Honda Crossbars

Trevor -

I sent you an email several days ago...do you check it regularly? I'll resend now since I see you're online

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"Some people say you can't take it with you. I'm taking it with me."
Future: 2002 EXL-NAV, TW (with RES wanted!)
Current: 2001 Civic EX, silver
Leaving: 2001 Volvo V70 T5, white/graphite

Thanks Trevor -

We've chatted already, obviously.

I have a question for anybody with cross-bars: Can you position them anywhere along the roof rails, or do they have to line up with the little notch, like it shows in the instruction sheet? If I can't position them where I want (coupled with the fact that they are not to be used with cargo boxes) I guess I'll go the Yakima Double-Cross route.

- Darell

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"Some people say you can't take it with you. I'm taking it with me." - Steve Marin
Future: 2002 EXL-NAV, TW (with RES wanted!)
Current: 2001 Civic EX, silver
Leaving: 2001 V70 T5 - White w/ graphite leather

OK, still looking for my answer from above...

Also, I just had the brilliant thought: What if the price increase of the X-bars was due to the bars being redesigned so they can withstand some uplift, and will actually WORK with a cargo box? Any idea if the part number is changing?

- Darell

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czygmont,

I believe that darelldd's post is in regard to another posted topic regarding the safety of the Honda crossbars when using cargo boxes. The big picture is that neither Honda nor two of the major cargo box manufacturers (Thule and Yakima) recommend using the Honda crossbars with cargo boxes. The claim is the uplift forces are greater than the crossbars may be able to handle. For the details, try a search for "Honda Crossbars" or the poster, albaby I believe. That particular thread has views on both sides. Ultimately the decision is yours.

Jeff

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Jeff

'01 SS EX
Cassette, Rosen Video System, Fog Lights, Splash Guards
Full Nose Mask

See photos at:
http://www.fototime.com/inv/B5EC5C7BC6CFA07

I just checked my invoice from B.C. Imports www.hparts.com. I paid 78.72 for the xbars. The new price at BC is 118.08!!! Surely can't be the same part.
I also noticed that my invoice has a statement that says 666363 is replacing the part number (604276)for the bars. I wonder what the significance of that is! Why would they change the part number if all they are changing is the price? I wonder if Trevor has a new 666363 xbar to compare to 604276? That seems like a pretty hefty price increase if there was no improvement in the product. I imagine dealers would discount and try to get rid of the old models if an improved version is available. Just wondering.

Also noticed the "list price" on the bars when I bought them in May was $107. HandA "list price" presently is $139

In edit-looked at an accessory price list that I picked up from a dealer when I was shopping for an Ody. That "list price" for the crossbars was $149, so i guess "list price" is whatever the seller says it is, unlike MSRP.
Regards
Al



[This message has been edited by albaby (edited 09-23-2001).]

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by schnauzer:
After reading the posts regarding the Honda cross bars not being safe or recommended to be used with cargo boxes (per Honda?) I would like to know who has purchased cross bars for their 2002 EX...Yakima (what model) or Thule (what model) Why did you choose one over the other?
Thanks from a waiting newbie whose gathering the necessary info before diving into the pond.

</font>

Click to expand...

I use Thule cross bars on my EX. Specifically, the 415 foot pack and the 50" load bars.

I use these because they were salvaged from my Volvo wagon (what's better than free?!)

My experience is:
1) They are SOLID! They will not come off the van short of ripping the entire rack off the roof.

2) Infinitely adjustable along the length of the side rails.

3) Lockable (with the optional locks).

4) Wonderful with a Thule cargo box. We used one for a 2000 mile trip last summer and it was fantastic. No instability there!

5) Attachements available to carry anything.

6) Perfect for carrying home 4x8 sheets of whatever when you have the kids with you.

The only downsides are:
1) Not the quietest at highway speeds.

2) Not the prettiest setup on the block, but again, VERY solid.

Chuck K. has this setup also, with the Thule bike carrier. I haven't attempted to put a bike on top of the van since I might need oxygen to get up that high!

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Keith
2001 MB EX
Mud Flaps, Wheel Locks, Cargo Tray, Thule Crossbars with Cargo Box, 6.8" LCD TV System with FM Modulator, Accord EX 6 Disc/Cassette Double DIN Head Unit, Pioneer 1655/1086 Speakers

[This message has been edited by 3Boyz (edited 10-30-2001).]