Roof Rack/Cross Bars: Yes or No?

[cltheel.sdl]

Hi everyone,

I'm considering a roof rack (or Cross Bars, as defined by Kia) for my yet-to-be-ordered Telluride. I would only use them to haul my Christmas tree home every year. For those of you who do not have a roof rack, how do you get your Christmas tree home every year? I was thinking I could tie string through the doors but I'm concerned that could cause damage to the ceiling/doors of the vehicle.

Thanks!

 

[PittPa]

How big is the tree and how far the ride! You do need something to tie it to. You could roll down the window and run the straps through the car in a pinch. If this was the only thing you need it for, perhaps. I like having mine for this need but also long pieces of lumber, and trim.

 

[cltheel.sdl]

How big is the tree and how far the ride! You do need something to tie it to. You could roll down the window and run the straps through the car in a pinch. If this was the only thing you need it for, perhaps. I like having mine for this need but also long pieces of lumber, and trim.

Typically, we'd go for a 6-7 foot tree and usually the ride would be 20 minutes or less (although if we went to the mountains to cut it down it could be a 2 hour drive). Wondering what kind of alternatives people have used? I'm getting a towing package and so I wonder if there's a small storage hitch that perhaps could also be used for bike or cooler storage for road trips that just hooks into the back of the trailer hitch? If not, I wonder how easy/difficult it is to add and remove the roof racks and only use them when needed?

 

[2020Telly]

In my opinion, the flush mount roof rails are pretty much useless UNLESS you get crossbars. Since the rails are flush and there are no openings you can tie a rope to them. If you don't want to use rope or straps that go inside the vehicle, the only other solution I've seen are hook straps like these that might work on the Telluride: Rooftop Cargo Carrier Straps | Roof Bag Straps | RoofPax

But going with the crossbars also increases the chances that you don't scratch or dent the roof by lifting the cargo a few inches which is typically somewhat light metal and flexible on a unibody frame.

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[cltheel.sdl]

In my opinion, the flush mount roof rails are pretty much useless UNLESS you get crossbars. Since the rails are flush and there are no openings you can tie a rope to them. If you don't want to use rope or straps that go inside the vehicle, the only other solution I've seen are hook straps like these that might work on the Telluride: Rooftop Cargo Carrier Straps | Roof Bag Straps | RoofPax

But going with the crossbars also increases the chances that you don't scratch or dent the roof by lifting the cargo a few inches which is typically somewhat light metal and flexible on a unibody frame.

Thanks - the rooftop cargo carrier straps seem like a really good alternative option. Whenever I get a Christmas tree, the tree always touches a part of the roof anyway so either way I'm going to have some contact. Otherwise, I really don't envision needing the roof rack. But, if for some reason I did need it, I could always install one of the other roof rack options out there. I think this really helps with my decision, thanks!

 

[anotherlostmonkey]

A cheap alternative is getting a set of soft roof rack pads if you don't mind running the cam straps through the top of the door. People use them all the time to transport their kayaks/canoes/sups. They run somewhere between $40 - $60. Crossbars are really expensive if you don't plan on using them.

 

[2020Telly]

A compatible version of crossbars that look identical to the Kia ones are $169 on Amazon and can be removed.

 

[HillCountry]

I’ve seen cross bars in the Classifieds here. It could work if they happen to be near you.

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[firesurf]

Getting Roof Rails installed by Kia Dealer is possible for the LX club out there. Here’s mine just done, then I added cross bars.

 

[DarkMossJustin]

Getting Roof Rails installed by Kia Dealer is possible for the LX club out there. Here’s mine just done, then I added cross bars.

Looks good @firesurf:

Nice clean OEM look.

Going to strap a roof box or snowboard racks or a Christmas tree to the top when the time comes?

 

[asgalang]

Getting Roof Rails installed by Kia Dealer is possible for the LX club out there. Here’s mine just done, then I added cross bars.

By chance, do you have the part number for the rails? And if you don't mind, how much did they charge paets and labor to install? TIA

 

[quillInHand]

I'll second that request, please! Already told my wife that if we have to buy an EX to get her the roof rails, that's about $2000 per side .
Thanks.

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[firesurf]

I'll second that request, please! Already told my wife that if we have to buy an EX to get her the roof rails, that's about $2000 per side .
Thanks.

Done through Kia of Cerritos in Los Angeles for $1350. This included all labor, the black rails, and the black cross bars installed.

 

[Socal949]

Done through Kia of Cerritos in Los Angeles for $1350. This included all labor, the black rails, and the black cross bars installed.

Mind sharing a picture of the invoice. It should have everything listed of what they did and also the break down of the bars and rails. Including part numbers. Would appreciate it. Looks like they did a great job.

 

[G-647961]

Any update on this???

 

[Ashley_K]

You can check this replacement aftermarket crossbar. Easy to install and look just as good as the OEM ones only at half the cost. I already got them for 4 months. Driving on highway with the bars on and I did not notice any wind noise.
Want to save over $200, then buy these alternatives. Hope it helps.

https://www.amazon.com/Snailfly-Lockable-Black-Customized-Telluride/dp/B0888CBD7B

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