How To Install Roof Rails Honda Odyssey

[@spoerer567]

Anyone else not have a Honda Odyssey and just watch cause you like to watch Eric’s vids???

[@mailmanjoe]

Absolutely! Never miss a vid. 👍

[@insideoutsideupsidedown2218]

Had an O7 Odyssey, weak transmission and power steering system, will not buy another one

[@CarolinaCowboys]

@@insideoutsideupsidedown2218 I didn't have any issues with my transmission or power steering, but I had other issues I made alot of videos from

[@katevancantfort122]

He is great!!

[@untouchable570]

2013 odyssey touring edition. You’d think for touring it would come with a roof rack/rails. Why I’m here

[@victorquesada7530]

I really appreciate how you included a lot of straightforward pro tips, sometimes it's the simple little details that makes a huge difference between getting something done. Pleasantly and having a really rough time. Some of those are kind of obvious if you do have a lot of experience, but the straightforward stuff like bracing the cut object against something secure might not be obvious to somebody tackling a project like this for the first time.

[@MrSquishyD]

For your (and my) reference: Walkthrough of the installation instructions. 1. Remove endpiece trim at the trunk. (2:30) Lift Tailgate halfway and pull back on the trim piece and then push up/wiggle. 2. Remove trim on roof (1:52). Use trim tool (or screwdriver) to pry it up, starting at the front windshield. Clips are ~2 inches in from the windshield, ~3 inches before the start of the sliding door, ~3 inches before the end of the sliding door, and right near the trunk endcap piece. 3. Remove the clips themselves (2:10) to expose the little posts. Remove them from the posts on van AND/OR from the trim if they came out with them. 4. Measure marks for cutting of the trip piece. (Pic of installation manual he used @ 4:22) Measure 556mm (21.9 in)from the front of the trim. Then 150mm GAP and cut again. Then 850mm (33.5 in) to next posts. Then 95mm GAP. Then 518 mm (20.4in) will be the new END of your trim. Lay the trim back on van to make sure the cuts generally align with the posts before cutting. 5. CUT at each mark. Measure twice cut once! 6. Trim the Rear endpiece along scribe line (7:32). 7. Clean up edges of trim rear end piece with a file. Clean up blurs, don't need to make them perfect as they'll be covered by roof rail feet. (8:20) 8. Start inserting trim back onto van. Insert new clips into front piece (556mm) with the wings towards the rear of the van. There is a hole in the clip, line it up with one of the studs from the first posts near the windshield. Clips stays in place on the post and the trim can slide forward as far as it needs to go. Middle trim (850mm) just rests on the van in between the posts. Rear trim piece (518mm) rests behind the rear posts. 9. Reinstall rear trim endpiece by lifting tailgate halfway. (9:06) 10. Place new rail onto the studs. (9:45) Exhale. 11. Install plastic trim pieces starting at the front of the vehicle (11:15). Slide tab into place and insert clips into holes. Install side screw (front and rear piece only). 12. Install middle plastic trim piece: The trickiest of the trim. Mask off front side of post first, to avoid scratching paint. (12:14). Wedge it in under the rail on the front of the post and then wiggle in the rear end. Voila side one!

[@TreyCook21]

Halfway through the video I realized that the camera was moving and you weren't holding it! Hooray for cameraman Brian!

[@kyleduesenberg3784]

Thanks so much for making this video; it was really helpful. As a word of encouragement to other DIYers out there, I had neither a vice nor power saw, and it was not that hard to make the cuts with a manual hacksaw and my gloved hands. Also, I used some painters tape and a black pen to mark the cut lines and measuring tape, not a tape measure, to measure the distance.

[@elnellis1]

Watched the video 2x and went at it like a pro. Thanks for the clear explanation and step by step approach. The project took me and my son less than an hour! Thank you!

[@danielames7611]

I have a leak and literally every vid I could find shows dealing with a roof rack, which I do jot have. Aaaalllll I need to flippin know is how to take off the weatherstripping when there is no roof rack to get you started. This is the only vid I could find that actually shows that. Thank you, sir.

