After Market Roof Cross Rails

[Fring]

Does anyone know if the after market Roof Cross Rail Set made by Aries works well? I ordered one and can't get it to tighen securely. Guess I should have paid full price and ordered the OEM. Any information on this topic would be appreciated.

[HumbleAg]

Same issue here, although only one of the four end pieces won't hold very well. Also had a problem with the keys, was a real pain to get the locks undone (perhaps that is part of the security features?).

They do seem to look ok, but if I had it to do over again I would have gone OEM.

[Dani]

About how much more are OEM as opposed to the Aires ones? I saw the Aires ones listed on ebay for $218 w/free shipping. Was gonna order a set for my new H3 but if they don't fit right I'd rather go OEM.

[tomp]

before you guys go on the OEM bandwagon, you need to know the OEM ones have their issues as well.

[djaqualight]

I got the aries too. I looked at mine compared to the OEM one that was in the dealer lot parked next to me and they really don't look any different. The OEM ones seem to fit the same too. The Aries do feel kind of cheap when using the key to lock the cap. I like the steel letters that come with it although it is a tedious task getting them on the base assembly

The one thing I found out was that you have to move the bars just right on the rail before you tighten them the with lever. If you notice there are indentions on the rail. IF you don't get the base in one of these indentions you will not be able to tighten it and almost break off the lever to get it to lock into place. On the other hand if you get the base in the indention too good it will not tighten and feels loose. I moved the base a little more out of the indention and it tightens fine. I hope that made sense!

Getting the rails attached to the base with those locking washers was a PITA!

I'm going to put 2 kayaks on them this weekend so hopefully they are constructed well!

[ChiHummer3]

Originally Posted by djaqualight

I'm going to put 2 kayaks on them this weekend so hopefully they are constructed well!

I've had 2 kayaks on my roof on several occasions with no probs. Even at almost 90mph.

I've got the OEM rails....but they sound like they fit just like the ones you got. Just like you said - if they aren't in just the right spot the handle won't close, and sometimes it moves around after the handle is closed. You have to find the sweet spot.