2020 Toyota RAV4 - OEM Cross Bar Installation & Review

[@onlywithvic]

Got my 22’ RAV4 today and installed the crossbars myself😁 thank you for saving me $180 of labor cost!

[@kailee408]

Thank you! Your video was the most helpful one out there on helping me install my crossbars on my 2024 RAV4 especially coming from someone who has never done anything like this before.

[@alphakilo9066]

Still relevant in 2023. Thank you.

[@msladydi123]

60 yr old lady here and prepping my Rav4 Limited for a solo car camping trip. I have ordered the the Crossbars and saving my $$$$ on labor. Thanks Mr Otto !!!! Then looking to find a quality Cargo Box...any ideas on which ones are good?

[@Otthox]

Awesome, thanks for watching! I dont know much about cargo box, depending on your budget, how big and how good you want the cargo box to be, you probably can't go wrong with the Yakima or Thule. For me, because I don't have much space to store the cargo box, I would do a cargo roof rack combined with waterproof cargo bag which you will strap to the cargo roof rack. That way when you're not using it, it takes much less space to store.

[@msladydi123]

@@Otthox thank you .. never thought of that . Very good idea .

[@ericdanielson4177]

Saw your video a month ago. Ordered my crossbars and got them installed in 10 min...piece of cake. Thanks!

[@Theater116]

Really thorough and much easier to understand the directions that came with the crossbars. Same instructions for RAV4 Prime!

[@scootsmcdoots80]

Dealership just ordered my XSE. Trading in my non hybrid 19 on it and can’t wait. They want so much $$ to install the rack so thanks for the video I appreciate it.

[@PH-im1kk]

Same. They’re quoting me ridiculous amount of money to install them. I called some local shops and the same thing. They keep saying they need to remove a bunch of things on the inside because they gotta drill holes and whatnot. I’ve seen like 10 videos on KZbin and none mention such things. I think I’ll give this a try myself.

[@scotthumphrey99]

I'm thinking of getting these for my 2919 rav4 I just got. Just don't like how they go over the sun roof. But all roof racks will.

[@tkels5471]

Is that the right orientation for lock washer under bolt? I recall installing my sons and the bolt doesn’t hit any of the washer tabs sticking up. So I questioned putting it the other direction with tabs facing down so it would function like a lock washer?

[@huskyhakunaadventures3056]

I believe you're correct that lock washer isnt functioning properly installed that way

[@aquadisiac04]

How much height does this add? Its hard to find specs online. Thanks!

[@rickytaal]

I need this value as well, did you get any data or could you provide me some info please, thanks! :)

[@Joe-ou3uy]

I noticed one side of the crossbars sounds loose from 13:58 the small screws. Wondering if you had to tighten them?

[@louissepowell4586]

Driving 2020 Toyota Rav4 XLE and loving it!!

[@slin0012]

It seems like the cross bar rubber gasket is not sealed tightly with the rail, will that cause water leak into the inside of the car?

[@brianjirvin]

where do you find the weight capacity for the roof rack cross bars

[@nixvet1]

Great video. Do you know the thread size of the bolt to secure to the car? Thanks.

[@sptrader6316]

Not sure of the thread size but I think it takes a 13mm socket.

[@nixvet1]

@@sptrader6316 Thanks. I found out it is M8-1.25

[@Sammyt07]

I installed mine using your video thank you so much. When I check the cross bars out the box one side of both bars was moving/ sliding. Is that normal? After installation nothing is moving or sliding. It feels solid.

[@xxrecreateno1usmcxx]

How much wieght does the cross bars hold? Any idea if they'd be able to hold a roof top tent?

[@Otthox]

I doubt it would hold the roof top tent... when I look at Toyota parts website for the cross bar, it says to look at the manual for weight capacity. So I looked at the manual but it does not say specifically about the weight limit for the roof rack itself... it only gives weird formula on the overall cargo capacity of the car....

[@greg5856]

Hey Gerald, excellent video! Does it say anything about weight limit for the cross bars on the actual cross bars or cross bar covers? There is a warning on my 2016 4Runner w/ weight limit. Was hoping there might be the same on the RAV4.

[@Otthox]

@@greg5856 hey Greg, Toyota parts website for the cross bar said to look at the owners manual, I looked at the owners manual and it doesn’t give any weight limit for the actual cross bars themselves. The manual give this formula to calculate the overall cargo weight limit but not specifically on the cross bars. I googled around, some people said that the weight limit is about 110 lbs, but not sure if that’s a reliable source.

[@TeoKefalopoulos]

I see that the roof rails are curved. Would this cause any stability/fixing issues to the luggage carrier or a roof basket? thank you

[@datwunshortii]

How is the sound of the crossbars when you open up the sunroof and drive? That’s what’s keeping me from buying the cross bars but I love the look.