[@sportsbeat1673]

Great videos Eric. You are to the point and don't ramble on and on like most. Video quality is excellent. I installed the Honda Oddessy rail racks and cross bars as to your instructions. It went well. Thank you so much. I could not have done it without your expertise. My best!

[@thomaskreiberg5882]

This video is really well done. I used masking tape on the trim and marked/cut on that. I used a hacksaw and it was fine. The only small gotcha for me was the middle mount for the rails. It can be tricky to slide the trim cover in between the roof and the underside of the rail, while keeping the gasket in place underneath that trim cover. And Eric suggests tightening the middle mount first. I followed that guideline on the first rail, got cocky on the second one and didn't. Eric was right - it's easier to align the rail when you tighten the middle mount first... I installed the cross bars too. We have taken two long road trips now, with 60-100 lbs of cargo in our rooftop carrier with no issues. Thank you!

[@michellem634]

Thanks for this!! I lost one of my roof rails in a tornado and now have the confidence to put it back on myself!! Going to purchase now.. Much appreciation 😊

[@jacmccauley7581]

Good video Eric. Obviously this doesn’t apply to everyone, because there is a great deal of people that don’t use roof racks, but for those that do, they now know how it’s done

[@timmercer4120]

Excellent video! If you get your roof rack from an auto recycler, you won't get the clips but if you are careful, you can savage two of the eight used to hold the rails on with. I found it worked best to take off the rear trim by the tail gate and then take off the trim by gently prying up the trim from inside the grove and not the side as shown in the video. It worked well starting at the back and when I had to off I could slide the trim back towards the rear of the vehicle making it the salvage of the clips much easier. Really appreciated the tips; get a step stool - yup, obvious after he told me to do it but what a great tip and the point about using a vice to hold the trim. Used a reciprocating say with a metal black to cut the trim. You don't need to be perfect as the rails cover the trim where you do the cut. Do use the painters tape. That really does help keep the paint from getting scratched. My thanks again for an excellent video!!

[@jessemcternan1927]

Thanks! I followed your directions to install OEM rails on my 2015 Odyssey today (except I used a hacksaw--wasn't that bad). Took about 2 hours but I was going slowly and was distracted at times. Not as scary as I thought it'd be.

[@karentilley4356]

You are AMAZING - making this film to help so many people you don’t know. Kudos to you!

[@brg3411]

We installed these rails on our 2017 Honda Odyssey. The video is great! The pdf Eric listed isn’t available, but another viewer posted the updated pdf. Which I printed out. If you have a 4th generation Honda Odyssey 2011-2017. These will work & look good. One problem was they shorted us a screw. I am going to contact the company for this part. Husband put something in tell we have the correct one. You can buy a reciprocal saw at Harbor Freight for about $20-30. Need a blade for cutting metal $5-10. My husband used chop saw. I ordered parts in November didn’t receive tell mid December..so we didn’t have time to install for trip. Give yourself extra shipping time. (Shipping could of been Covid related or weather.

[@pbcanuckrun]

Success! Moved my rails successfully! The back part was the trickiest to get off without snapping.

[@joshuaspooner5086]

Being a new Dad with a New Honda Odyssey i’m super-stoked for these videos.

[@Gruggggg]

Great to see detailed DIY tutorial done properly in detail. Thanks Eric.

[@gotfries2012]

Just installed the roof rails and crossbar to my Honda Odyssey. Thank you for the tutorial, such a great channel, love your video content.

[@anysnail6390]

I have this generation Odyssey and in your older videos hat generation Accord. You are my favorite Honda mechanic on KZbin. Thanks for being so great!

[@greentea5317]

Just want to say Thanks for the video. I’ll pay the dealership $40 for the install, but they wanted $175. Thanks again!

[@matthewjames1448]

Marvelously helpful video, Eric. I just installed the rails on my wife’s 2015 Pilot (her Christmas present), and your help was crucial to making me feel confident about the job. Thanks for your excellent example!

[@noraballantyne1]

What instructions did you use? The .pdf he linked to is not active...

[@nolinovio6748]

thank you! I've watched other similar videos for the Odyssey, your version of the installation is much clearer and easier to follow, thanks!

