doitdub Posted February 8, 2018 Share Posted February 8, 2018 Hey everyone, A few weeks ago we got ourselves a 2014 Titanium LWB and have been doing a lot of research regarding roof rack utilizing the factory rails and would like to be able to keep them if I can. I've read that the Yakima Railgrab system will work, but have found conflicting information if there's enough clearance to actually use attachments, which for me would defeat the purpose of the rack. I plan to use it for kayaks, bikes and potentially basket for weekend camping trips and other adventures and don't plan to use it for anything too heavy like construction material. I've found there's options out there if I want to remove the factory silver rails, drop the headliner and bolt something down...but I'd rather not do that for a few reasons if I can avoid it. If you've found a solid options here, please share the specifics and any pictures if possible. Thanks a bunch. Justin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrtn Posted February 8, 2018 Share Posted February 8, 2018 Plenty of roof rack talk here. Use search and knock yourself out. Here's just one thread: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doitdub Posted February 8, 2018 Author Share Posted February 8, 2018 Yes thanks I've searched here quite a bit. I'm looking for verification on true usability of a rack WITH the factory rails (which there's conflicting information in that post). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doitdub Posted February 26, 2018 Author Share Posted February 26, 2018 Ended up using the Yakima Railgrab system with small claws and although I haven't had anything up there yet, the grip test was very solid and appears to have plenty of clearance for attachments. Hope it helps someone Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doitdub Posted February 26, 2018 Author Share Posted February 26, 2018 Rear Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boomerweps Posted March 3, 2018 Share Posted March 3, 2018 Could I trouble you to list the Yakima part numbers? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craighondo Posted March 6, 2018 Share Posted March 6, 2018 I would also like this info. It looks like RailGrab isn't available on Yakima's site anymore, and their online fit check doesn't say anything will work. Was this an older version of the RailGrab? Thule suggests either: 1. AeroBlade 7603 2. Aeroblade ARB53 with the Rapid Podium Foot Pack and Kit 4016 3. Or, their normal square bars with the Podium Foot Pack and Kit 4016 I'm leaning toward the AeroBlade, but I've got a bunch of older Yakima stuff, and I don't really want to replace all of it. Any other experiences? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirk Posted March 6, 2018 Share Posted March 6, 2018 I have a ton of Yakima attachments as well and found a set of RailGrab at a used rack store in town. The only issue I have found regarding clearance is when I went to use my Skybox. I am able to get the front set of grips to fit under the bar but the rear grips are not able to fit. I fixed this by shaving the grip a bit an placing a piece of rubber under the RailGrab. The rubber I chose was a hard durometer and was UV and chemical resistant. I check it often to make sure it is still in place and the tower is still solid. Here is the info for the RailGrab https://www.yakima.com/railgrab-4-pack Craigslist is a good source. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrtn Posted March 6, 2018 Share Posted March 6, 2018 Avoid square bars. Had a pair in one of my cars, there was always some humming. OLDSCHOOLFOOL 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doitdub Posted March 9, 2018 Author Share Posted March 9, 2018 On 3/3/2018 at 11:00 AM, Boomerweps said: Could I trouble you to list the Yakima part numbers? I'm sorry I'm not sure on the part numbers but it's the same as the link Kirk posted above, utilizing the small claws (there are 3 different sizes of claws as far as I know) and round bar set-up. I got everything together lightly used patiently watching ebay but you may also try craigslist or facebook marketplace as used sets come up often. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doitdub Posted March 9, 2018 Author Share Posted March 9, 2018 On 3/6/2018 at 6:35 PM, mrtn said: Avoid square bars. Had a pair in one of my cars, there was always some humming. Yeah I remember having those on an old civic hatchback of mine, the fairing definitely helped. I'm actually surprised at how quiet this is without a fairing, although I do have a small wind deflector in the middle. Still looking for a fairing that will work to make it quieter and look better as the one I got was too big. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craighondo Posted March 9, 2018 Share Posted March 9, 2018 Thanks for all this information! doitdub 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OLDSCHOOLFOOL Posted March 9, 2018 Share Posted March 9, 2018 On 3/6/2018 at 6:35 PM, mrtn said: Avoid square bars. Had a pair in one of my cars, there was always some humming. Second that. Mine seems to have some harmonics going on about 70mph. Been trying to think of some way to deflect air without affecting functionality. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doitdub Posted March 16, 2018 Author Share Posted March 16, 2018 On 3/9/2018 at 5:41 PM, OLDSCHOOLFOOL said: Second that. Mine seems to have some harmonics going on about 70mph. Been trying to think of some way to deflect air without affecting functionality. Wind fairing works well for that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
