Can Crossbars for a Thule Roof Rack be Spaced Further Apart on a 2012 Honda CR-V

Question:

I have a 2012 Honda CRV, with bare roof. I want to install Aero blade bars on the car. I note that the spacing of the bars is only 27 inches. Can the bars spacing be increased to about 34-36 inches?

asked by: Jim H

Expert Reply:

The crossbar spread is 27-1/2 inches for the Thule AeroBlade system on a 2012 Honda CR-V. This is set by where the feet need to install on the roof. The specific locations are chosen because they are the most structurally sound. The fit kit is then made to fit the specific contours of the roof in those locations. Moving the crossbars further apart will lead to damage to the roof and a lower capacity.

For a wider bar spread the Yakima system has a spread of 32 inches which is the largest of any manufacturer on your CR-V. It is made up of the following parts:

Yakima JetStream Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 60" Long - Qty 2 # Y00426
BaseLine Towers # Y28TR
BaseClip Fit Kit # Y06148 for front and # Y06152 for rear towers

If you can tell me what it is you need to carry that requires the larger bar spread I might have some other recommendations that will work for you.