Is It Okay To Move The Roof Rack System For A Naked Roof Away From The Intended Mounting Locations?

Updated 06/24/2021 | Published 06/22/2021

Question:

I have a HONDA CRV 2018 model and have purchased this roof rack system with cargo box. It is already fitted on my SUV and made one long trip in which it perfromed ok. The question I have is, I followed the installation instruction that came with the product and I feel with that the bars are too much in front of the car instead of being in center or towards back. After fitting the cargo box thule Force XL there is more than fair amount of space left on back of car even with the cargo box adjustments fully pushed forward. The question is - Is it ok to move the bars backwards as they fit on the CRV which means instead of following the Y distance first bar to windshield distanct mentioned on the instruction manual, can I move that back a couple of inches. and if yes - how much is ok to move. Any previous experience fitting it this way.

asked by: PG

Expert Reply:

I understand your concern. This has happened to my many times and I asked to same question to the manufactures. The roof rack clamps # TH145046 are designed and tested on the strongest points of the vehicle. I was told not to deviate from the spacing listed in the instructions. That being said, if you really need to move the bars to satisfy you, I cannot say that us at eTrailer or the manufacture recommend it and are not responsible for malfunction. I've seen it done before but I highly advise against it.

One thing to keep in mind is the hatch access in the back. The more you move the bars and box back on your roof the more likely you are to run into hatch clearance.

expert reply by: Adam E