Cross Rails - anyone?

[arc067]

Hello,

I went to a Rack shop yesterday and they tried to sell me cross bars that fit into the doors.

My matrix 09 on top has these black stripes on each side and there's 2 arrows on each side to put cross bars that fit into the roof.

which is better?

What I am noticing is that the ones that fit inside the doors, can be more evened out on the roof which is better for the cargo box.

just looking to see what other matrix owners have done. thanks.

[elliottrjohnson]

My wife has an 09 matrix and wanted a rack. our dealer could not order one, but i found a dealer in texas who shipped me one for $250, this is a toyota product and comes with side bars which bolt into threaded inserts which live under the removable caps in the black stripes you mentioned. the cross bars then bolt into the side bars, they are elliptical (not round or square), look good and work well. I am a canoeist and have carried my boats on it with no issues.
I too did not like the Yakima solution of the towers which grip between the door and pillar, that's why i bought the factory rack. however, i now realize that i can hold only one boat up there, and i really need the capability to carry two. so i'm going back to look at the Yakima racks and will probably sell the Toyota rack.
if you have questions, ask away. let me know if you'd like to buy the oem rack, it's almost brand new with light wear from carrying wood gunnel canoes 4-5 times. i'll give you a break on the price since it's used.
-elliott

[bertborder2]

The oem rack is fine for short storage boxes buy not my ski box, you can't open the hatch. Thats why I'm going with Yakima and remove my oem rack