No one uses the Yakima RailGrab system...to attach Yakima cross rails to the factory raised rails? Really?

Then what are people using for cross rails?

I've read here and elsewhere that the EOM and Mopar aftermarket cross rails are not as study as aftermarket products from vendors that specialize in racks. Before I drop money on the Yakima cross rails, I want to hear about someone's actual experience with them.

I just drop the 40 section of my rear seat and throw my board bag in. It stays there from Nov-May.

Thanks for the response.

I thought about keeping the boards inside. However, most weekends I will be driving 2+ hours between Long Island and Hunter Mtn, in the Catskills. Don't want to deal with melted snow in back on the return trip - if I leave the boards in the bags, the edges will start to rust. When I do a VT run, I will have a full truck and will need the space for the gear.

I need a rack.

No one uses the Yakima RailGrab system...to attach Yakima cross rails to the factory raised rails? Really?

Then what are people using for cross rails?

I've read here and elsewhere that the EOM and Mopar aftermarket cross rails are not as study as aftermarket products from vendors that specialize in racks. Before I drop money on the Yakima cross rails, I want to hear about someone's actual experience with them.

The OEM cross rails are made by Thule and are very sturdy. I had a different brand but they were made the same way. I sold them because I bought a safari basket that replaces the OEM rails and didn't need them. The basket that sits on cross rails is way too high IMO. My cross rails were over an inch thick, add the 1"plus diameter of the jeeps rails and the clamps for the basket and you'd be looking at an additional 3" or so. Put lights on top of that and you'd be asking for trouble.

I'm building my own crossbars this weekend, and got everything I needed from the local hardware store. The whole setup will be under $100 and stronger than any OEM or aftermarket setup you can buy. Here's my crossbar build thread: http://www.lostjeeps.com/forum/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=59&t=72548 There are many other homemade crossbars out there. Atthehelm and Cherrie (and many others) have posted theirs on LOST too.

Thanks for your response.

I didn't realize that Thule designed the OEM cross rails. That does make me feel a little better about them.

I've read that the Yakima windjammers and fairings reduce road noise. I'm wondering how much they reduce mileage :-/

Thanks for your response.

Your concept look really solid...probably a lot more solid than I need for a snowboard rack. Also, is yours going to be a permanent installation? I'm planning to take the cross rails down at the end of the season.

I can actually get 58" Yakima cross rails on the humble from one of my buddies. If I go with those, I can get the RailGrabs for $132. I was trying to find out if I need to spend another $79 for the fairing.

I'm with ya on the mileage, I've seen some report over 20mpg I've never gotten over 16mpg. The only thing I can think of to get mileage like that would be to look at what the evic is saying, or maybe 2wd, or both. The only way to figure mileage is to do the math, the computer isn't always right, just an estimation after it runs a logarithm.

What are my options for roof rails? I want sturdy, not plastic. My KK didn't come with any rails at all, just the plastic goofy things lol.

What are my options for roof rails? I want sturdy, not plastic. My KK didn't come with any rails at all, just the plastic goofy things lol.