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I finally had some time to install the Yakima EZ Rider towers that I purchased on eBay. The installation process is straightforward just like
most Yakima towers installation. I had to remove the awning from the roof but didn’t remove the stock bars.
The fit is really good and they clamp to the flush stock rails really tight. Once I tighten them up, I couldn’t get them to
move at all by grabbing and shaking the crossbars. I thought I would need a 58” bars but I reused my old 48” bars and they are perfect.
Like most Yakima roundbars on all my cars, there’s some wind noise at speed above 60mph but it isn’t bad. I think
because I also have the stock bars on top, it created more noise than usual.
This setup raise the bar high enough that the Skybox mounts would definitely clear the roof for those that are looking for that.
WOW! That looks like a great fit! Thanks for testing these outt. As long as someone can source them, this is the best fitament I've seen w/ the OEM rails.
Yes they fit better than I expected. There's quite a bit of clearance of the metal hooks and the roof, more than the RailGrab towers. The plastic side come close to the roof but I couldn't get it to bulge by pressing hard down on the bar and tower. It could easily be grind off a bit if there's a concern.
I ended up with 2 sets of these when I put a bid in and forgot about it lol.
There are a few of them on eBay for pretty good price.
I moved the awning to the Yakima bars using the same clamps. Very sturdy. I may push one end of the bars further out and mount the awning a bit outside. Right now I think I still have enough room for the Load Warrior basket or the Skybox 18.
Yes they fit better than I expected. There's quite a bit of clearance of the metal hooks and the roof, more than the RailGrab towers. The plastic side come close to the roof but I couldn't get it to bulge by pressing hard down on the bar and tower. It could easily be grind off a bit if there's a concern.
I ended up with 2 sets of these when I put a bid in and forgot about it lol.
There are a few of them on eBay for pretty good price.
A few months later are you still happy with this set up? Did you sell the second set or do you still have it? I’m about to list my factory bars for sale.
Yes I do like them. They are more versatile than the stock bars as I can mount all my Yakima stuffs on it without having to worry about different clamps and if it touching the roof. With just these bars on the roof, they are louder than the OEM bars, but when you load up stuffs on them, I couldn't tell any differences with all that wind noise.
Another poster on GXOR got 4 of them and mounted a roof tent on it too. Looks very stable.
I still have the second set but they are missing the rubber pieces at the bottom. I didn't pay attention when I bid on them and only realized that after received them.
Originally Posted by Rufio
A few months later are you still happy with this set up? Did you sell the second set or do you still have it? I’m about to list my factory bars for sale.
Yes I do like them. They are more versatile than the stock bars as I can mount all my Yakima stuffs on it without having to worry about different clamps and if it touching the roof. With just these bars on the roof, they are louder than the OEM bars, but when you load up stuffs on them, I couldn't tell any differences with all that wind noise.
Another poster on GXOR got 4 of them and mounted a roof tent on it too. Looks very stable.
I still have the second set but they are missing the rubber pieces at the bottom. I didn't pay attention when I bid on them and only realized that after received them.
Thats great info! I’ll probably pull the trigger on some here shortly. There are a few on eBay that I’ve got my eye on.
I moved the awning to the Yakima bars using the same clamps. Very sturdy. I may push one end of the bars further out and mount the awning a bit outside. Right now I think I still have enough room for the Load Warrior basket or the Skybox 18.
did you ever get around to pushing the 48” bars out? I’m wondering if they’re long enough
I have the OEM GX cross bars on my 2010 but I went with the EZ Riders w/ 58" bars for my Wife's 2016. Craigslist special. I get a whistle when her's is up to speed, mine are a bit louder because of the kayak rack. Its a much cheaper option and like you mentioned, no touching the roof on heavier loads. Will buy a roof mounted box soon and use on the Yakima for longer trips as they are just more stable than the OEM crossbars.
I ordered the EZ riders yesterday from Ebay for $77.50 . I also found a yakima fairing, bike mount, and bars locally for $65. Now I need to find a cargo box and Ill be set.