desert_connect Posted March 16, 2018 Share Posted March 16, 2018 On 3/6/2018 at 4:35 PM, mrtn said: Avoid square bars. Had a pair in one of my cars, there was always some humming. On 3/9/2018 at 6:00 AM, doitdub said: Yeah I remember having those on an old civic hatchback of mine, the fairing definitely helped. I'm actually surprised at how quiet this is without a fairing, although I do have a small wind deflector in the middle. Still looking for a fairing that will work to make it quieter and look better as the one I got was too big. On 3/9/2018 at 3:41 PM, OLDSCHOOLFOOL said: Second that. Mine seems to have some harmonics going on about 70mph. Been trying to think of some way to deflect air without affecting functionality. I had the same issue with Thule square bars on my Subaru. The bars made all sorts of whistling racket when they were empty above 50 mph. I used a small 1/4" rope wrapped spirally around the bars about 3" apart for a test and that eliminated the noise. Then switched to 1/8" shock cord I ordered from Amazon with bowline knot loops at each end and they always stay taut. Whisper quiet! OLDSCHOOLFOOL, mountainman, mrtn and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OLDSCHOOLFOOL Posted March 16, 2018 Share Posted March 16, 2018 3 hours ago, desert_connect said: I had the same issue with Thule square bars on my Subaru. The bars made all sorts of whistling racket when they were empty above 50 mph. I used a small 1/4" rope wrapped spirally around the bars about 3" apart for a test and that eliminated the noise. Then switched to 1/8" shock cord I ordered from Amazon with bowline knot loops at each end and they always stay taut. Whisper quiet! I will certainly try this out. Headed to the Outer Banks in a couple weeks to work on the Sunnyside Beach Cottage Retirement home with some good windshield time. The trip would be much more enjoyable without a bunch of humming. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OLDSCHOOLFOOL Posted April 8, 2018 Share Posted April 8, 2018 Tried this out using some 3/16 clothesline I had on hand and it worked great! Such a simple solution with such great results......damn near genius! Many thanks Desert_Connect! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harvey Posted September 7, 2018 Share Posted September 7, 2018 On 2/26/2018 at 4:26 PM, doitdub said: Rear What length bars do you have on there? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doitdub Posted October 22, 2018 Author Share Posted October 22, 2018 On 9/7/2018 at 3:33 PM, Harvey said: What length bars do you have on there? Sorry for the delay, Harvey. These are 58" bars. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doitdub Posted October 22, 2018 Author Share Posted October 22, 2018 (edited) Just an update on the rack. I ended up moving it to the rear of the wagon which on the extended I could probably fit a couple more bars up there if I ever decided I needed it. With my hitch set-up, I don't think I ever will though, as I just plan to use the top rack for kayaks and mtn bikes and/or cargo carrier will go on the back. Anyway, just recently installed these kayak carriers and seem to work well so far with plenty of clearance and although I haven't tried putting 2 kayaks up there yet, with these 58" bars I'll have plenty of room to fit a couple up there...3 if I get creative https://www.ebay.com/itm/2-Pair-Canoe-Boat-Kayak-Roof-Rack-Car-SUV-Truck-Top-Mount-Carrier-J-Cross-Bar/322350994133?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649 Edited October 22, 2018 by doitdub windguy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
windguy Posted October 28, 2018 Share Posted October 28, 2018 @doitdub - very cool pic. All set for fun! doitdub 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doitdub Posted October 30, 2018 Author Share Posted October 30, 2018 On 10/28/2018 at 12:31 PM, windguy said: @doitdub - very cool pic. All set for fun! You bet! We call this the Adventure Wagon ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manumit Posted June 25, 2020 Share Posted June 25, 2020 @doitdub Thanks for posting the follow up pictures. This was exactly the question I was looking to answer and the pictures are very helpful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zarticus Posted June 28, 2020 Share Posted June 28, 2020 I got these off ebay, $99 & free shipping from UK. They went on with no problem & work good. I just brought 6 16 foot 2x4's home from the lumber yard on them !. https://www.ebay.com/itm/FORD-TRANSIT-CONNECT-ANTI-THEFT-ALUMINIUM-CROSS-BAR-RACK-75-KG-LOADING-BLACK/223320694806?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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