[@benfordguitars]

Horrible. IMO it renders the sunroof useless. I love the look but tool mine off.

[@trentharris7111]

Does your sunroof still open with the crossbars installed?

[@annmerly2010]

I have a 23’ RAV 4 but how do I get that 1/2 - 1 inch piece that you install your crossbars on? Is there a way to order it? If so, what’s it called?

[@calvineng8617]

Nice install. I had mine done at Toyota. The front crossbar is about 1 inch below the rear. Is this uneven mount a problem?

[@Otthox]

Hasn’t been a problem for me so far... I’ve used the cross bar for my Yakima frontloader bike rack and for a cargo roof rack and they are fine

[@Chaparral2004]

Outstanding video! I have a 2020 RAV4 and want to transport kayaks. I was going to have the dealer install the cross bars, but after watching your detailed video it looks like a simple job. One question--you mentioned that small gap at one point--did it close when you tightened the rail down, and if not, has it caused problems?

[@Otthox]

The small gap seems to close as I install the roof rail… in any case it hasn’t caused any problem so far

[@Rlenoci]

anyone know where to buy those little roof rail covers that you pop off to place this roof rack on? someone stole one of mine so now I only have 3 caps -.-

[@Monkeyseemonkey79]

Have you had any issues with roof leaks due to your roof rack? The Rav4 forum has a lot of posts about water getting in via the mounting holes for the roof rails.

[@Otthox]

Oh really? I haven't had this issue yet... I've driven in rains before and didn't notice any leaks... But I havent driven in rain a lot and I always keeps my car in the garage

[@Halivan]

Did the gap you noticed go away after you tightened it?

[@canadianbeech]

Hey there, I've been searching for the length of the cross bars and I can't seem to find it anywhere! Would you kindly be able to take a measurement for me? I'd really appreciate it. Cheers.

[@Otthox]

The length of the cross bar is 44 inches, which is just the length from one end to the other end of the roof rail.

[@deenasty8538]

How did you get those black wheels? Are those wheel skins? Please let me know!!

[@Otthox]

They are factory standard. My RAV4 is an XSE trim and all XSE comes standard with black wheel and black painted roof

[@burntblonde2925]

Excellent video!!! Such great details!! Thank you!

[@cmdrlt.evildead5328]

Just got these and today quickly realised what Bike rack is going to fit these? No worries I looked up the brand you had in your video and got that one just now.

[@TheLegion94]

Thanks man!! I was about to just wing it. But now there’s no chance for failure!!

[@Otthox]

Awesome, no chance for failure indeed! Thanks for watching!

[@tzachus]

were is the roof beg?

[@joevivirito783]

IS IT POSSIBLE TO INSTALL A LOCK WHERE THE CROSSBARS ATTACHED TO THE ROOF TRACK?

[@Otthox]

A lock to lock the crossbar? If it's for crossbar, the OEM crossbar already came with plastic lock

[@teovaldes3881]

@@Otthox Wait, maybe I misunderstood. It looked like that lock would be easily susceptible to theft. Do you have a unique key or something that would keep thieves from stealing your gear by removing the crossbars?

[@TheBlueScreenTeam]

The Yakima crossbars can be locked.

[@Tenleytown2007]

Very helpful. Thank you. I used your video put my bars on this morning.

[@jeddi209]

Are your front driver and passenger windows factory tints? I bought the same exact model but in 2021 XSE Hybrid, blacked out emblems, and crossbars already installed. I'm going to get the legal commie California tints this weekend.

[@Otthox]

The front window tints are already there when I bought it, it could either be factory tints or dealer installed

[@BORICUADARKSOUL]

Thanks for the video , do you recommend any other bars if I can’t get any directly from Toyota ? I know some companies just licensed items to different car brands just changing the logo .

[@Otthox]

Thanks for watching… sorry I can’t speak of other brands as the Toyota OEM cross bars are the only one that I have and installed

[@BORICUADARKSOUL]

@@Otthox oh ok, just asked because I saw bougerv bars looks identical and less expensive. I know that thule build bars set for different car’s brand , nothing for Toyota at the moment tho, I’ll keep looking at Toyota until I found one. thanks for the reply 👍.

[@coolclub1329]

Much easier than deciphering illustrations on the instructions. Anybody can do this. Same goes for the 2021.

