cargo box as well. I load it from the rear standing on the bumper and then adjust as necessary from the side standing on the tire. I will say using the bumper can be a little tricky in the rain or when its wet. I have an 03 and I'm pretty sure I didn't have to move the crossbars from the "recommended" spots, I just used different holes in the box. The box has been great, never had any issues with it (other than where to store it when I'm at the vacation destination). I'm too chicken to go much over 75 when I have it attached. I check all the "wing" nuts when I stop to fill up the tank. I would definitely buy it again if I had to. I think you'll be happy with it.

noyu · May 8, 2008

cebrew said:
I've got the same cargo box as well. I load it from the rear standing on the bumper and then adjust as necessary from the side standing on the tire. I will say using the bumper can be a little tricky in the rain or when its wet. I have an 03 and I'm pretty sure I didn't have to move the crossbars from the "recommended" spots, I just used different holes in the box. The box has been great, never had any issues with it (other than where to store it when I'm at the vacation destination). I'm too chicken to go much over 75 when I have it attached. I check all the "wing" nuts when I stop to fill up the tank. I would definitely buy it again if I had to. I think you'll be happy with it.

Thanks for your field report!

I like this box because I can pick up an used one and saved few hundred dollars plus the Thule or Yamika might be more aerodynamic but a little shallow to carry luggage and other bigger items.

Will let you guys know after I got it (going to pick it up next week).

Cheers

noyu · May 21, 2008

Just an update on the Sport 20-SV cargo box:

Was able to test the Sears cargo box on a 600 miles round trip although never encounter any down pour rain storm but a few showers and everything remain dry and wind noise is minimal had it up close to 90 mph (just a few seconds) on a straight stretch on the highway to test out the wind noise but surprisingly I can hardly hear anything.

Its actually quieter than the crossbars alone.

And thank andedan,sega626 and cebrew for your input on this cargo box otherwise I wouldn't have bought it.

I have to admit the 20-SV might not be the best looking cargo box out there but it definitely is the best bang for the buck!

jmckfoster · Jun 8, 2008

Installation manual/instructions needed for Sears SV20 cargo carrier

Does anyone have the installation manual for the Sears SV20 cargo carrier? I got a used one from craigslist and was ill when i went to pick it up and didn't even look for the manual. I have the hardware but don't know what attaches to what. Either manual or pics of how it looks would help greatly. I am leaveing on the 14th and need it on by then. Thanks so much!

2x Odyssey owner! (02 & 04)

:king:

Rickster · Jun 8, 2008

Going to install mine in a few minutes, let me see if I can do this by memory.

Each of the 4 mounting points has some parts

1) two knobs to tighten down on top of the bolts
2) two bolts
3) long narrow metal piece with a slot in it and an open area to let bolt head in
4) rounded rectangular flat piece that sits inside cargo carrier and allows bolts to come up through

Steps:

Set the cargo carrier on the racks, adjusting until the holes in the carrier sit over the bars in all four areas...you may need to adjust bars until this happens...or you can drill holes in the carrier.

This can vary by person, but I put the long narrow piece below the rack and put in the bolts, sliding the head up past the round area into the narrower channel. I then put the bolts up through the holes in the cargo carrier, one on each side of the cross rack. Inside the carrier (be careful opening the lid..I put a bag or something in the other side so if it collapse it won't eat your arm

I put the rectangular piece on top of the bolts and then start the knobs, leaving them loose enough to allow me to do this in the other three places. After I have all four areas bolted up I go back and center the carrier, then tighten the knobs down, making sure I keep the bolt heads as far forward in their channels as possible, and keeping them parallel to the top of the Ody as much as possible.

That is it..I will now go out and mount my carrier and see where I messed up the instructions

.

I wil ltry to take pics for you.

Oh, I painted mine white this weekend to match the Ody. Not a great quality paint so kind of cheezy (fix it later), but hopefully this will keep it a little cooler in there and not melt my wife's makeup this time

Don't ask me how I know this can happen

Rickster · Jun 9, 2008

I just saw the date on the last post...guess you probably figured it all out already...anyway, I'll post the pics. I left out one piece of metal.

