$600 Roof Racks

[Anonymous]

I really want to buy one of the expensive Yakima or Thule roof rack systems for my car, but am having a hard time justifying the $600 price tag. The OEM rack for my Honda Pilot is only $159, and appears to have the same weight capacity etc, but doesn’t look as cool. Can anyone who has one of the more expensive racks explain any benefits / advantages with going for the significantly more expensive option?
I’ll likely only use it 2-3 times a year and plan to have a cargo box up top.

[Anonymous]

It's just a rack? So there's no rain protection or security?

Thule makes great products. I bought a used Thule in 2010 and it's one of the best purchases I've ever made. I have no idea how old it is. It still functions perfectly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's just a rack? So there's no rain protection or security?

Thule makes great products. I bought a used Thule in 2010 and it's one of the best purchases I've ever made. I have no idea how old it is. It still functions perfectly.

Sorry. I totally misread your post.

The brand name racks may be more aerodynamic. May be easier to install the like brand cargo boxes. I use my cargo box on the toyota bars.

[Anonymous]

It’s about versatility for accessories.

The OEM rack is just crossbars. You’re very limited in terms of what accessories you can mount to the factory crossbars.

An aftermarket rack is the base of an entire system designed to work with all sorts of designed-specific pieces. Bikes, kayaks, skis, cargo pods, baskets, camping platforms, etc.

A factory rack is a joke if you’re really serious about transporting stuff on the roof safely and securely.


If you’re already paying $40k or more for a new suv or crossover, is $600 really that big a deal? No.