[@sudanthaa]

Hi Gerald, quite useful thanks for sharing. BTW I noticed you have Yakima roof racks. Is the crossbar wide enough to install 4 of them if needed? How does the drive feel like when 2 of them loaded. I'm planning on loading 4. 3rd and 4th being 24inch and 20inch bikes. Do you think it can handle it

[@Otthox]

I don’t think the cross bar will be wide enough to install 4 of the Yakima roof racks. Three maybe possible but not 4… because even with two, I feel like it’s tight already. The drive feels okay with two adult bikes loaded, more wind noise but you dot really feel it when driving, pretty sturdy… If you want to carry 4 bikes, I’d say cary 2 or 3 on the top and 1 or two using the portable bike carrier that attaches on the trunk

[@borgirlol]

got exact same rav4, cant imagine how can you lift bike so high and put it on the roof. I would need a crane for that. I use 3 row Thule EasyFold XT , but I guess in US things must be just "different"

[@Otthox]

Using a step stool definitely helps although I've done it without

[@andygriffis3978]

We got the 2021 XLE Premium w/ the roof rack already put on. Looks great. BUT why in the Hell did Toyota have the front roof rail mounted right in the middle of the sun roof to look up and see that Big bar. Wind noise is Horrible. all most considering taking the Front rail off when weather warms up.

[@Otthox]

I know, the front bar is smack down the middle of the sun roof... I think it's just because it's a small SUV... Before I had a highlander, it is longer so the front bar is behind the sun roof....

[@laurastone6578]

@@Otthox I have the same problem. Can't I ask my Toyota dealer to move the cross bars down the rack?

[@Otthox]

@@laurastone6578 I doubt they could because for the OEM roof rack, the roof rack goes to a specific slot provided by Toyota which is in the middle of the moon roof... Perhaps there is an optional after market roof rack that won’t need to use that specific slots... I’ve seen some after market ones where the roof rack hugs the side of the roof so maybe those kind will work

[@laurastone6578]

@@Otthox Really? Okay. Another thing. I thought the roof rack and the cross bars were just an aesthetic thing. I didn't realize you could actually carry stuff on it! I doubt I will ever carry anything. I just like the way it looks!

[@Otthox]

@@laurastone6578 oh you can use roof rack for many things... like I said I used mine typically for carrying my bike, I made a video below for the bike roof rack carrier that I use: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l2m8p5StipmJesU You can put cargo carrier on top, very useful in case you need to haul more stuff during a road trip for example... there is even a tent for car roof rack so when you go camping, you can sleep on this tent that’s mounted on the roof rack of your car!

[@runaruna_rugby2322]

This is very helpful I thought it won’t be able to take it off!! Thanks!

[@paulhesseinberg]

Awesome video! Pretty straight forward. Hope one day you could post a video on how’d you install the dashcam.

[@review-crunch7635]

Did you get this from an actual dealer or a website?

[@gammatnt]

Great instruction. I was able to follow it and installed the crossbars. Thank you.

[@Otthox]

Thanks for watching!

[@miguelzenteno6544]

Hi what size is the tool wrench?

[@Otthox]

It’s a 13mm socket

[@miguelzenteno6544]

Thanks so much

[@cbinett]

They look quite fragile. I'm thinking to install a roof tent and i'm far from sure that those bars are strong enough.

[@Otthox]

They’re pretty sturdy but I agree, I’m not sure if it’s going to be strong enough for roof tent...toyota doesn’t provide any details on max weight specs either for this cross bar

[@RolandoLee]

@@Otthox I was struggling to find it too but it is in the manual which states 176 lbs/80 kg. I'm trying to find a reason to get aftermarket racks for better performances.

[@Otthox]

@@RolandoLee oh got it... yes for your purpose, if you want to install roof tent, make sense to go with stronger after market ones

[@izu9596]

does this impact the sunroof opening?

[@Otthox]

The front cross bar will be almost in the middle of the sun roof. You still can open the sun roof fine but the cross bar would just be in the middle of the opening

[@jimvickiraymer9820]

Great review. Curious if the cross bar affected gas mileage?

[@Otthox]

Hmm good question... I installed them immediately after buying the car so I don’t know what my mileage would have been without the cross bar. If the cross bars do impact mileage, it would be more so when you have long road trip vs just driving around town I would imagine.

[@sammyjammy6647]

@@Otthox have you taken any long trips yet and measured the mileage with the cross bars? If not what does your average show on the digital display ? Also how has it affected wind noise when you use the sunroof?

[@Otthox]

@@sammyjammy6647 yes I had a 2300 miles road trip last winter with the crossbar on, I got about 33-34 MPG driving at a fairly high speed at mostly 98% freeway drive. For regular in town drive, 98% city, I get 35MPG. As for the wind noise, I can't really comment coz I always had this crossbar installed the moment I bought the car. So I don't know what it would sound like without the crossbar

[@sammyjammy6647]

@@Otthox One last question. is this a hybrid?