[@nolinovio6748]

...and passing gas , in the end was hilarious :)

[@j.w.l.2766]

Superb. Eric is a natural broadcaster and teacher. Step by Step instructions that anyone can follow. JWL - New York

[@idrivea911]

Super helpful, mostly to see that I don't have to do any drilling/sealing of the roofline. That was a go/no-go decider for me.

[@artgibbens1730]

Hey Eric, just binged on your Fairmont Project for the last couple of weeks. So I go to my mailbox, find the February 2019 issue of Hot Rod and bring it in. I get inside and lo, and behold, there's Oliver on the Contents page and a 4 page spread for the whole world to enjoy. Congrats!

[@stevemckenzie9138]

Thank you so much! I was able to install this on Sunday in about an hour and a half. Your video was an enormous help because the rails came with NO Information. I purchased after market rails for my Odyssey and they fit perfectly.

[@jeffshaw7035]

Used your video instruction to install a Honda rack on my 2016 - worked like a charm, super helpful. I used a sawzall with a metal blade for cutting the rails which worked ok but had to be careful not to bend the rails. The clips that break at the beginning can be a bear to get off..

[@alfonsocorona1008]

There I was thinking, Easy! there’s no I can screw this up… lol I got the left and right side part correct, but the front and back part was where I screwed up. NOTE; Keep in mind the front has a curve as you see at 8:45 . Other than trimming a few extra pieces after I screwed up, everything else was a breeze. Thanks for the video, EricTheCarGuy!

[@valerief1231]

Thank you, I’m adding roof rails and on the path to turning my 2014 Odyssey into a camper van, my girl Leslie Kalk here on YT did not order OEM rails and ended up spending a lot of time making them work, she too cannot stress enough the importance of OEM, the crazy thing is, the units you linked here, are the same ones I’ve had in my Amazon basket for weeks lol, but the cost was similar to the after market ones Leslie bought. I feel much more confident now, I’m super thankful for this video and the parts links, now I’m off to watch the cross bar video lol.

[@davidmccoley6522]

My wife and I installed the new honda oem racks today and we were getting along and working very well together and we were putting the finishing rack snap covers and from our own honda parts department warehouse had two of the same snap covers in the box, so now we have to order the correct snap cover to finish. Thanks

[@danielmoore1067]

Thanks to your fantastic video, I was able to install new roof rails today-and I am not exactly a handy fix-it kind of person. Eric the Car Guy, you’re the best!

[@batvette]

I love that their recommended cutting tool is an air saw. Ive had one for 20 years. Have used it three times, it eats blades and is hard to control. It has its uses but is literally the last tool Id pick to make these cuts.

[@sidneylam9561]

Thanks for the video, Eric. I always come back to your channel when looking to repair my Honda car/van or install accessories. Thanks for the links to the parts and instructions pdf. Some notes: removing the roof molding should start from the back. Also, when cutting the roof molding (in your video as well as the installation pdf from Honda step 6 page 3 of 6), it's unnecessary to measure and cut the small segments (150mm, 95mm are no use). You only need the 556mm, 850mm and 518mm pieces. And so you only need 3 cuts instead of 5.

[@HavokStrifeX]

In the last couple videos I noticed immediately you've had Cameraman Brian back..dude does awesome work.

[@alyshamartin5112]

Why do you remind me so much of my dad? Great video, I'm going to try to find a roof rack at wreckers

[@caffrey9]

You rock!!! I used all your points on my 2019 and crushed it. I found the covers very forgiving and it helped cover my sawzaw trim job! Thank you

[@mikephelan5940]

caffrey9 great to know as I’m about to try on my 2020 (5th gen, just like 2019). Thanks for posting!

[@cakeisalie]

I love how I still watch every second of this, considering that I already have a rail installed on my SUV

[@outsidelife5411]

great video and thanks for the step-by-step instructions. I have a 2016 Odyssey and I want to install rails but am a bit nervous. This video helps and will probably soon take the plunge instead of having the dealer to install it. Thanks to all other commenters that gave tips on alternate tools, such as hacksaw, etc.

