Yakima School Of Rack Roof Racks 101

Building Your Foundation:
A multi-sport rack system is all about that base, and that base is your roof rack. But what fits your vehicle’s roof? What kind of roof do you even have? Which bars and towers do you need? In this School of Rack session, we guide you to the perfect system for your vehicle.

[@michaelroback5883]

This is a very helpful overview of Yakima's roof rack system for those who are planning to buy one. Thanks for the in-depth overview!

[@napynap]

Thank you for this, it cleared up the confusion and made it easy to pick the right parts!

[@soihavetoplay]

Wow this is a recent video, thanks so much I have been looking for some info on racks, great job.

[@johnw7120]

Great review. I'm researching whats best for my 2020 Pilot. Thanks

[@7snakes]

Great explanation of the system.

[@pcfriese4570]

Great insights, thanks for sharing! We just purchased the EXO system and the YAKIMA roof rack. Now just trying to figure out what cross bars we need. Your video helps tremendously! Thank you!

[@YakimaRacksOfficial]

Thanks! We recommend using our vehicle fit tool located at the top of Yakima.com! It will tell you everything that is compatible with your specific vehicle.

[@devynattias7429]

@@YakimaRacksOfficial free

[@TrilobitesRTasty]

About 15 years ago, I purchased a Yakima round crossbars system for my Xterra, plus two Yakima kayak saddles, and two Yakima "wheeled kayak" supports, plus lots of extra hardware...just in case. The "wheeled" kayak supports, combined with the round bars, were a disaster. Each time I tried to slide my new Perception touring kayak onto the "wheeled" supports, the supports would first rotate inward horizontally, then literally flip upside down on the round crossbars...resulting in the wheeled support hardware gouging the underside of the shiny new kayak. No matter how tightly I fastened the bolts, the round bars allowed any attached device to rotate. I mentioned it to the folks at REI from whom I purchased the kit, who then told me the Yakima wheeled kayak supports get returned all the time for that reason. Then they told me the REI employees at that store don't buy Yakima products when they buy their own gear. I decided to never buy another Yakima product.

[@richardflores8771]

Interesting! I have a Q tower system with a round bar. Is there a adapter to go from round bar to one of the newer bars?

[@africancustomfabricators9399]

i really like your video

[@keithsterling8582]

I just got the cross bars and landing pads put on my truck camper top with tracks. My question is, can I adjust the distance between the bars? They seem to be too far apart for a 48” basket

[@karlduffield2699]

hi , I see you had some round bars on that table in the video but decided not touch on those. where can i find mounting instructions for a round bar type set up?

[@Nate-zy5ce]

Does the mount that the door shuts over, does that in any way affect the door seal, sound, weather, anything? And do you have a similar video for pickup bed rack choices? One question I'm trying to figure out is how many different heights to you offer for the bed racks, and if and how they can coordinate use with one another on the same runners, specifically using with the Diamondback HD bed cover?

[@CreachterZ]

I’m looking at ordering a Toyota Venza that has a factory roof rack option. Should I go with thank and add to it or go 100% aftermarket? My thought is that the factory option would be more integrated.

[@janiswilliams2766]

How good is the Yakima rack system already pre installed on the newest Toyota vans? Is it with replacing with stronger bars.

[@aubreybilskyrozier]

I just put crossbars on my Jeep Cherokee. I put 50” instead of 58” because I’m using them to carry large dog crates and the thought the overhang of the 58” would make it more difficult to put them up there and get them down. I just don’t see any aftermarket crossbars that don’t extend several inches from the width of the roof. Is there a specific reason for that overhang that I’m not aware of ? I’m afraid that there is and that’s why I never see them shorter the way I’ve put them on my Jeep. Is it just aesthetics and the preferred “style” ?

[@bobotron801]

On the naked roof, installed. The base clips seem to be located about the middle of the Windows. Which is how it is on my car, Question is can I slide the base clips towards the back of the car so that my cargo box isn’t over my windshield?

