Replacing the Factory Roof Rack on a 2014 Honda CR-V

Question:

Hi, I have a 2014 CRV with factory flush rails and completely unhappy with the Honda rack and design. I own Thule Kayak Racks, Roof Ski Box, and Bike Carrier and it appears that none of my very expensive Thule equipment will work on this CRV. The Ski Roof Box is too long, the spread of the bars is not ideal for my 18foot Glass/kevlar sea kayaks, and I dont even know if I can use my bike carrier. All because Honda has ONE fixed mounting point for the stupid Flush Side Rails. Every car I have own had raised side rails that allowed you to mount your crossbars in a variety of locations more forward, greater spread, etc.. Does anyone make a mounting system that allow me to door/frame mount the footpack and go OVER the factory side rails. I could then move the entire rack system much more forward and get a laonger spread between the front and rear crossbars which is much more secure and safer for long rigid kayaks and maybe use my Thule roof box. Even Subaru has adopted this ridiculous rack system. Any suggestions would be appreciated? I wish I never bought this CRV.

asked by: Bill

Expert Reply:

All of the roof racks for your 2014 CRV will have the fixed mounting points you referenced that are 31-3/4 inch spread. To give you a better quality system than the factory system you referenced, I recommend the Rhino-Rack system.
This kit consists of:

Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbars - 49" Long - Qty 2 # RRVA126B-2
RCL Legs # RRRCL4
Custom RCP Fit Kit # RRRCP33-BK

The biggest limitation of this system is its mounting location. The weight capacity is 165 pounds on the 2014 Honda CR-V, and you'll need to make sure that the total weight added to the system including carriers and cargo does not exceed this amount.

expert reply by: Jacob W