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| Lately, I noticed that many MDX Touring owners are removing their roof racks. Why? I ordered a base MDX, and wanted to add the roof rack + running boards. I just wanted to get the opinions. I probably would not have much use for it, but as many have said - the truck just looks more complete. But then again, there is usability, extra holes, harder-to-keep-it-clean roof, wind noise. What else? |
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I have no use for a roof rack either. In my opinion, I think it makes the MDX or any SUV look sportier. I would never stick anything on top of my vehicles. Yes they are a pain to wash and wax around, but you take the good with the bad I guess. It's you choice. Some people say that because of the roof rack you have wind noise. Yes I do have wind noise, but I'm not sure if it's caused from the roof rack, sun roof or what. My husband thinks I should take it in for that, but I noticed everyone is complaining about it. He thinks if you have air leaks now, later you'll have leaks when it rains. I don't know what to think.
lmeans
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IMHO........a roof rack is not worth the leaks, wind noise, in the way while washing, etc, etc, etc...........
We had one on the GMC Yukon---three years, never used! Not even once.
It is so nice to wash the roof on our MDX BASE/NAVI just standing on a short step ladder. Run the water squeegee, then dry the entire MDX completely with one terry cloth towel. Those new fangled plastic squeegee gadjets are wonderful for drying the whole car spotless with one towel. Our mesa beige metallic comes out looking just like a great big gold brick shining in the high dessert sun.
Hey Honey whose car is dat out dere?!?!?! It is, isn't it! |
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| It really comes down to your lifestyle. I did notice wind noise with my MDX but I'm pretty sure it's not the roof rack. Sounds more like it's coming over from the hood area??? Can't exactly pinpoint it yet since I've only driven it 4 times. BUT, I have already used the rack once for carrying a ladder. Eventually, I plan to put a ski and bike racks on it. I'm not too sure about the bike rack though, since it seems like it would be a high lift to put a bike on the MDX. But I really don't want to put my bike inside with all this rain we have here in NW. |
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| We're waiting for our base MDX but I'll be sure to add the roof rack. I have a Jeep Cherokee now. Over the past 3 1/2 years that I have owned it I have used the roof rack many times and I find it very handy. I know many of you guys look at your MDX's very differently but for me it will be my family hauler just as the Jeep has been. If I need to transport a ladder, some sheet rock, a chair, luggage, you'll find it on my roof rack. That's why I'm getting one. |
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We have been driving a '99 Expedition for the past three years and have yet to use the roof rack. I do not see using the rack in the MDX, but you never know?
The roof rack DOES contribute to wind noise (whether slight, crosswinds, etc) however slight. The channel covers needed if you remove the rack from a Touring, cost $25 dollars each from Tim. My dealer gave them to me free (they installed a rack on a base). We will probably remove the rack. But we will still have it to reinstall if we should need it. Previous posters have said it is not that difficult to do. |
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Racks are a must-have for me. Don't care about the wind noise (?), cleaning problem (?), etc. But I'm into the biking-traveling thing and everything goes on top so people can be more comfortable in the cabin. It's an essential option and fun toy for me.
ch
See what I mean . . . .
http://www.acuramdx.org/forums/upload/MDXGROUPPHOTO.jpg
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I Definitely will be using the roof rack. I have used the roof rack on my previous SUV and will again. Gotta have somewhere to put the skis, bikes, etc.
Plus, I like the looks.
To each his own.
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| How else are you going to get the 14' christmas tree home without scratching up the roof? :) |
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I have an active outdoor lifestyle so roof rack is a must for me. But the manufacturer's roof rack looks too flimsy to be of any practical use. Any comments?
I have a base MDX with Nav and been waiting forever for Yakima to release a roof rack for this truck. I used their racks on my other car for many years and pretty happy with it. Every time I called they keep complaining their engineer couldn't get a hold of the truck to take the measurements for the designing of the rack. Yakima is in Northern CA. If you live in Northern CA or Southern Origon,
please let them take some measurements. You will do a great favor to many many people, and a free rack for yourself.
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Have any body experieced any LEAKS after installing the Roof Rack? I intalled my a week ago and Today is the first day raining in this area. I did not have to open any holes on the roof to install it. Do you guys think I should take my MDX to the dealer to make sure everythin is fine???
I bought the parts from Tim...
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In my opinion, I think a roof rack makes the MDX or any SUV look sportier and better, even I may never stick anything on top of my vehicles.
I got my GG MDX W/Naiv a month ago, then I installed roof rack by myself. I tested it on highway befor and after the roof rack installed, I can not notice any differance with the wind noise.
Yes, the MDX do have some wind noise sometimes on the highway it depends on the wind direction, but it is not caused from the roof rack.
Also installation of roof rack is nothing to do with leaks when it rains. there is no any hole on the roof, even without the channel covers the installation would not cause roof reaks water.
