Shorter Crossbar Roof Rack for Camper Shell for Honda Ridgeline

Updated 03/17/2026 | Published 03/07/2026

Question:

Hello. I was informed that etrailer might be the perfect place for me to venture into this project. Long story short, I have a 2006 Honda Ridgeline with a Leer Cap Topper that I recently picked up used and got painted to match my truck. I already use the bed and a hitch rack mount to move my daughters in and out of college. I was looking for a little bit further storage room and was considering putting a roof rail / rack system on my cap. I believe, because the bed of the Ridgeline is so small, that the roof rails I install can be no longer than 42 long to do this properly. I guess I am trying to find out what I need parts-wise to make this happen. I think I will need the rails, crossbars [mounts / pedestals for those crossbars] and then a cargo carrier style basket on top. Apologies for the long winded dialogue there, but would you guys have an idea where to point me so I could get started? Thank you!

asked by: Bill E

Expert Reply:

Hey Bill, so we have kits like the Yakima part # Y84CV which would put a set of tracks on the roof of the camper that run front to back and then also come with a set of crossbars and feet for a complete roof rack. The included crossbars are 50 inches long and the tracks are 54 inches per side. I wish we had pictures up that showed the entire kit but we are still waiting on them.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Bill E.

3/11/2026

Hi Jameson, thank you for getting back to me. Because my truck has a smaller bed and in turn a smaller cap / topper, I was told (by other owners with caps) that the maximum roof rail length I could install (and still access the bottom of all of the screws / bolts through the fiberglass was 42". Is there a kit similar to the one you sent me but with the rails only being 42" in length? And apologies if I am reading the one you sent me wrong and those rails are only 42" in length. Thank you again for your help and getting back to me.

Jameson C.

3/11/2026

@BillE We don't have anything that has a shorter track but the Yakima track could be trimmed down shorter.

Bill E.

3/11/2026

@JamesonC, Oh, I had ZERO idea they could be cut short to fit! That may work perfectly then...Let me check with this kit with the guy who is going to help me install this on my Ridgeline. Also, these tracks will work with fiberglass caps / toppers also, right? Like they are not inserts, but straight through bolts, etc. right? Sorry for all of the questions and thank you again!