[@Otthox]

@@sammyjammy6647 yes, mine is an xse hybrid

[@MohammadMasadeh76]

Nice work, did anyone try to buy the Xbars online?

[@Otthox]

I haven’t tried buying Toyota OEM accessories online, I always went to a Toyota dealer close by because I don’t want to pay for shipping. Plus if you buy from the dealer, even if they don’t have it in stock they can order and get it within 1-2 days normally

[@aaronaltscher924]

Picked up my blueprint xse last week. Love the vehicle. Good work on the video. Thinking about running boards. Anyone have experience installing OEM running boards on the XSE?

[@Otthox]

Awesome! I think I’ve seen a video of somebody installing the OEM running board on a 2019 RAV4. It’s pretty straight forward. I’ve been thinking of installing one myself but a bit too pricey, I’m going to wait a bit.

[@aaronaltscher924]

@@Otthox nice I’ll keep an eye out so you can show me how to do it 😂

[@Otthox]

@@aaronaltscher924 lol when I’m installing those, I’ll post a video for sure!

[@leosan2173]

What cargo box did you get, if any?

[@Otthox]

I just got the Thule M.O.A.B. Cargo Basket 690XT used last month, haven’t had a chance to install it yet

[@Minh-US]

Hi! Can you tell me where you buy this part, give me the website I want buy too. Thanks!

[@Otthox]

Hi there, I bought the cross bar from my local Toyota dealer, not thru a website. Here is the part number: PT278-42192, which is also in the video description

[@Minh-US]

Thanks!

[@m3inaz866]

Good video. Hard to watch with obnoxious frantic background music.

[@rmd4138]

2024 same instructions. Thank you.

[@Superfastjellyfish669]

I’m thinking of removing mine I don’t like the wind noise

[@Otthox]

I’m so used to it, I’ve always had cross bars in all of my previous cars... maybe I’ll be so surprised how quiet the car is if I remove the cross bars

[@victorlin8098]

Excellent Instruction :) Thank you very much for your sharing !!!!!

[@dafarm9814]

Excellent video. I suggest that you lose the annoying background music.

[@V3N8MOUS]

Where are you from? Gerald Otto

[@Otthox]

V3N8MOUS I’m in Texas

[@racielramirez1626]

great video. It helped alot!

[@markconboy8366]

Do these crossbars make vibration while driving at certain speeds?

[@Otthox]

No I don't notice my crossbar is making any kind of vibration

[@wilsonjohnson9774]

Man the dealers love to see people like you, more money than brain. Thanks from all dealers

[@burntblonde2925]

Dealers don’t care if they strip screws or ruin anything. My air filter was bent…only the dealer did my oil changes, at that time. Professionalism ???

[@fernandoginebra6990]

Great instruction !!!

[@carolepstein7553]

Excellent…i can do this!…….thanks so much, we’ll done

[@nypj2006]

Can anyone please tell me if these OEM bars make any wind noise? Thank you!

[@Otthox]

I’ve always had cross bars on my cars and when I bought this RAV4, I installed the cross bars almost immediately, so I can’t really tell you the before and after on wind noise due to cross bar. I saw this video taking about wind noise on 2019 RAV4 with cross bars, I haven’t watched it myself but maybe this will help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hpmZoWqLi9SEnNU

[@nypj2006]

@@Otthox ok, so you personally don't hear any wind noise with this roof rack? Thx for answering btw

[@Otthox]

@@nypj2006 I don't notice the wind noise with his roof rack. But then like I said, I've always had cross bars even in my previous cars so maybe there is wind noise caused by the roof rack but since I'm used to it I don't hear/notice it anymore. But my guess is even if there is extra wind noise, it won't be to the point that you really notice and disturb the comfort anymore, otherwise many people are going to be complaining...

[@nypj2006]

One more thing please, does your bike rack(s) sit on an angle and not flat since the roof rack is concave?

[@nypj2006]

It's slightly arced. Any feedback is appreciated. Thank you.

[@aik200]

Спасибо друг за подробную инструкцию.

[@erikcele1604]

Nice thanks Will install mine tomorrow👍

[@norberthorvat5391]

thank you

[@joserobertoneves3415]

Nice job !!!

[@Otthox]

Thank you!

[@gasman1536]

Good vid

[@clutch747]

thanks

[@slominskitomasz]

I prefer Thule product. They look much better than OEM from Toyota.

[@RickmoZamms]

Why do ppl from the middle East always have long pinkie nails?

[@askmichaelnow]

That’s not roof tails

[@darillfow]

And the dealer wanted to charge you 120 dollars to do a 10 dollar job? lol! That's insane! lol

[@Otthox]

Insane indeed!

[@bryanttorres297]

thanks

[@bryanttorres297]

thanks