[Marshall32]

Hi all, two questions:
1 Is it strongly recommended to use cross bars with a Thule roof bag? It would hold lighter camping gear like sleeping bags, pads, mattresses.
2 Are there cross bars for a 2022 that are easily installed and removed? I don't like the idea of keeping them on all the time for the drag and noise. The dealership can install Honda bars for like $400 but I'm not sure I'll be able to put them on and off myself.

 

[Janizary]

If you already have the rails, the Honda crossbars are relatively easy to put on and take off. Just remove the rear torx screw and pop up the cover, the rails slide in with the little tension knobs and backing.

And if you are just talking about the cross bars, you can get them for less than $400 if you shop around. Mine were $203.86--shipped--from Bernardi parts.

 

[NE_Passport]

I just added the Honda crossbars to my ‘22 (which had the rails already) and then headed out on the highway for a quick trip.
- zero extra noise with them installed
- I used the Honda marked points for positioning

All this and got the best gas mileage I’ve seen on the ride. They are far set far back…and the airflow from the windshield goes right over them.
I don’t have any plans to move them, or take them on and off. Figure I’d scratch something taking everything on and off, or would wear out the clips which hold down the end of the rails. Not worth it in any case…so they stay.

 

[Marshall32]

Thanks for the info! I think I'll try ordering the bars from Bernardi after they install the roof rack on Monday and I have a better idea of the size I need. Maybe I'll leave them on all the time if they don't affect gas milage.

 

[WayneJay]

I just added the Honda crossbars to my ‘22 (which had the rails already) and then headed out on the highway for a quick trip.

• zero extra noise with them installed
• I used the Honda marked points for positioning

All this and got the best gas mileage I’ve seen on the ride. They are far set far back…and the airflow from the windshield goes right over them.
I don’t have any plans to move them, or take them on and off. Figure I’d scratch something taking everything on and off, or would wear out the clips which hold down the end of the rails. Not worth it in any case…so they stay.

I agree. I had crossbars installed my '20 PPE about 6 months after purchase. My concern was the possibility of wind noise at speed. Then during scheduled service I asked who's likely the wrong person to ask if they were noisy. That was the service manager. He mnetioned that he has them on his Pilot and hasn't noticed any noise. I make plenty of roads trips between MD and NYC and between MD and Pittsburgh and I've yet to notice wind noise from the crossbars. Mine cost $325.00 installed

 

[CHEFERMAN65]

Thanks for the info! I think I'll try ordering the bars from Bernardi after they install the roof rack on Monday and I have a better idea of the size I need. Maybe I'll leave them on all the time if they don't affect gas milage.

Gas mileage being affected by using the crossbars is negligible.