[@ianmitchell4745]

Thanks Eric the Car Guy, this video was perfect. We bought a lower model and really got it for camping so I had to put some of these on. Great advice too, on setting the pieces on the roof to make sure the cuts are right.

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

I could have died installing one of the roof racks on an 2005 Honda Odyssey. I was cutting the roof trim with a 3” cut off wheel and the wheel broke. Of course I wasn’t being safe. I was using a air powered die grinder with a cut off wheel arbor and it didn’t have a guard on the tool, I was wearing glasses but no face shield. When I was almost though cutting the trim the trim flexed slightly and pinched my cutoff disc and caused it to break. I went and grabbed another disc and when I was installing it on he tool I noticed blood dipping from my face. When the disc broke it shot into my cheek at an upward angle and stuck there. I got lucky because an inch higher and I would have lost an eye, a few inches lower and it would have severed my neck. The next week I bought a dedicated cut off tool with a guard. Never would have thought this could happen. Reciprocating saw is a much better choice. Good tutorial Eric.

[@ericthecarguy]

Glad you’re OK

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

EricTheCarGuy Ha me too. Stupid mistake on my part as a younger mechanic. Luckily I didn’t feel a thing til a few days later. Instant numbing I guess. As wanted to add that those factory rails fit so much better than some aftermarket ones I’ve seen come in our shop.

[@Patrick94GSR]

I probably would have cut it with my power miter saw, personally, to get a perfectly straight, square cut.

[@robertmedina6875]

YOU STUD!!

[@honnomr79]

Thanks - followed instructions exactly and didn't have any problems. To make the cut measurements easier, I just added up the measurements progressively so I could measure them all off the one end and minimize the chance for error. I also made the decision to use blue loctite on the bolts so they couldn't vibrate loose. Great video, though!

[@jimsoque4380]

That was THE BEST DYI video I've ever seen on KZbin! And I don't even have an Odyssey Mini Van.... yet, that is. Great Camera Work too. Thanks Eric!

[@magnaangels]

I can’t believe how easy he make it looks, I definitely will install mine soon. Thanks teacher!!!!

[@ozzstars_cars]

Really nice to have the rails. Can strap mattresses and lumber to the top.

[@ElectoneGuy]

Or you can have the mattress shop deliver it... ;)

[@Th0garr]

@@ElectoneGuy but how can they deliver it if I find one on the side of the road?

[@SgtJoeSmith]

And grandma

[@HaythamBuKhadra]

Nice job eric. Also the beard is looking great.

[@nosonf0204]

I'm getting leakage from the roof seam on my 06. Reversing your vid will make the resealing a snap- thanks dude! Most of all for not going on and on like some. -ugh

[@I_Am_Michael]

I never thought I would watch a video about installing roof rails. yet, here we are....

[@destroso]

Couldn’t of done it without you, thanks

[@jeffburtonnottheracecardriver]

A terrificly made video by you and your camera man!

[@SuperDave21]

Love the video Eric, you make the process so easy!

[@ldw100]

can we hear it for camera man Brain?

[@gvvq-pi5ml]

Brain or Brian?

[@jeffscomp]

g4vvq1983 brain 🧠

[@jimsoque4380]

@@jeffscomp Way to Go BRIAN !!!

[@robertmedina6875]

Congratulations on you Hot Rod lay out bro!! So happy for you!

[@ronsandoval5577]

Eric great video that really help me. Could you please post the Instructions PDF file or the link again as I look at the link posted and it gives me an error. Thanks again!

[@TheBackyardfishing]

Eric! Its so good to see that the fairmont In hot rod magazine.

[@Zebrayoshi]

Great job Eric! Thanks for the demo and tips!

[@dalriada842]

It's a pity the kit didn't come with pre-cut lengths of the trim. Though I suppose if it's intended to fit a wide range of vehicles, they may have to be sold separately as accessory packs. I'd rather keep the old trim in case I wanted to take the rails off again.

[@ericthecarguy]

Roof rails actually add value to a vehicle.

[@dalriada842]

@@ericthecarguy Whether it adds value or not is probably country specific. They used to be common decades ago, but I rarely see them now. I know that having a tow hook here tends to detract from the value, as it is assumed the engine has had a hard life.

