Recommended Placement of Karrite Explorer Cargo Box on Honda 2007 CRV with Factory Rack

Updated 08/10/2015 | Published 08/08/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Replacement Lock Core and Key for SportRack Explorer Cargo Box - Qty 1

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$19.40

HitchMate TireStep Adjustable Step for SUVs, RVs and Light Trucks - 22" x 10" - 400 lbs

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$88.22

Question:

Hi, I am trying to install the Karrite Explorer onto my 2007 CRV with factory rack using the ubolt kit. I notice at the bottom of the cargo box there are two indented areas where the crossbars should be positioned and there are guides in that area where the holes for the ubolt to be drilled. However, crossbar spread is too wide about 31 inches and it does not land exactly at the indented sections of the cargo box see attached picture. The factory rack is bolted onto the vehicle so I cannot adjust the spread. Is it ok to have the crossbar landed outside of the indented section of the box? if so, can I land the box with the front crossbar landed on the indented section and have the back crossbar landed outside as per the picture?. Or there is a kit to reduced the crossbar spread? I called thule/sportrack and they told me the box is compatible with my vehicle and factory rack. Thanks

asked by: Edwin

Expert Reply:

Thank you for the photo of your Karrite rooftop cargo box that you are installing on your 2007 Honda CRV with factory roof rack. Since your factory roof rack cannot be repositioned you'll simply do as you suggested and mount the box centered over the crossbars and drill holes as appropriate to allow the mounting hardware to fit.

The channels in the bottom of the box are a convenience but you do not have to use those points on the bars if a better fit can be had by shifting the box slightly forward or backward. The key is to have the box as close as possible to center on the two crossbars to ensure reasonably even weight distribution. If centering the box means neither bar is in a channel, then that's ok.

Often customers using rooftop cargo solutions choose a tire step like # HE4040 to make it easier to load and unload cargo. The Topline step comes fully assembled, simply slips over a rear tire when you need to load cargo and it folds up flat for easy storage in the vehicle.

Its a good idea to check your CRV roof weight capacity in your owner's manual to ensure the combined weight of your Karrite carrier and its contents does not exceed that limit.

expert reply by: Adam R