Removing stock cross bars

[Recon Aircrew]

I recently bought a Thule roof box and plan on mounting it on Rhino Rack Vortex Stealth Bars. They seem to be much sturdier than the stock bars.

Has anyone ever removed their stock cross bars? Any tips?

Thanks!

 

[CharlieS]

Yes, pry the rear plastic covers off both rack rails, turn to loosen the two plastic knobs on each end of the crossbar, and slide them rearward until they come off. A plastic trim prying tool or bone tool is ideal for removing the plastic covers.

FWIW, I use my Thule box on the stock crossbars.

 

[liv2bike]

I’ve got a Yakima box on stock crossbars. No issues at all. OEM bars are plenty strong. Additionally most roof boxes can only hold so much weight. You’ll hit the limit of the roof box before the OEM cross bars.

 

[Hothonda]

Thule on stock bars:

 

[grinchy]

I recently bought a Thule roof box and plan on mounting it on Rhino Rack Vortex Stealth Bars. They seem to be much sturdier than the stock bars.

Has anyone ever removed their stock cross bars? Any tips?

Thanks!

Are you replacing the rails with towers as well? If so @eatSleepWoof has done this

 

[Recon Aircrew]

I’ve got a Yakima box on stock crossbars. No issues at all. OEM bars are plenty strong. Additionally most roof boxes can only hold so much weight. You’ll hit the limit of the roof box before the OEM cross bars.

Thanks. Saw a few posts about box vibration with the stock bars which is what prompted the Rhino Rack bar purchase. Only plan to put skis, poles, boots, a few bags in the box. Should not go over weight limit. However, it’s for long trips so if it vibrated at all I didn’t want to be thinking “I should have gotten the Rhino Rack bars” during the drive. Having read the posts here though, starting to wonder about that logic. Anyways, I think I found the last remaining in stock pair of 935mm Vortex bars anywhere.

 

[liv2bike]

Thanks. Saw a few posts about box vibration with the stock bars which is what prompted the Rhino Rack bar purchase. Only plan to put skis, poles, boots, a few bags in the box. Should not go over weight limit. However, it’s for long trips so if it vibrated at all I didn’t want to be thinking “I should have gotten the Rhino Rack bars” during the drive. Having read the posts here though, starting to wonder about that logic. Anyways, I think I found the last remaining in stock pair of 935mm Vortex bars anywhere.

Gotcha. Mine doesn’t really vibrate at all. Loaded or unloaded. And it stays on the roof year round. It’s definitely handy, esp. for hauling winter gear. I try to pack it so that gear doesn’t bounce/move around. Soft bags work best. Cheers.