What I meant by "more OEM looking" is that the Railbars look like they belong in the car and not looking aftermarket.

And yes I agree about the warranty. I never had issues with these things so long as you install them correctly and use them as intended.

 

I picked up the OEM roof rack earlier this week. Fit and look great. As suspected, they are re-branded Thule Aero's. Anyone considering the Thule's (through bar, raised style), pick up the OEM's instead. I've seen them online for cheaper as well. It looks like they redesigned them at some point and some internet sellers are selling the old ones. You want part number MZ314635 for the raised roof rails and ..36 for Outlanders without roof rails.

 

Has anyone had any sucess with ebay racks? I want to be able to carry kayaks without breaking the bank. I find it hard to spend 600$ on 4 clamps and two aluminum bars.

 

Some guys on the audi forum run Ebay Yakima Whispbar knockoffs and are very happy with them. BUT... it really depends on what your carrying and what your risk tolerance is. The big brands like Yakima and Thule have brand equity to protect and make sure there is no potential catastrophic failure. Whereas no name ebay stuff can just move on with no repercussions. Just my thoughts on carrying heavy cargo on your roof at 75 mph. Kayaks I personally wouldn't trust to non-accountable made in China-generics. But it's a personal risk assessment that you can make. Like I said, others have been very happy with them, but I think I have only seen them used with bikes and roof boxes.

That being said, the OEM Thules that I have are under $400 without any discounts at the dealer. I've seen them for cheaper on Amazon and ebay. I didn't pay $400 for mine.

 

So I ended up going OEM because I get a discount due to my dad working at the dealer. Kit with mounts for cross bars. Has anyone mounted kayaks? what do you all use? I will be mounting a 10.5 and a 12ft kayak for the record

 

Good call on the OEM's. I don't think it's worth the risk for kayaks. It's not that I don't think the generics can handle the weight, but there is severe wind resistance with kayaks. Funny you ask because I just got back from some low key lake kayaking. But I rented them and do not own any of my own, so I can't give you my experience hauling them. I've only carried bikes, skis/snowboards, cargo in a cargo cage (not box). Those are much less wind resistant than a kayak. Since you have OEM branded Thule's, it would be pretty safe to use either Thule, Yakima, or the other name brand systems. They are made to interchange safely with each other's rack systems. Good luck, and take some pics once you have the kayaks up there.

 

Yes, I had mounted my kayak on my old 2005 Outlander and will soon on 2016 Outlander. What did I need?

(1) Thule Complete Crossroad Carrier System 45050 - This product is permanently discontinued and NOT recommended cause of wind noise.

(2) Kayak Carrier - Purchased from T-MotorSports Online Store

(3) Rod Saver Quick Release Gunwale Tie-Down 13" - www.rodsaver.com/04_gunwale2/QRGW10.html

Kayak: Ascend D10 Sit-In Kayak, Length: 9'10". Width: 29''. Cockpit: 68'' x 23''. Weight: 45 lbs from Bass Pro Shops
.

 

Nice set up. You have a lot of weight (and size) up there. Good call on OEM/Thules.

 

I got some off of eBay for 35.00 shipped. Works great. Holds two kayaks. If you want pictures let me know. I think you can see them in the picture thread.

 

Main thing you want to do is tie down the kayak in the center and front and back. I bought my racks from Amazon for about 60 for 2 sets.