[@KiloWhiskey716]

The fact that these systems are over $400, I think it’s bullshit that customers are forced to pay an extra $60 or so for some key locks to prevent theft.

[@xxroyalxtigerxx]

The point is so you can get the correct number of locks that you need, and get a key that fits all of them. If they included them, nothing would change and the only difference would be the price of the product would be higher, and you'd need to take care of a bunch of different keys.

[@Henrykgreenleaf]

I agree I bought a whole set cost me $750 at rei I feel like I got robbed

[@fishingparadisecalifornia7764]

​​@@Henrykgreenleaf literally just bought 60 dollar racks and 250 on an entire roof rack system with straps bags tie downs etc. saving alot of money. the racks are decent for the price.. amazon bro

[@lafavini]

I'm pretty sure this / isn't called backslash...no wonder I couldn't find your page :)

[@bthemedia]

Exactly. Every time he said backslash it was annoying (but common mistake). Just remember which direction the slash "falls"... / = (forward) slash, \ = backslash

[@wally81000]

I was today years old when I learned this. O_O

[@napynap]

As a tech support agent, I got out of that argument by just saying to use the one on the question mark key.

[@FGCScrub]

winner winner chicken dinner. You guys picked a Delica to show as an example for the rain gutter system.

[@rahulranecool]

Folks, thanks for the video. Could you tell me how much will it (the cargo rack you showed on the truck) affect the cabin noise? I have a 2014 Honda Pilot Touring which is super quiet in the cabin at speeds over 110 KMPH.

[@YakimaRacksOfficial]

Hello Rahul, With adding an aftermarket product to the roof you should expect there to be some degree of increased noise. How much? It not possible to say. We have had customers with same vehicle and rack report no increased noise, while others report a stark increase in perceived noise levels. We try and design the systems in such a way to decrease the likelihood of the rack creating noise, but there are so many factors at play that is not something we can completely prevent.

[@jjl5458]

@@YakimaRacksOfficial Hello Yakima Racks! I have a set of round bars with q towers on our 2010 insight. I want to transfer them to our 2014 prius c, but it has a sunroof. Does it matter where I place the bars as long as I have the right length storage box? I want to be able to clear as much of the sunroof to keep it operable. Thanks!!!

[@sangvang1985]

For 3:34, what is the length of those cross bar on the 4runner?

[@OrtizFamilyVlogs]

Do you guys know what platform rack will fit a 01 Subaru Forester

[@JulyRobbins]

What about the horrible whistle sound from the cross bars? I had them installed at the dealership to make sure they was installed correctly. I have the roof rails and basket and shew the bars whistle I have the Flat black

[@YakimaRacksOfficial]

Hello Heather, Sorry for the sound issues you are having. I'd need to know more about your bars. Which bars, etc. Please reach us at our Support desk here: yakimasupport.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/requests/new W'e'd be glad to come up with solution.

[@woodwoman9130]

The cross bars lock but does the rack have locks?

[@chewpaeng12]

What do u recommend for 05 Nissan Armada? I want to upgrade to a longer width for 2 tandem Kayak…thanks

[@tropx8995]

Did he pop open the cover for that fixed point mounting point with a metal screwdriver? I have those on my car and the cover and surrounding area are painted body color. I would never pry them open with a metal screw driver.

[@YakimaRacksOfficial]

Hello and thank you for contacting Yakima support! You should use your best judgement since every vehicle is different from each other. Please let us know if you need further assistance.

[@ranjdall]

Your website is not working at all with my iPhone. I’m looking for a system for my 2019 Subaru Legacy. Mainly for my SUP board and maybe add a basket later

[@ranjdall]

By the way this was an impressive and informative video. I learned so much.

[@RogueOntheRoad]

That is a 'forward slash' not a "backslash" as stated in the video.

[@Vinterfrid]

Interesting information. However, this is a slash "/" and this is a backslash "\". See the difference? The guy keeps talking about "backslash" but the adress shows a "slash". Right?

[@galacticwarlock2271]

I hope you are getting paid for this. You've sold me a roof rack.

