Roof Rack Recommendation for a 2013 Acura RDX with a Naked Roof

Updated 06/18/2014 | Published 06/17/2014

Products Featured in This Question

Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 54" Long - Qty 2

(2754)

$239.98

Custom DK Fit Kit for 4 Rhino-Rack 2500 Series Roof Rack Legs - Naked Roof

(3340)

$129.99

Rhino-Rack 2500 Series Legs for Vortex Aero Crossbars - Naked Roofs or Fixed Mounting Points - Qty 4

(8964)

$234.99

Question:

2013 Acura RDX I have the above referenced vehicle with no factory side rails or cross rails naked roof and am looking to purchase roof cross rails along with a cargo box. I have narrowed it down to Yakima and Rhino Racks. Is one a better choice for this type of vehicle? The Yakima installation video on the CRV similar car company looks so easy Press down clamp vs the Rhino racks video with a screw driver so I am leaning with Yakima. Also if Yakima is the choice could I put a Rhino Rack box or Thule box on the Yakima racks if I prefer. Thanks for your help and wonderful website. Very user friendly.

asked by: John

Helpful Expert Reply:

I'm glad you like our site. We work hard to make it easy to use. If I were choosing between Yakima and Rhino-Rack roof racks I would choose Rhino-Rack. The reason for this is because first, the Rhino-Rack roof racks tend to cost less, and second, the Yakima round bars are among the most noisy roof racks available.

With any rack there is going to be some noise but the elliptical bars on the Rhino-Rack roof racks would not be as noisy as the Yakima round bars.

For Rhino-Rack you have your choice of black bars, # RRVA137B-2 or silver bars # RRVA137S-2 for your 2013 Acura RDX. Then you would need a leg kit, # RRRLKVA, and clamp kit # DK337. Installation of these racks is not all that difficult and the use of a screw type mechanism actually helps to prevent over-tightening the feet to the roof, which can damage the roof.

With this rack installed you can use either a Yakima cargo box or a Rhino-Rack cargo box. And if you went with a Yakima roof rack, the Rhino-Rack boxes will fit the round bars as well.

I have included a link to the cargo boxes we carry. I have also included a link showing the installation of a Rhino-Rack roof rack for you.