I leave for a one week trip on Saturday and need to throw some cargo on the roof of the Ex. I'm happy to buy a cargo rack but what do you guys suggest for mounting it to the factory racks? I know and am aware of the factory racks and how close they sit. I need a solution I can purchase on Amazon since I can get it within a day.

Let me know your thoughts and THANK YOU in advance.

Edit: Would this work with a couple extensions WITHOUT needing to purchase something like the Yakima roof rack system?

 

I took some pieces of aluminum and tapped them for 1/4 28 bolts, then put them in the slots in the top of the rails. Then you can bolt anything you want up there. I've put home made bike racks and kayak racks on mine.

They slide around until you tighten them up and you are good to go, sorry no pics, did this prolly 10 years ago.

 

Factory roof rack cross bar removal was my first mod. I currently have eight Yakima cross bars on which is mounted a Mega Warrior with two extension sections. I also have accessories to mount almost, and I mean almost, everything. Most purchased used off of Craigslist. Go crazy.

 

did the Surco Safari Rack and modified it ........ check out the pics on my photo album
> remove factory cross bars and and bolt down, but prior its a full day project to build and mounting will take some friends to attach....... but its mean ~!

 

Check this reno for sale "yakima" - craigslist


between used and some new stuff you should be in fat city.

 

I bought the Yakima rail rider system with crossbars from someone used for like fifty bucks. Works perfect.

 

Take your factory rail bolts to lowes and get stainless ones that are about 1/2" longer. While there, pick up a rubber bushing with a brass insert that is slightly larger diameter than the bolt. Go home and take out the factory bolt, put the new bushing under the roof rail and fasten down tight to the factory threaded plate. Use washers as you see fit. I haul a Thule cascade roof box on it with no issues and it only raises the rails about 1/2" so parking garages are not an issue. As a plus, the rails no longer rub the roof. Good Luck!

 

Late response since you're leaving tomorrow but if you need a hardware store solution and you have a saw that will cut metal, you can use use what I did here:

hardware store cross bars

Any store bought cargo rack should be able to hook into the strut openings somehow.

 

So, what did you do?

 

Still wondering...

 

Simply raising the bars worked like a charm for me!