Aftermarket roof racks - any options?
Jumpy...
At least on the 2006 models, roof racks were an OPTION... to be installed at time of manufacture!! Other options, such as the side ("assist") step, are factory ORDERED- but DEALER INSTALLED.
I'm not sure if your dealer will install given this info, but I can tell you the headliner will need to be removed. If they agree to doing the work, I'd recommend questioning them on how this installation affects the warranty? If they don't seal it properly- you're going to have issues.
(Note: I, too, ordered my 2LT *without* a rack... stock rack doesnt hold all that much weight).
Name brand, aftermarket, racks would be the best/most universal way to go
(if you can find one). Another option would be getting a hitch installed and finding a removable 'hitch rack' (might be cheaper overall).
At least on the 2006 models, roof racks were an OPTION... to be installed at time of manufacture!! Other options, such as the side ("assist") step, are factory ORDERED- but DEALER INSTALLED.
I'm not sure if your dealer will install given this info, but I can tell you the headliner will need to be removed. If they agree to doing the work, I'd recommend questioning them on how this installation affects the warranty? If they don't seal it properly- you're going to have issues.
(Note: I, too, ordered my 2LT *without* a rack... stock rack doesnt hold all that much weight).
Name brand, aftermarket, racks would be the best/most universal way to go
I think a while back, someone told us they installed the factory roof rack without taking out the headliner. I think the holes in the roof hand to be punched square for inserts, then the rack ends screwed into them. Could be wrong, though.
Originally Posted by SCOOT
Jumpy...
At least on the 2006 models, roof racks were an OPTION... to be installed at time of manufacture!! Other options, such as the side ("assist") step, are factory ORDERED- but DEALER INSTALLED.
I'm not sure if your dealer will install given this info, but I can tell you the headliner will need to be removed. If they agree to doing the work, I'd recommend questioning them on how this installation affects the warranty? If they don't seal it properly- you're going to have issues.
(Note: I, too, ordered my 2LT *without* a rack... stock rack doesnt hold all that much weight).
Name brand, aftermarket, racks would be the best/most universal way to go
(if you can find one). Another option would be getting a hitch installed and finding a removable 'hitch rack' (might be cheaper overall).
At least on the 2006 models, roof racks were an OPTION... to be installed at time of manufacture!! Other options, such as the side ("assist") step, are factory ORDERED- but DEALER INSTALLED.
I'm not sure if your dealer will install given this info, but I can tell you the headliner will need to be removed. If they agree to doing the work, I'd recommend questioning them on how this installation affects the warranty? If they don't seal it properly- you're going to have issues.
(Note: I, too, ordered my 2LT *without* a rack... stock rack doesnt hold all that much weight).
Name brand, aftermarket, racks would be the best/most universal way to go
The hitch option is looking more an more like the way to go ....just need to find one, and find one that I like I guess.
Only saving grace, the wifeys Equinox has the roof rack and cross rails, so we can use that as our "ski" vehicle, I just need to get the ski attachment for them, but it sure would be nice to have the option on my little milk truck
There is no pulling out the headliner for our aftermarket roof racks
. The factory roof rack setup can be installed by pulling a few panels, and slightly bending the headliner. Not hard to do at all. The hitch option may run you more money then the first two options. We have the hitch in stock as well. http://store.defrangeautocrafts.com/d24756.html.
Originally Posted by Snoopy
I think a while back, someone told us they installed the factory roof rack without taking out the headliner. I think the holes in the roof hand to be punched square for inserts, then the rack ends screwed into them. Could be wrong, though.

You'd have to buy the nuts and tool to DIY.
Originally Posted by JuMPy
The hitch option is looking more an more like the way to go ....just need to find one, and find one that I like I guess.
There's not going to be a lot of differance between hitch brands. This is my Hidden Hitch. (note use of the SoCalHHR decal
Originally Posted by Curmudgeon
You are right. Sheet metal nuts are installed from the top with a special tool; side rails are bolted to the captured nuts.
You'd have to buy the nuts and tool to DIY.
You'd have to buy the nuts and tool to DIY.
Gonna call my buddy that works for a GM dealership to see what kind of discount he can get.
Factory option seems like a pricey way to go though
It's been a while since anyone has posted about this topic I think. I'm hoping to pick up some cross bars this spring/summer so that I can carry a mountain bike and snowboards and skis next winter.
I already have the rails installed but I was wondering if anyone had a picture of the rails with the bright chrome cross bars. I just want to see what it looks likes. The picture on the GM accessories page has black bars.
I already have the rails installed but I was wondering if anyone had a picture of the rails with the bright chrome cross bars. I just want to see what it looks likes. The picture on the GM accessories page has black bars.
I think Applenut has these. Maybe shoot him a PM.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post



