Aftermarket Crossbars

[shane_c]

Does any one Thule or Yakima crossbars? If so what was the part # and price. Any advantages of these brands over putting stock crossbars on?

[prathman]

I looked at the Thule cross bar products before buying the GM "Utility Bars" for our Vibe from:http://pontiac.autowebaccessor...8.phpThey looked very similar and the GM ones may be made by Thule based on their appearance. However, we ordered the ones above because:1) They were less expensive.2) The local Thule dealers didn't have quite the right model to fit the Vibe factory racks. What they had would fit but not as securely as it should.3) The GM Utility Bars included locks which were an extra cost option from the Thule dealers.I was happy with the Utility Bars. They installed easily and come off in just a few seconds when not in use. We used them to move a couch from CA to WI and they were secure on the trip, even during some stretches with very strong side winds. (But gas mileage did suffer - couches aren't particularly aerodynamic.)They looked like they could probably take the standard Thule accessories, but I haven't tested that to be sure.

[djb383]

Yeah, I have the same bars as prathman, hard to beat.http://www.gmgoodwrench.com/ac...1.jpg

[vibe04]

I may be willing to sell you my cross bars, all I need to do is talk it over with the wife.

[shane_c]

So are the utility bars more practical then the older Oval ones? I'd be looking to maybe put a cargo bag or box and at some point down the road would like to be able to transport a canoe or kayak's.

[shane_c]

Quote, originally posted by djb383 »Yeah, I have the same bars as prathman, hard to beat.http://www.gmgoodwrench.com/ac...1.jpgDo you have a pic of them installed on your car. The one on the GM site is pretty small.

[djb383]

Hope this helps. They're on and off in just seconds and lock with a key.clickclick

[shane_c]

Just what I was looking for. Does the antenna get in the way when you're carrying stuff up there? Is it hard to remove the antenna?

[djb383]

The antenna unscrews from the base so you can carry something wide and flat, no problem.

[ebslopp]

Quote, originally posted by djb383 »Hope this helps. They're on and off in just seconds and lock with a key.clickclickThese are identical to the Thule 751 Rapid Rail, in case anybody wanted to know. Here is the Thule manual http://www.thuleracks.com/thul...t.pdf

[shane_c]

djb383,If you don't mind.... could you measure from the roof to the top of the bar at the back. I'm thinking if I got the crossbars that I would also get a short antenna so that in the event I was to put something up there I wouldn't have to take the stock one off.