Roof Rack and Hitch Mounted Cargo Carrier Recommendation for a 2008 Honda CR-V

Question:

Need a roof rack. I see that the OEM one runs side to side, but there are others that run front to back. Which style is better? If I want to add a kayak accessory, am I better off getting the side to side? How much time to remove it? Versus Thule thats easy to remove but may not work as well. Also for the rear cargo area, tell me about the shelf and net. Are they easy to remove? Whats the weight capacity of each? Thanks.

asked by: Bill

Expert Reply:

The front to back roof rack that you are referring to are side rails. The side rails are mounting points for crossbars that are required to attach roof mounted accessories including kayak carriers.

If you do not have factory side rails on your 2008 Honda CR-V, then the roof racks that we offer will consist of crossbars that will have feet that mount in the pre-installed fixpoints on your roof and crossbars that will run side to side.

Two roof rack systems that I would recommend for your vehicle are the Thule AeroBlade Podium Roof Rack or the Rhino-Rack Roof Rack.

The Thule AeroBlade Podium roof rack consists of AeroBlade Load Bars, # THARB47, that are quiet and aerodynamic, the Podium Foot Pack, # TH460R, and the Fit Kit, # THKIT3042, which is specifically designed to fit your vehicle.

The Rhino-Rack Roof Rack, # RSP15, offers many of the same features as the Thule roof rack, but does not have the overhanging crossbars.

I have attached an installation video of the Thule Podium roof rack to give you an idea how these roof racks will install on your vehicle. The vehicle in the video is different, but the installation process is the same. Both roof racks are easy to install and remove.

If you were interested in a kayak carrier as well, then I would recommend the SportRack J-Stacker Kayak Carrier, # ABR511, which is our most popular kayak carrier. This kayak carrier will fit on both roof rack systems mentioned above. I have attached a review video of this kayak carrier for you to check out.

If by rear cargo shelf and net you are referring to a hitch mounted cargo carrier and cargo net, then choosing a the correct cargo carrier will depend on the class of trailer hitch that you have on your vehicle. You will always be limited to the lowest capacity between the trailer hitch or the cargo carrier.

For a cargo carrier, I would recommend the Curt Cargo Carrier, # C18145. This cargo carrier only weighs 29 lbs, is easy to install and remove and will fit any class trailer hitch on your vehicle.

If you have a Class I hitch, then the weight capacity of this cargo carrier is 200 lbs. If you have a Class II hitch, then the weight capacity is 350 lbs and if you have a Class III hitch, then the weight capacity of this hitch is 500 lbs. The Cargo Carrier Stretch Net, # 7330, does not have a specific weight capacity, but is designed to secure a load that is within the weight capacity of your cargo carrier or trailer hitch. It can stretch out to as much as 60 inches by 84 inches for large items.

You may also want to look into straps for larger and heavier items like part # 3065DAT.

I have attached a review video of this cargo carrier and cargo net for you to check out.

expert reply by: John H