[@jnon1974]

Some of the crossbars looked so wide that the guy would be poking his eye out when walking up to the car.

[@greensleeves8095]

Any longer and those vehicles would be able to fly.

[@hepzlawrence7710]

Whats my options for a naked roof on a van? I have been told base clips won't work on the sliding doors

[@YakimaRacksOfficial]

Best option is custom install and putting in tracks!

[@asadulmakki1]

I can't find my car on the yakima website

[@juliansaucedo4748]

Most recommended rack for a 2006 scion xb??

[@YakimaRacksOfficial]

Hi, Here you go fitlookup.yakima.com?fitid=15277

[@mardycaracas7123]

would appreciate if you will going to ship the missing parts of my order (Malone Roof Rack Crossbar). The black rubber strips are missing. Its been 2 weeks since I ordered them. I am extending my patience towards you guys but it seems that your just ignoring it and considering it as not your priority.

[@847MicRoss]

I can't believe you charge extra for the locks and have the bar so easily removeable.

[@YakimaRacksOfficial]

Locks are sold separately so that you can match them to existing accessories , or purchase enough matched locks to cover all new products at one time

[@cold5now]

Yakima Racks highway robbery

[@abdulrezal5203]

Not the usual or conventional PIAK, Marco, MCC rack manf. co. Is your brand represented here in S. E. A. region?

[@ZionTribe]

Hey is there any way I could get someone from the company to help install it on my car??

[@YakimaRacksOfficial]

Hello, Many retailers will do installations for a fee,you can find them here www.yakima.com/dealer-locator We don't provide installations service directly

[@kokomob8941]

Honestly did install in 45 minutes outside could been faster if I rushed. Watch an install video read ALL directions. You will see how fast and easy it is. Im short and installed alone on an SUV. Good luck!

[@nogoodbadass]

The fit website doesn't help at all btw. I entered my car and it would only give me options for accessories and wasn't able to fit what I needed.

[@YakimaRacksOfficial]

What is the year, make, and model of your car?

[@danielsonsthagen8970]

I was very nervous putting my brand new beach cruiser on this rack. kzbin.infoUgkxG6JIgwJhur8_Rg8UeQ3EmePzi_wSncL8 But after reading many reviews I decided to get this one and take a chance. When arrived it was very simple to adjust and put together. I also added spike tape over the metal hooks before securing and tightening the straps, and no scratches. I also purchased the top bar made by the same company so that my cruiser sits straight on the rack without having to turn upside down. Extra bungee cords are used to secure the front wheel from flapping and even piece of mind knowing your bike is secure. Definitely recommend...

[@cloud1494]

It’s a forward slash, not backslash. Just FYI. :)

[@YakimaRacksOfficial]

Thanks.

[@nicklane5896]

yakima.com *forward slash* fit. FTFY

[@aarondavis5535]

Im finding it a pain in tha @$$ to mount a awning to a Yakima round bar

[@helxis]

It's "forward slash" . Or just "slash". "Backslash" is "\".

[@jayrluciano3304]

I want removable to buy roof racks for my 2008 Chevy Trailblazer SS - TBSS, send me positive reconditions. Thanks,

[@michaelthomson5101]

You keep saying "backslash fit" but you are showing a forward slash on the screen. that is not a backslash, This is a backslash "\", this is a forward slash "/". Think of it as a vertical line, plumbed up, perfectly vertical. As you read, left to right that line falls either forward, /, a forward slash, or it falls backward, \, a backslash I hope this helps with getting more people to visiting your fit site.

[@TheHunTwo]

Don’t buy these racks! I bought the Yakima Warrior roof rack. Once any weight is added on the rack the noise inside the car is unbearable! The two piece installed rack torques making the noise. Piss poor product!

[@YakimaRacksOfficial]

Hi Don, Sorry to hear about your experience with the cargo basket, this is the first time I've heard of this issue. Have you reached out to our support team yet to see if there is a possible solution? If not contact us here yakimasupport.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/requests/new?ticket_form_id=358707, lets see if we can find a solution for you.