[@maximeDpetrov]

@@dalriada842 nearly every car made after the 1970s have tow hooks/loops front and back. You are required by law to have them in Europe now. Tow hitches don't mean that the car had a hard life either - I've owned trucks that had a hitch but never pulled anything. I've also had Hondas that were my delivery vehicles, which definitely had a hard life. I feel like the only people who would detract value from a car because they see a tow hook present are not the best equipped to be buying cars. There are many better ways to get a good idea of a vehicles past life, but generally, add on factory parts increase value.

[@dalriada842]

@@maximeDpetrov I'm not talking about the built-in loops. Nor am I talking about larger vehicles. Of course a tow hook doesn't guarantee the degree of wear to the vehicle, but it is used by some as a proxy indicator, like it or not. When you come to sell a car, it hardly matters whether you approve of a potential customer's priorities or not. Someone may refuse to buy a car because they don't like the radio controls. These are facts of life.

[@maximeDpetrov]

@@dalriada842 true.

[@ducrogers302]

New subscriber here. I've watched your vids and I'm very grateful for you sharing your knowledge in very good detailed manner. Great job!

[@CharlieGalik]

Thanks! Save me $300 in install!!

[@aussiebloke609]

One thing I'd add is to give it a wee drop of fresh sealant on that body seam before mounting the rails. I know it _shouldn't_ be a problem, but I've had roofs that leaked from those seams, past the factory sealant - and removing some of it could make it more likely to have a problem down the line. Still, at least it doesn't look too awkward to remove (except maybe for that centre cover) if you decide to go back and give it a bit of a smear. :-)

[@achedrick1]

aussiebloke609 never heard of a leak from them. I’ve seen plenty of cars with wind noise from the crossbars though. Once they get a bit loose they can move and cause a noise. Honda’s and non Honda’s.

[@aussiebloke609]

@achedrick1 I don't know about this particular make/model, but I had this problem on an 01 Focus, and I saw further down in the comments someone that has had a similar issue. it's probably not the most common fault, but better safe than sorry in my book. Especially when it doesn't take a huge effort.

[@glena4979]

Thanks your video really helped!! Took me about 2 hrs just taking my time. Could have done in 1. I also did middle bars too.

[@wheelerdealer7098]

Sort of liked the old eric the car guy from the fixing it forward era.

[@TreyCook21]

What's wrong with him now? Just curious... not being confrontational.

[@wheelerdealer7098]

@@TreyCook21 I just want to see cars being fixed (different cars) in my opinion the channel went downhill when the Fairmont arrived!

[@TreyCook21]

I see. There's more to come on the Fairmont too. Probably a bit on the parts mustang. Looking forward to Dad's truck though. Being a GM product, it pertains more to my vehicle needs.

[@mikeluscher159]

But mercifully, not working on a late 90s Chrysler product I genuinely felt bad for him on that one

[@wheelerdealer7098]

@@mikeluscher159 that was one of my favourites lol

[@Leatherkid01]

Metric tape measure widely available here in Canada.... I dont own a honda van but love your vids so i watch it anyways :)

[@QuadtrackZero]

Man, this video saved me hundreds! Thanks for the tape recommendation in putting on the middle covers!

[@petrmiskerik]

Brian is back !!!!! Awesome !! And thx for great video guys.

[@edwardvandyke2021]

If anyone is wondering how to get this for cheaper than his price listed. Check your local pick and pull or wrench a part. I have a 2016, found a 2012 that had the full rack genuine Honda part for $43. Fit great. The only difference here is the clips he said that it doesn't matter if they break. You need to have 2 survive the removal. I broke a few, but 4 made it, which was more than plenty.

[@ben.jamin921]

Installed roof rails this morning.. thanks for great instructions! 💯 % You Rock!

[@jballoregon]

Super helpful...this was my reference video, thank you!

[@Fir3Chi3f]

I can always tell when camera man Brian is around, Eric is a lot more playful.

[@TheKotik32]

I have followed the instructions and this video and the installation was a breeze.

[@timothybarksdale7229]

Looks like Hondapartsnow says it is correct and indeed charges a better price!!

