Rhino-Rack Roof Rack and Cargo Bag Carrying Options for a 2012 Honda CR-V  

Question:

Helpful Expert Reply:

The Rhino-Rack Roof Rack consisting of # RRVA137B-2, # RRRLKVA, and # DK284 that you referenced, which is a confirmed fit for your 2012 Honda CR-V with a bare roof, has been tested by Rhino-Rack on your CR-V and that is where they found the best location for it to be installed. I am not sure the details for their testing the chosen location has to do with the best roof strength and aerodynamics.

Since the roof on your CR-V is not boxed and straight the Rhino-Rack roof rack will only fit in that specific spot due to the shape of the roof.

Sometimes factory equipment can be better than aftermarket parts, but when it comes to a roof rack the aftermarket products are much better than the OEM roof racks. They all tend to hover around the 165 lbs of capacity that this roof rack has, but the aftermarket options are typically made of better materials and will last much longer as well as being more of a custom fit for each vehicle instead of being used on numerous vehicles.

The crossbar spread for this Rhino-Rack roof rack on your CR-V is 29.53 inches which means that the MaxxTow Roof Mounted Cargo Basket that you referenced is not compatible as it requires a minimum crossbar spread of 35 inches which is far more than any of the roof rack options for your vehicle. The next best option would be to go with the SportRack Vista Roof Mounted Cargo Basket # SR9035 since it fits crossbar spreads ranging from 23-5/8 - 35-3/4 inches. This basket has a weight capacity of 110 lbs.

If you are looking for the most economic way to carry your cargo back on your roof, as long as you don't have a sun roof that will be taking all of the weight of the bag then you can actually just put the bag in-between your crossbars. You can use the Non-Skid Roof Protection Pad # RL100650 to help protect your roof.

expert reply by: Jon G

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