What Crossbar System, Platform, Hitch, and Bike Rack do You Recommend for My 2005 Honda Element?

Question:

At the moment I don't have any racks in my 2005 Honda Element as you can see at the pic. I would love to add square racks to carry my ski and surf equipment, also a cargo I have. I have attached another pic here, I found online as an example to show you. I don't really mind the brand, it can be thule, yakima, rhino etc. In my other car I have rhino and I'm so happy. + they were cheaper than thule ;-) I have 2 more questions please, 1) Can I add 3 or more roof racks in this vehicle? For example in my old Toyota Van '84, I have 4 gutter rain racks. I know Honda Elements don't have gutter rain but is there an option to add more racks? Also I would like to hear if you have any similar to Gobi Racks platforms? 2) Totally different subject :-), Also I'm thinking of adding a hitch for my bikes. Any help with that will be appreciated!

asked by: Iordanis K

Helpful Expert Reply:

Yakima does make a square crossbar system for your bare roof 2005 Honda Element. I recommend the following parts:

-Yakima HD Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 60" Long # Y01157
-Towers # Y53TR
-Adapters # Y03541
-Landing Pads # Y00229

As far as adding more racks to the setup, the only way to do it would be by attaching something like the SeaSucker Monkey Bars Roof Rack - Round Bars - Vacuum Cup Mount - 48" Long # 298-SX6000B to your roof as long as there is enough space either between, in front, or in the rear of the fixed mounting points. However, it is important to note that it will not be completely level with the SquareBar Evo crossbar because they have different heights.

If you are looking for a similar platform as the Gobi Rack platform style rack, I recommend the Rhino-Rack Universal Pioneer Platform Rack for Crossbars - Aluminum - 58" Long x 47" Wide # RR42115BF. This platform does not attach directly to your fixed mounting points, however. Rather, they attach right to the SquareBar Evo crossbars. In order to add an accessories, you need the Rhino-Rack Accessory Bars for Pioneer Platform Rack - 48" Long # RR43137B. It is important to know that you can only use channel-mount accessories with these bars like the Rhino-Rack Ski and Snowboard Carrier - Locking - 6 Pairs of Skis or 4 Boards # RR576. You cannot clamp accessories right onto the Pioneer Platform or the accessory bars.

For a great hitch for your Element, the best option is the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" # 13574. Since this hitch is a 2" hitch, it is compatible with a wider variety of accessories than our other 1-1/4" hitches. It also provides you with a higher weight capacity of 350 pounds of maximum tongue weight and 3,500 pounds of maximum gross towing weight capacity. It is important to note that there is a small amount of drilling required for installing this hitch.

A great bike rack for your bikes is the Saris Freedom Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount # SA4412B or the fat-bike version # SA4412B-FB (for bike tires between 2.25-5 inches wide). Not only does the Freedom come with a 60 pound per-bike weight capacity, it also has independently-adjusting cradles that fit virtually any bike frame. With this feature, you do not need to worry about a bike frame tube adapter bar if you have step-thru bikes, women's bikes, or children's bikes. It has a maximum wheelbase compatibility of 48" from axle to axle. As far as theft-deterrence, I recommend the Hitch Tite Anti-Rattle Hitch Lock # SA3022 and the etrailer Cable Lock # e98891 to protect both the racks and the bikes.

In order to make sure that your vehicle can safely transport the weight you want, I recommend consulting with your vehicle's owner's manual to make sure the vehicle is rated for a high enough weight capacity.

If you have an idea of what surf equipment you wish to transport, feel free to respond to this answer with your needs, and I will be happy to recommend an accessory that works for you!