I am getting ready to purchase a roof rack for my 98 CRV. It has
never had a rack. I have looked at Yakima and Thule online and think
I just want the basic model with the two load bars. It looks like I
have a mounting choices of the type that clips onto the door frame or
a system that mounts into a rail system. The rail system costs almost
as much as the rack itself.

I want to load the occasional building materials onto this rack
(which is why I don't want the factory rack - it is not flat). So I
am concerned about the strength of a system that clips on.

I see that my roof has two plastic strips on either side of the roof.
Is there some sort of rail system present already or at least some
threaded inserts?

Any info appreciated!

Thanks,

Stan

I, too, have a 98 CRV. I also needed a roof rack for it. After investigating
it a bit, I liked the Yakima system. So, I called them up to ask about the
rail system. I had the same question that you have regarding the existing
mounting points on the car. They said that Yakima does not use the existing
mounting points. They, instead, drill new mounting points on the roof. Since
I wanted to do a DIY type of thing, I went with the clip ons. It's nice to be
able to take them off anytime I want. BTW, somebody at work has the rail
system. It looks good. The rails were mounted just inside the plastic coated
strips that are on either side of the roof. It does seem to be "more"
adjustable because the bars can move back and forth on the rail system.

--Ron

Thanks all for the replies.

Ron - do you think the clip ons would support say 100 pounds?


Thanks,

Stan

I believe that Yakima sets the limit for the CR-V to 125 lbs. If you go with
the Yakima, I would recommend for you to get the crossbars at Galyan's (if you
have them where you are). They are half the price of retail.

--Ron

May I point one thing out. Whatever roof rack you decide on, check
out the screws really good. When I bought my 2001 CRVse, it came
with the stock roof rack and the screws rusted at 8,000 it seemed
like. I now have about 29,000 miles on it. It's not a big deal but
when you buy a new car and all.

Anyway just a note I thought I'd pass on.