I'm heading on a family trip next month and will need to transport up to 4 bikes. My original plan was to purchase the Acura bike racks that attach to the roof carrier base. It seems pricey to me to spend $500+ on bike racks that can only be used on the MDX.
After reading some threads on here, I began to look into the Thule racks. It looks like I could accomplish the same thing for less cost with a more universal rack that I could potentially use on other vehicles. But, it sounds like there are issues with installation and it might prove to be difficult. I don't have a lot of patience for this sort of thing.
I have a few questions that I hope someone can help me with:
1. How much more difficult is the Thule rack installation than the Acura bike rack? (I saw the Acura installation instructions and it looks pretty simple).
2. Am I over-thinking this and should I just get the Acura racks?
3. Is it difficult to load and unload the bikes from the roof without damaging the vehicle?
4. Does anyone recommend a brand other than Thule?
5. Am I better off getting a rear/trunk mounted rack from Thule and forget about the roof? (It looks like the max size Thule rack holds three bikes max, I need to carry four).
6. Any other friendly advice?
After reading some threads on here, I began to look into the Thule racks. It looks like I could accomplish the same thing for less cost with a more universal rack that I could potentially use on other vehicles. But, it sounds like there are issues with installation and it might prove to be difficult. I don't have a lot of patience for this sort of thing.
I have a few questions that I hope someone can help me with:
1. How much more difficult is the Thule rack installation than the Acura bike rack? (I saw the Acura installation instructions and it looks pretty simple).
2. Am I over-thinking this and should I just get the Acura racks?
3. Is it difficult to load and unload the bikes from the roof without damaging the vehicle?
4. Does anyone recommend a brand other than Thule?
5. Am I better off getting a rear/trunk mounted rack from Thule and forget about the roof? (It looks like the max size Thule rack holds three bikes max, I need to carry four).
6. Any other friendly advice?