After Market Roof Cross Rails

[Fring]

Does anyone know if the after market Roof Cross Rail Set made by Aries works well? I ordered one and can't get it to tighen securely. Guess I should have paid full price and ordered the OEM. Any information on this topic would be appreciated.

[HumbleAg]

Same issue here, although only one of the four end pieces won't hold very well. Also had a problem with the keys, was a real pain to get the locks undone (perhaps that is part of the security features?).

They do seem to look ok, but if I had it to do over again I would have gone OEM.

[Dani]

About how much more are OEM as opposed to the Aires ones? I saw the Aires ones listed on ebay for $218 w/free shipping. Was gonna order a set for my new H3 but if they don't fit right I'd rather go OEM.

[tomp]

before you guys go on the OEM bandwagon, you need to know the OEM ones have their issues as well.

[djaqualight]

I got the aries too. I looked at mine compared to the OEM one that was in the dealer lot parked next to me and they really don't look any different. The OEM ones seem to fit the same too. The Aries do feel kind of cheap when using the key to lock the cap. I like the steel letters that come with it although it is a tedious task getting them on the base assembly

The one thing I found out was that you have to move the bars just right on the rail before you tighten them the with lever. If you notice there are indentions on the rail. IF you don't get the base in one of these indentions you will not be able to tighten it and almost break off the lever to get it to lock into place. On the other hand if you get the base in the indention too good it will not tighten and feels loose. I moved the base a little more out of the indention and it tightens fine. I hope that made sense!

Getting the rails attached to the base with those locking washers was a PITA!

I'm going to put 2 kayaks on them this weekend so hopefully they are constructed well!

[ChiHummer3]

Originally Posted by djaqualight

I'm going to put 2 kayaks on them this weekend so hopefully they are constructed well!

I've had 2 kayaks on my roof on several occasions with no probs. Even at almost 90mph.

I've got the OEM rails....but they sound like they fit just like the ones you got. Just like you said - if they aren't in just the right spot the handle won't close, and sometimes it moves around after the handle is closed. You have to find the sweet spot.

[ChiHummer3]

Here's some pics...

[ChiHummer3]

[ChiHummer3]

[tomp]

My OEM rails fit loose when in the slots where they are to go in the rails. The dealer said they they have an adjustment so they can be tightened. Picked up our H3 from Sewell and sure enough they fixed it!

Hopefully you guys with the Aries bars have this same adjustment.

[djaqualight]

Originally Posted by ChiHummer3

What are the straps that you are using to secure the front and rear of your kayaks?

Here are my kayaks on my '06 H3 with the Thule racks and attachments. I still don't have any pics of my '07 with the Aries racks yet. One of my kayaks is a 2 man and weighs about 65 pounds. I'm not sure of the weight limit on the Aries racks.

[ChiHummer3]

Originally Posted by djaqualight

What are the straps that you are using to secure the front and rear of your kayaks?

Those are Lasso Kayak Locks that are looped around the yaks. I put them on there not so much because I thought the kayaks would go anywhere when I we were driving - but because I don't want anyone stealing the yaks (or the Thule racks for that matter) if we parked anywhere for more than 5 minutes. They ain't cheap, as I'm sure you know!

Why'd ya get rid of you '06? I've got the itch to go check out the '07's. Seems like people have been getting pretty good deals on them....and ya can't beat the 100K warranty.

[ChiHummer3]

Originally Posted by djaqualight

Here are my kayaks on my '06 H3 with the Thule racks and attachments.

Hey - have you figured out an easy way to get the straps on the Thule (Hull-a-port) once the kayak is in the rack? The darn yak stands so tall once it's in the rack that ya really need a ladder to get the straps on there properly. And I'm pretty tall. If you've got any tips for me there, I'd appreciate it!

[ChiHummer3]

Originally Posted by djaqualight

One of my kayaks is a 2 man and weighs about 65 pounds. I'm not sure of the weight limit on the Aries racks.

The weight limit on the OEM racks is 250lbs. I would think the Aries should hold a comparable load - so you should be more than fine with the 2 man, and then some.

[djaqualight]

Originally Posted by ChiHummer3

Hey - have you figured out an easy way to get the straps on the Thule (Hull-a-port) once the kayak is in the rack? The darn yak stands so tall once it's in the rack that ya really need a ladder to get the straps on there properly. And I'm pretty tall. If you've got any tips for me there, I'd appreciate it!

Not really an easy way to do it. I loop the straps through the carrier first (the top loop) and lay them to the side with both ends of the straps draped down the roof, then sit the kayak on the carrier and lift the straps over the kayak from the side. YOu might have to wiggle the kayaks a little bit to get the straps to center themsleves from the top loop. Then loop them through the bottom loop of the carrier and tighten. I also use those little velcro straps that you can attach to the Thule strap to secure the slack. I hate having to tie and untie knots although it probably is wise to tie them down just in case.

I have to get my friend to help me lift the kayaks up in the carrier but I can usually get the straps secure by myself just by standing on the side bars. The bigger one that lays flat is a different story. I ususally have to stand on the tires to secure the straps.

[djaqualight]

Originally Posted by ChiHummer3

Why'd ya get rid of you '06? I've got the itch to go check out the '07's. Seems like people have been getting pretty good deals on them....and ya can't beat the 100K warranty.

I really wanted the leather and a sunroof and of course the slightly bigger engine for pulling the boat and trailer. The new window controls will help too. My little dog loved stepping on the lock button when I would get out of the car to pump gas with my keys still in the engine of course. I think I've called Onstar at least 4 times this year to get them to unlock the truck which is a cool feature!