My crossbars arrived today, and I'm a little dissapointed in a couple things..

1) The manual specifies that you have to put them in an precise place on the roof (206mm from the front of the rail for the first one, and 705mm between the front and the rear). On my Volvo, I could move the crossbars up and back to accommodate different loads, like my roof box, bikes, skis, and kayak.

2) I'm not sure about this channel thing with the "cover strip" that you cut between mounted rack accessories. With Thule and Yak bars, you just mount the accessory where you need it that day. With this rack, I'll need to procure extra cover strips for various configurations.

I wish I knew this stuff before I bought these, I would have gone aftermarket.

 

I'm very happy with mine on a 2010 MCS. If you have a different sized load just slap a piece of plywood atop the rack and use ratchet straps to secure almost any load. I've carried desks, suitcases, and many other items. Look into RoofBag for an excellent waterproof bag which will hold two large size Samsonite roller-wheeled suitcases. RoofBag is a bargain for a secure weatherproof carry system. They are in San Diego or Chula Vista, I forget.
J

 

I guess you should have researched a little before your purchase DW.
You can always sell them

 

The placement is perhaps dictated by the underlying roof/body structure (is it different for pano roof cars ?).

Having said that I had Thule bars and clamps on my Audi A3 Sportback and if you placed the clamps where the markings were on the door frame, the front bar was sloping down 20' rather than being flat - i found a compromise location a few inches further back. If you aren't going to carry the full load capacity then i wouldn't worry too much - a single mountain bike or several skis/snowboards or a small roof box will be well under the max load capacity of the roof system.

 

Good point, this certainly is my fault for not researching fully, I've used roof systems for 20 years, and it just didn't occur to me. I think I can make it work, I'll just need to sell some of my current accessories and replace them with new ones.

I'll look at it as a You-a-ficaton opportunity. Orange bike trays, orange side scuttles, orange mirror caps, maybe replace the black stripes with orange...

 

I have the racks, so just a few points.

1) I think the placement is for the most strength/load capacity. I've moved mine farther forward and the back one further back to carry some items just a SUP's or kayaks. No issue there.

2) I have my Thule clamp on bike racks mounted and didn't cut the filler strip. Just mounted over. If you are not using the channel to direct mount, then there is no reason to cut the strip.

Hope this info brings some comfort in your purchase