[@kostasfarao9953]

I own a Honda FRV (aka EDIX) and it works pretty fine for me this video! Thanks!

[@adamsheldon6176]

Good stuff. I can see this applies to lots of cars.

[@Patrick94GSR]

yep, Mazda roof rails install pretty much the same way. Only 3 cuts and 2 mounting points on the CX5 rails, though.

[@minzhang8036]

I have 2012 odyssey, and I really wanna have roof rail installed, right fits in the category in this video. Unfortunately, I don't have tools and equipment as Eric does, so I will just give up and send my car to the workshop 😆

[@11paulanthony]

Very clear, helpful video. Thank you!

[@georgekopsias9159]

Great video. Finished product looks good.

[@humberton2306]

I had another brand installed. Same instructions. Thanks. It worked fine.

[@Brian-Burke]

Full beard, Eric! You look good. You remind me of someone famous but I can't place it. Have a good weekend.

[@hyahooh]

Steve Carell, Evan almighty?

[@WAOQVNA]

Thanks for this instructional video, you really go to the point! I need to instal used orillinal rail bars to my mitsubishi montero 2001 naked roof. But I will need to make holes on the roof, and screw the nuts under the roof pannel (inside the SUV). Its more complex because I need to take out the doors rubber around the windows, and (inside the car) take my hands and tool between the roof corner and the inside pannel. I guess is going to be a risky project, maybe I will need to take it to a body shop.

[@achedrick1]

I normally just hold the rails up to the trim piece and use a marker to mark the cutting points on them. I do these things almost daily at my dealership. They pay decently. All Honda roof rails are roughly the same process.

[@Patrick94GSR]

Mazdas appear pretty similar, also, judging by their instructions.

[@pervezdurrani3421]

It was wonderful presentation, May God bless you for all the good work.

[@jim43fan]

I LOVED this video! Your awesome! New follower here! Your linked instructions PDF no longer works. I know it's an older video.

[@jim43fan]

Job done because of you!

[@thomaswarren7227]

Thank you! Great video! Just installed mine without issue thanks to this video

[@MSor1203]

The end..🤣🤣🤣🤣 "excuse me." Great video!

[@cjk5k]

one of your best tips was visual...you wore a SOFT overall to protect the car paint!

[@matthewunger7338]

"send it home"... Love it.

[@mdwillington9416]

Cool, just bought a 2013 last week, looks like it’s possible to get rails and cross bars on there for our Thule 👍

[@puckja616]

Thanks a lot for the great video! However, I cannot find any rail from Honda or any OEM parts provider for my 2003 Odyssey. Last hope is to check with you. Is any possibility that the later year (2011 and beyond) rail may fit 2003 one? Thanks a lot!

[@schulmn]

Thank you - very helpful video - do you have a tutorial on how to remove the plastic trim without breaking it? I'm assuming I'll need to occasionally check the bolt tightness and I can't figure out exactly how to get the trim off. Thanks!

[@seanneuert5019]

Excellent video, resulted in a super easy install.

[@guerin1982]

Love the bloopers at the end !!!

[@jesaiahrodriguez4291]

Thank u for this video u save me over 300 dollar i know i can do it but i dout my self but with this video n ur presicise instructions i did it can out awesome. N save me money only one ? The trim dont need any adhesive just hold by the rack

[@yaddamaster]

Thanks, Eric. Great video and made the installation a breeze!

[@mauriliolibrado8857]

Can you do a video with an install on a 2020 Traverse LS without the rails.. thanks for the videos

[@nighthawkj30A4]

Yay Factory Honda🏎 Accessories also i install my Automatic Day/Night Mirror w/compass part # 08V03-SDA-102 and wood trim kit 08Z03-SDA-111 per Honda installation instructions.

[@LazerLord10]

hmm... I wonder if the process is similar for my Fit? An even better question is if I should even do things with my Fit that would require roof rails...

[@johnmpifer]

Thanks. I was concerned that cutting/drilling of the roof would be required.

[@symphonysound505]

Great Video. Very Detailed

[@steveboyter548]

Great video, very straightforward

[@danielbaltes9415]

Eric your the man, i love your videos