| gotMDX |
Has anyone installed this one?
Yakima has the Q towers. Here is the link http://yakima.com/Consumer/Step2.aspx.
Advantage (I think): I can take it off the roof when I don't need it.
Disadvantage: paint scratches, maybe.....
Thanks!
Merry mdX-mas everyone!!!!!!!!!:2: |
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| kingmdx |
| FYI: Link isn't working :( |
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| gotMDX |
quote:
Originally posted by kingmdx
FYI: Link isn't working :(
Thanx kingmdx!
let's try again.
http://www.yakima.com/Product.aspx?id=20
Well, I got excited last night so I went back to Sport Chalet. Promo is 20% off all Yakima parts and accessories. I took home most of the parts with me but I'm still locating Q-clip part Q131 from other dealers. It seems that this clip is new for 2007MDX. I might buy the sky box before promo(20% off plus $50 rebate from yakima) ends Dec 24. Anyway, as soon as I find the Q-clip, I'll post pictures.
By the way, when using Yakima's site "fit my car" use year 2007 for your MDX. Site's 2008 mdx is defaulted as "roof rack as standard", and will not show you the Q towers as available for your specific vehicle.
It's toasty 34-deg right now and I'll be installing my bsm I got from Tim......and hopefully my new rack sys. tonight.....:2: |
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| mgmdx |
quote:
Originally posted by gotMDX
Has anyone installed this one? ...Advantage (I think): I can take it off the roof when I don't need it.
Disadvantage: paint scratches, maybe.....
I researched the Q-tower option in 2001, prior to installing Yakima tracks and rack on my MDX (link in signature). I am not sure if this is different for new generation '07-'08 MDX, but I suspect that the primary disadvantages are still the same.
Here is an old thread on this topic (and you will find many others if you search for "Yakima roof rack" on this site):
http://acuramdx.org/forums/showthre...ht=yakima+mgmdx
The Q-tower solution did not work for me. There are limitations on where the crossbars can be positioned because of the way MDX rear doors/c-pillars curve. The Q-tower type installation results in the following deficiencies.
Functional:
1. The front cross bar is directly above the moon roof - loads may block or interfere with the moon roof, wind noise is more obvious and fairing can't be used to reduce it.
2. The rack is positioned too far forward on the roof - it is difficult to evenly distribute longer loads.
3. The maximum spread between the bars with Q-towers is 32" - some utility is lost if you need your bars to be spread farther apart.
Esthetic:
4. The 58" cross bar recommended for Q-towers on an MDX is too wide and sticks out on the sides too much - this does not look very good, in my opinion.
5. The actual Q-clips that hold the Q-towers on the MDX roof are very obvious because of the shape of the MDX roof (2"x3" black metal strips will be visible between the Q-towers and the top edges of MDX doors, unless you have a black MDX) - this, again, is not very esthetic, in my opinion.
Of course, if the deficiencies outlined above are not significant obstacles in your case, then Q-tower type Yakima roof rack may be the right solution for you. Otherwise, you may want to consider permanent installation of Yakima tracks with Railrider towers. It is not that difficult, it provides a secure and flexible solution, and it looks good.
Good luck. |
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| gotMDX |
quote:
Originally posted by mgmdx
Of course, if the deficiencies outlined above are not significant obstacles in your case, then Q-tower type Yakima roof rack may be the right solution for you. Otherwise, you may want to consider permanent installation of Yakima tracks with Railrider towers. It is not that difficult, it provides a secure and flexible solution, and it looks good.
Good luck.
mgmdx
Thanks for the information- very detailed review!!
I've already bought the Q tower system and I'm planning to install it the day after X-mas. I made sure, however, that I can still return the rack system if it does not work for my need. Store manager said, "satisfaction guaranteed". Yeah, you're right about the ugly 2" x 3" bracket- good thing my X is black; it might not be an obvious eye sore! I'll find out in a couple of days:rolleyes: .
Since I bought the Q towers the other day, I was able to get 30% discount on the Yakima Sykbox 18 today. It's now sitting on top of my sienna van....:D |
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| gotMDX |
| Finally, I was able to install 'em yesterday afternoon! I admit, the factory rack is way better than these Q towers but it serves the purpose: good enough to carry my box(snow gears and later on H2O gears)- and I can take em off any time. Hah....it's uglier without the yakima flairing!:2: I'm glad I purchased the flairing.... |
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| gotMDX |
| Surprisingly, wind noise is bearable considering yesterdays' wind of around 40+mph when I test drove the X. |
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| gotMDX |
| I'm headed to the slopes this morning. 'see how it will hold with all the gears.......... |
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