1) You have the piece with the channels in it. One channel does not have the round area for a bolt head. Start that one first toward the front of the bar, and just push the bolt up through the channel, then up through the rectangular piece with the rounded edges, which sits on top of the rack but below the carrier, then the bolt goes through the carrier hole, then into the long narrow piece that just has round holes in it, then your knob goes on the bolt. Start the knob about halfway, that way you can let go and do the back one which is a little more awkward to do, but when you get them both started, go to the others. After through, then go back and tighten them, keeping the channel piece parallel with the roof and the bolts pushed to the front of the channels. Here are the pics, hope it helps. If you have already gone on your vacation, congrats (laughing).

Over the years I've lost some of the pieces so have fabbed up some replacements, but it's all good. Took out a big crow or grackle to the front of it one time at about 75 and other than some messy stuff, no worries at all.

I WOULD check the knob tightness at your first fuel stop...the back and forth motion can sometime make them loosen up a bit. That's all.

noyu · Jun 9, 2008

I might be a little late but anyway here's a copy of the manual:

Rickster,

The paint job doesn't look bad at all from your pics how did you manage to paint the ABS plastic?

Did you sand it first and what kind of paint did you use?

I was thinking have the box painted as well but never get around to do it, yours looks good and match your van!

here's the link to the manual in case you want to print yourself a copy:

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d191/noyu/SearsSport20-SV.jpg

Rickster · Jun 9, 2008

I looked for that manual but couldn't find it, good job digging it up.

Well my primary reason for painting was to keep it cooler...got in trouble last year when I put my wife's makeup bag up there and it got too hot...I'm still married, but it was close

)

I went to Lowes and found some white spray paint for plastic (not Krylon), and then I washed the carrier off, trying to strip it down..it leads a hard life in my back barn area, gets blown around by the wind, hailed on baked by the sun, occasionally a dog pees on it (laughing). So I just did a quick clean and then started painting. I wouldn't recommend the paint I bought at Lowes, at least in white, because it always streaked on me, no matter how carefully I tried to apply it. Some black shadow always showed through somewhere. I put on four coats, and there at the last I was just stupid, so I didn't get the lower part as good as I wanted it...a few drips. If I were to do it again I would try to finda better match for my Ody paint...it's close but not quite as bright, but I do think it will stay cooler at least. I've already been told not to touch the red bag, snicker.

noyu · Jun 9, 2008

Thanks for your tips on painting the box.

Yeah, I noticed on your pics where the lower half has some minor issue but hardly noticable though!

Please keep us updated on how well the plastic paint held up because if I am going to do it I hope I only have to do it once and if the paint chip off or peel off easy I would just leave it in black although I really hated the stock ABS plastic black (looks like plumbing pipes under the bathroom sink) but still better than what you have just mentioned trying to paint the box.

Did you notice any issue with your box mounted to the Honda Crossbars?

I like the look of the OE crossbars (lower profile hardly noticeable) but don't like its pretty much permanent once you install it vs I am using Thule style (clone) aftermarket crossbars I can remove them after each trip without adding more weight and drag to the van.

How's the wind noise from the Honda crossbars?

My square tube crossbars are really noisy when travelling over 70 mph but once I mounted the box the wind noise is not much louder than without any crossbars and I am very pleased with the 20-SV.

jmckfoster · Jun 9, 2008

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!

You guys rock!!! Great pics and the manual is awesome!

I thought the wing nuts would have gone on the outside because I read someone checks them at fuel stops. So I am glad I didn' put it on yet. I am leaving Saturday the 14th and wanted to get some stuff in it earlier. I bought the unit used for $75. I have to be careful what I put in it as well due to the heat.

I just found this web site today and man am I glad I did. Thanks so much for all your help.

Julie

Noyu,
I have original Honda cross bars and don't hear anything from them. I do only get 19-20 mpg highway though so I think they factor into that. Plus 70-75 mph may not help either.

roof rack question-Sport 20-SV

andedan

kjrun

sega626

noyu

sega626

noyu

sega626

noyu

andedan

noyu

cebrew

noyu

noyu

jmckfoster

Rickster

Rickster

noyu

Rickster

noyu

jmckfoster

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