Roof Rack Solution for Transporting Long Lumber on 2009 Honda Ridgeline

Question:

How far back on the roof does the rack fit ? I need to carry long lumber 14-16 ft. By opening bed and tying to bed and then the rack. Want to make sure the lumber does not touch the cab roof in back.

asked by: Mike

Expert Reply:

The Rhino-Rack roof rack that you referenced, the Vortex Aero system for naked roofs consisting of parts # RRVA150S-2, # RRRLKVA and # DK155, is an excellent (and quiet) roof rack system for your 2009 Honda Ridgeline. All the racks for your truck will have a crossbar spread of 29-1/2-inches centered on your roof and all can be seen on the link provided.

For transporting lumber loads as long as 16-feet I suggest you use a roof rack combined with a hitch-mounted load support such as the Rhino-Rack T-Load Hitch Mounted Load Bar # RTL002. This adjustable support fits 2-inch hitches and includes two load stops to help hold your lumber in place.

This combination will avoid having your lumber stick up in the front (reducing wind drag), will avoid any risk of it touching your cab roof and will enable you to better secure it to your vehicle with a ratcheting tie down such as the Erickson 4-piece set # EM31352. Each of the 4 tie downs has a safe working load limit (WLL) of 500-lbs, making a set of four more than capable for the task.