_________________________________
2001 MDX GG W/Naiv.
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quote:
Originally posted by forfun
I have an active outdoor lifestyle so roof rack is a must for me. But the manufacturer's roof rack looks too flimsy to be of any practical use. Any comments?
I have a base MDX with Nav and been waiting forever for Yakima to release a roof rack for this truck. I used their racks on my other car for many years and pretty happy with it. Every time I called they keep complaining their engineer couldn't get a hold of the truck to take the measurements for the designing of the rack. Yakima is in Northern CA. If you live in Northern CA or Southern Origon,
please let them take some measurements. You will do a great favor to many many people, and a free rack for yourself.
You might want to look at the thread http://www.acuramdx.org/forums/show...p?threadid=1080 where there was discussion about the Yakima rack. Search is your friend! |
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| I am actively looking into that as I also don't like roof rack that much. It will be so much easier to put the bikes on a hitch-mount. And you can also avoid win noise caused by roof rack. |
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| a roof rack is key. I think without a roof rack the car just doesn't look like a SUV even if you don't use it. I haven't had any wind noise with mine but I do crank the radio loud everytime in the car. |
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Hitch vs Roof
While the hitch is an alternative, it is ENORMOUSLY expensive: $600 for the hitch kit, couple of hours to install, or pay $200, then a Yakima Rokin gate for $229 from REI. Heck, a grand.
While the roof rack is $99 for skis, same for each bike.
I do like the idea of hanging the heavy bikes low where they can't scratch though.
I do think it will be quite some time before anybody makes a custom fit kit for the MDX (without the factory rack)
Although it's been posted elsewhere here (do a search) the "VWADAPT" kit from Thule has the hardware you need to mount a large variety of Thule/Yakima racks (bike, ski, kayak, etc.
Ard
PS from what I've seen, the roof rack mounts in a channel that is still on the exterior. There is no penetration into the skin, so no leaks are possible. |
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The way I look at it - since hitch-mount rack is not towing, so you don't need all the fluid coolers, anti-sway bar, break light hookup, etc., which are the expensive parts. So I would just run down to Pep Boys and pick up a simple reciever hitch and just put it on. It should be less than $80. So that plus the rack at about $250. The thing about hitch rack is that you don't need another bike or ski add-on so there's no extra cost there.
Definately something to think about. |
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B.A.M.
What's the manufacturer and part number of that Pep Boys hitch that fits the MDX?
A lot of folks have been looking for a non-Acura and it sounds like you found one.
(It is also true that if you can get an Acura dealer to sell just the hitch, and some have, you can trim around $500 off the bill.)
Ard |
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I wanted the Touring model and the base looked odd to me without the roof rack. Surprisingly, I have found the rack useful.
The wind noise is there but not so bad I dislke the MDX. I have found that if I close the inside cover to the sunroof the noise goes down considerably. I do wish the gas tank was larger.
D E Pearl Touring
2000 DTS
2001 Stingray |
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I would assume it's more aerodynamic and probably faster without the rack. The original road test by MotorWeek last September was without a roof rack and they recorded the 7.6 second 0-60 mph time. I believe the Motor Trend and Car and Driver times of 8.1 and 8.4 seconds, respectively, were both with the roof rack.
I wonder how much it affects fuel economy? Just something for thought... |
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| Why didn't I think of it before! A wind gaurd for the roof rack so I can go faster! Maybe a tight waterproof cover made out of sail canvas? My buddy does canvas work; I'll talk to him about it this weekend! ;) |
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| I don't get it - who cares about shaving a few mph or mpg if you need the thing. This is an sUv, heavy on the utility for me, so the MDX is worthless without the roof rack. If you don't like the looks, don't need the utility, don't get it. Once again this weekend, I strapped two bikes and a Thule case on top, ran down the highway at about 70mph, sunroof open and enjoyed the wind noise! |
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| About that roof rack drag...I've heard the same thing about the side mirrors. I'm going to request the removal of both unnecessary parts when I pick up my MDX this afternoon. I want to go 0-60 in 5 seconds. I'll report my findings :D:D:D |
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| DMor, remember to take it easy during that break-in period! :D:D |
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I think if you were to remove the windshield and rear glass the wind resistance would be reduced significantly. If you decide to do this, I'd also suggest:
- Folding down 2nd and 3rd row seats
- Fully reclining front seats, or ducking
Maybe ghost can graph+post the 0-60 times with this configuration vs. no side mirrors vs. no roof rack to see if there's a measurable difference.
BTW, I can't imagine that the roof rack would have a significant impact on mileage or 0-60 times. It isn't that big. |
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Baby oil! I heard that if you cover the car in baby oil the air avoids the car all together. How about narrowing the read end, throwing in a Dana pumpkin and tubbing it our with some slicks, dropping it down some as well...
Really guys, what it comes down to is are you gonna use the thing or not. The additional wind noise is minimal and the change to 0-60 is pointless unless you plan to drag race a SUV.
Point:
Enjoy your vehicle no matter that your choice is. It's the best SUV out there. |
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