I want to buy a quality roof rack for a 2008 xB.

I'm wanting rails that have a middle support and no permanent cross bars. I want 2 cross bars that can be removed—preferably not the kind that stick out beyond the width of the rails. I especially want a rack that looks like the better ones that come as OEM for some other vehicles.

I'll be using the rack for occasional carrying home 2 x 4's or a sheet of plywood. I plan on gluing 3-4 chrome strips to the roof so that if/when I carry a large cardboard box it will rest between the rails and not directly on the paint of the roof.

Recommendations?

Thanks,

Kerry

 

I think Thule is working on the fit kit (clips) for their Aero Foot rack system. This will require you to mount the clips in the upper door sills.

The "Summer '07 / Model Year '08" catalog I picked up at the dealer has a picture of an '08 xb with a roof rack. This is definitely a rack made by Thule. I don't think the clips are available yet though.

Yakima's website lists Q32 clips (you would need 2 boxes) for their Q-Tower system. I'm not sure if these Q-32 clips are available yet though.

Although it can easily be done, neither of these systems are designed for frequent removal or installation.

The only other option I am aware of would be installing a track system made by Thule or Yakima. This requires drilling into the roof for mounting the tracks permanently, and is not for the inexperienced or faint-of-heart. Once the tracks are on, use one of the Thule or Yakima systems designed for use with tracks. Done properly, this is the cleanest looking rack you could put on the xB.

I'm not sure what you mean by "wanting rails with a middle support", but it sounds like something you will not be able to get.

 

Thanks E-Nigma,

Since posting I bought Dyna Sport DSXX65" rails (w/center support and no bend) and Mont Blanc crossbars (non areo). The instructions are poor for both but the install wasn't too difficult. They look very nice.

Kerry

 

Kerry,

This is an option I was not aware of and seems like a good idea. I am interested in purchasing something like this, and I like the fact that it looks factory and there are no clips in the doors.

Did you purchase this online, and if so, can you supply a link?

I have searched online, and so far nothing I have found is listed specifically for the '08 xB. I have also seen no mention of a center support, yet this seems like a good idea for strength.

Are you pleased with the build quality, mounting method and strength of the mounted side rails?

 

I viewed the rails online at http://www.a1-autoracks.com/perrycra...oof-rails.html and the crossbars at http://www.a1-autoracks.com/mont-bla...crossbars.html and then ordered both from Proline by phone 1-800-545-2114.*

You're right, the website doesn't show the center support. When you order the rails (ask for either DS XX 65" or 75" (Bent or No Bend) and ensure it comes with center supports.

Build quality: Very good. Looks like OEM rails

Mounting method: Not as secure as I'd like but I was lucky and didn't strip any holes. The ideal is to drill into the roof and hit a roof cross member (which I believe some owners have with the 75" rails). There are pics available with the headliner removed but for 1st gen.

Strength: I'm confident that if I clamp on the sturdy lockable crossbars I could bring home a sheet of plywood or about (6) 2 x 4 x 12s. I bought and glued vinyl strips to the roof which will allow me to place boxes between the rails and crossbars.

I'm not familiar with the 2008 xB but I'm guessing that Proline can tell you what's so.

If you order let me know and I'll finish and post my addendum (tips) to their poor instructions.

* If a sales agent named Tom answers hang up and try again. Tom was very friendly and polite but wasn't into service. He was supposed to call with tracking numbers (for both orders) and didn't. I had to hunt him down. Three times he didn't answer my questions via his voice-mail box. He took my order for 75" rails and only after I called the next day, to get the tracking number, did Tom tell me that they only had 65" rails in stock.

 

Anyone have more tips on install or photos?

 

Note:

The combination of PerryCraft Dyna Sport 45 X 65 DSXX65-B (No Bend) rails w/center supports
and Mont Blanc MB3747-B crossbars (non areo). on a 2006 xB are not compatible.

I put a load of less than 100 lbs on the crossbars and the lower part of the crossbar clamps made a depression in the roof. The rails needs to be 1/4" higher.

I emailed Tom, my salesman, at Proline about the problem. He did not reply. It's hard to believe that others haven't run across this problem.

Return shipping from Hawaii is too costly so one solution is to cut two 1" lengths of of black PCV pipe. Then cut those 1" pieces of tubing in half. Then when you use your crossbars place one on top of the rail and then clamp over it. What that does is to raise the clamp 1/8".

Kerry

Other tip: I didn't have any rust proof paint for the holes so I smeared a healthy dollop od 100% silicone caulking into and 3/4" around the holes so that the stanchions are embedded into the caulking.