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Roof Rack, Cross Bars, etc

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Echo1034

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
So I am new to the Jeep Patriot and am having the hardest time trying to find the 'right' set of cross bars/utility bars/etc that would be best for my Jeep. I've been searching through the internet and looking at a variety of bars and was hoping to get some opinions from those of you here that have experience with any of them.

In case anyone wants to know, the primary usage they will see is to mount a kayak carrier on it to haul my 'yak from place to place, whether at highway speeds or across town. Eventually I would like to get the cargo baskets or whatever but for now I am looking mainly at throwing my kayak up there.

I've found several bars and was hoping for some opinions or thoughts on them. While money is definitely an issue and I'd like to spend as little as possible while still getting a quality rack system, I am not against spending what it takes to get a good quality set. It'd just be nice if the cheaper ones are also good quality! So here is what I have found thus far:

Jeep Patriot Sport Utility Bars

Jeep Patriot Cross Bars (amongst the cheapest bars I can find)

Mopar OEM Jeep Patriot Roof Rack Cross Rails (not sure if this is the same as the first one... doesn't seem to be)

Thule Base Rack System (debating between the standard square version and the aeroblade version)

Naturally if anyone has other suggestions I more than welcome them. This is my first Jeep (and first SUV, actually) and first time shopping for cross bars, so any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for your responses and help! :)
 
#2 ·
I bought mine on ebay for 54 dollars with free shipping. They seem to be pretty great quality even though the price seems a bit low. The only down sides to these cross bars is that when they attach they sit low and barely rub on the roof of my Pat. I know several others have bought these same crossbars and have used them with roof baskets and other things. I know some guys have actually shortened the bars so they don't hang over the side. These are a great option if you don't want to spend a whole lot of money.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/270930205990?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

Looks like he raised his price by a dollar haha.. Still an awesome deal.
 
Discussion starter · #3 ·
Oh wow... hurray for eBay. lol, that's a great deal indeed. I will keep that saved as a backup for now if none of these other ones seem worth the extra money. Thanks very much for that PatriotMB! xD
 
#4 ·
I have the $54 eBay bars that I keep a roof basket on. They are decent for the money, and look much better once they have been shortened(I did a write-up on the procedure). Granted, they do touch the roof when you load them down, and they aren't low profile, but they were cheap and have held up to everything I've thrown at them, thus far.
 
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#6 ·
It's not the bar that rubs the roof, rather the hardware that attaches the bars to the roof rails. As you can see in the first picture, there's plenty of clearance under the bars. The second picture shows the hardware.

Image


Image
 
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#8 ·
Echo1034 said:
Oh wow... hurray for eBay. lol, that's a great deal indeed. I will keep that saved as a backup for now if none of these other ones seem worth the extra money. Thanks very much for that PatriotMB! xD
Click to expand...
Yes, I meant to say that the attachment to the bars is what touches the roof. There is a rubber lining that is actually touching the roof. It's not metal on metal. It does give a slight wind noise but nothing really loud. I will say that they look great and you really can't beat the price.
 
#10 · (Edited)
STC_Jeep said:
What wrong with the stock ones?
Click to expand...
Not all Jeeps come with them, and to buy the factory ones separate can be a bit pricey. Longer bars are better for hauling multiple kayaks on their belly instead of side

Sent from my PC36100 using AutoGuide.com App
 
#14 ·
I am suprised Thule wants $300 for a set. That's crazy.

I think the blade design is worth paying a little more for fuel economy, but not that much.

I really don't like the idea of paint rub on the cheap ones.

Subscribed - let us know which ones you get.
 
Discussion starter · #15 ·
Hey everyone. It's been a while but I am still perusing my options for a cross rail system. Having had some financial issues this past month I am now able to begin my search again. Thank you to everyone who has offered their help already, and at this point I have it narrowed down to one of these:

Mopar OEM Jeep Patriot Roof Rack Cross Rails
or
Roof Rack Cross Rails

Also, I was wondering if anyone had any ideas on this. The second one, the Roof Rack Cross Rails... does anyone know if those are the same as these: Jeep Patriot Cross Bars?

I am pretty sure all of these are Mopar brand, but I am not sure if there are any major differences between the two that I should be aware of. If the pictures on the sites are to believed, then it appears the first option looks to be more aerodynamic, which would certainly make for better fuel economy on the highway. I could be wrong though.

Just as a refresher, I am looking to buy a kayak carrier for my Patriot that will allow me to carry one or two kayaks. Will either of these cross rails be sufficient for that?

Thanks again for all your guys' help! :D
 
#16 ·
I can almost guarantee that all 3 links are for the same cross bars. OEM for Patriot, MOPAR. The first one is just a generic picture.

Here's a few shots of mine.

Image


Image
 
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#17 ·
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#18 ·
DocDallas said:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-Universal-Roof-Rack-Cross-Bars-Rails-Car-Wagon-SUV-Luggages-Locking-Crossbar-/110852536748?hash=item19cf5379ac&item=110852536748&pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr
this is what i bought. so far theyre great. granted, i havent loaded them down yet, but i feel confident they'll do the job. and the price is great.
Click to expand...
Those look pretty similar to mine, if they stick out too far for your liking, they can probably be shortened if the locks work the same way.

Here's the little tutorial I made on trimming them.
 
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#19 ·
They actually fit pretty well. Only about an inch on either side. Thanks for the info, though.
 
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Discussion starter · #20 ·
ironkique said:
I can almost guarantee that all 3 links are for the same cross bars. OEM for Patriot, MOPAR. The first one is just a generic picture.

Here's a few shots of mine.
Click to expand...
Thanks for those photos Ironkique! That helps a lot, actually. All the product photos I've seen are way too small. How do you like these things? I am intending on hauling a kayak, possibly two as time goes on, with my Patriot. Do you think the OEM cross bars would work?

I like those cheaper ones on eBay too, I have to admit. I have always believed you get what you pay for, so I am a bit wary about these ones. It sounds like they are good quality, though, from what I am hearing from multiple people on this forum.

Since I am likely to use these cross bars a lot, and I have no problem throwing down $150 for a set of bars if it is worth it, do you guys think that the OEM model is worth the investment? (I will say I refuse to spend $300+ on the Thule brand stuff... that's insane).
 
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