Which Style of Roof Rack is Better for 2019 Honda Ridgeline Raised Roof Rail or Naked Roof

Updated 05/30/2019 | Published 05/28/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Yakima CoreBar Crossbars - Steel - Black - 60" Long - Qty 2

(120)

$228.95

TimberLine Towers for Yakima Crossbars - Raised, Factory Side Rails - Qty 4

(31)

$274.95

Question:

I want to know if I should get a roof rack system that mounts to the bare roof like Thule or Rhino or a system that mounts to the Honda roof side rails? Which is stronger? More versatile? More cost effective?

asked by: Andrew

Expert Reply:

Roof racks that attach to raised side rails on vehicles are preferred for a few reasons over the style for naked roofs that attach to door frames. For the raised rail style the install is much easier, looks cleaner, you get the option to select what your crossbar spread is instead of being stuck with one set spread which makes it much more versatile, and in a lot of cases fewer components are needed so the cost is less.

For example you can get the Yakima CoreBar roof rack that consists of part numbers # Y00422 and # Y33TR for your 2019 Honda Ridgeline and get a really nice rack that has aero shaped bars too which means added wind noise is minimal.

expert reply by: Jameson C