A frustrating Yakima response!
Mgmdx,
The Q116 clips and the Q Towers do indeed fit the 2002 MDX. However, after we purchased and installed the Yakima rack, we made a call to Yakima with some questions, and they asked that we should remove and return the racks immediately because Yakima did not test these racks on a 2002 MDX. Well, that was just great! In addition, Yakima claimed that their rack is only good for 125 lb., whereas the stock rack is good for 165 lb. So does that mean Yakima only excel in the versatility but not the load carrying capacity?
Liability issue aside, once installed, we understand your concerns with these racks.
1. The entire Yakima set up is indeed a lot closer to the front than the stock racks. The cross bar will be over the moon roof, but it does not interfere with the moon roof operation. The Q Tower is at the same height as the factory rack, so the Yakima bars would have the same clearance to the roof. Wind noise could be a problem but not much can be done.
2. Like you said, the Yakima racks are positioned too far forward on the roof. According to the installation instructions, the edge of the front Q tower should be about 5” from the edge of windshield. That looks a bit ridiculous. At best, we were able to move it to about 8.5” from the windshield, and move back the rear Q tower back accordingly. Even so, the Yakima set up is about 12” to 18” in front of the stock rack. The Yakima bars are more centered above the wheels, instead of above the roof like in your setup. Carrying long load can certainly be a problem, but it will work for what we need.
3. The maximum spacing between bars is about 32”. This actually works well with the Yakima cargo box. With the cargo box closer to the front, the hatch can be opened fully without the box interfering with the tailgate deflector. If install the Yakima cargo box at the stock rack position (provided some new holes be drilled in the box), the hatch could only be opened halfway. (Similar problem exists with skis mounted at the stock rack position).
4. We used the 58” cross bars because extra width is needed to tie down our windsurfing boards next to the cargo box. They do not stick out too much to knock over some innocent bystanders.
5. The clips and the Q towers do look like they are hanging out at the edge of the roof, and do not integrate with the car nicely. Again, this is where function has to sacrifice esthetic.
6. One thing should be mentioned is that if the Yakima rack is installed and the factory rack is removed, you will have to buy two rack molding strip to cover up the roof gutter. That is additional $32 per strip. In addition to purchase the rack setup, locks may be a good investment too.
Having said all that, Mgmdx, have you ever check with Yakima to see if they would “warrantee” your setup? Also, what is so different between 2001 and 2002 that Yakima needs to retest its design? I am completely perplex looking at this pile of roof racks in my garage!
). Main problem is if you want to put multiple things on top (which I really need to do), like bike rack with a cargo box - then you need either Thule or Yakima crossbars.
