I am in the same process of looking for cross bars. I am currently using 2x4's to load things on the roof. I've been looking everywhere and most of the universal cross bars like the ones found on the website you posted do not work for our Patriot. The space between the bottom of our side rail and the roof is a 1/2 inch, most of these universal ones need a minimum of 1.5 inches or more so the tightening/locking mechanism will not fit our rails, look at the link that shows the clearance needed for one of the $49 cross bars shown on the page you found http://www.discountramps.com/cargoImages/roof-bar-2.jpg bummer.. The best that I have found is this http://www.a1-autoracks.com/thule-railing-crossbars.html its thule but it's the cheapest thule you will find I will save up to buy them, so I can get rid of the 2x4's good luck...

 

I am currently using 2x4's to load things on the roof.

Love to see a photo of your 2x4 crossbar setup.
I was thinking of doing the same.

Sorry dcaument, I don't have any info on cheap crossbars except for 2x4's and a U-bolt

 

I haven't tried to buy one, I still enjoying my current cross bars, Hope I can get some idea here if ever I need to get new one.

 

Once again I'm glad Todde is here!

 

Has anyone actually tried these? Do they rub on the roof at all?

discountramps.com/roof-rack-cross-bars.htm

I hate to be a cheap ass but I just can't bear to spend $200 on the sport utility bars from mopar. I wish I would've had them put on at the dealer when we bought the damn thing.

 

I made cross rails from light steel conduit pipe. I drilled holes and ran "U" bolts up from beneath the factory side rails. I use them as surf racks so I added padding ( basement pipe insulation foam) "eye" bolts and bungies. All painted black, they look...utilitarian.

 

Found production rails here for $118
jeepoemparts.com/jeep-patriot-accessories.html