Self-Uninstall Roof Racks?

[chitownQ]

So my RRS came with vertical roof racks and additional horizontal ones as well. I really dislike the way the horizontal ones look and have no need for them currently. I noticed a key slot in it and was wondering if I purchased the tool, if it would be as easy and unlocking it and sliding the horizontal ones out? See pic.

[phil.]

yes it's that easy. any allen wrench should do. nothing special. IIRC the key just unlocks a cover. pop open the cover and you'll be able to slide out the top plastic piece exposing an allen bolt. loosen it and you'll be able to slide the crossbars from side to side and it makes it easier to move each crossbar forward/backward. move to the center and they pull right out.

[EstorilM]

I attempted to do this when I bought mine (same exact story as you - they kill the RRS's sexy "floating roof" lines) and discovered that the position of the cross-bars prevented the a few of the allen keys from being accessed (this is intentional for security reasons).

You'll need to reference the lock core code on the cross bars and order a new one from Thule - it's a couple bucks, mine came quick too. Then you slide them out, and pop off the plastic allen caps and remove the roof rails.

FWIW I needed to reinstall the screws and spacers on top of my trim pieces to keep them in place. I'm selling the roof rack system and will hopefully swap the screws with the OE caps once I find a buyer.

[TripleE]

IIRC the key just unlocks a cover. pop open the cover and you'll be able to slide out the top plastic piece exposing an allen bolt. loosen it and you'll be able to slide the crossbars from side to side and it makes it easier to move each crossbar forward/backward. move to the center and they pull right out.

Correct.

the position of the cross-bars prevented the a few of the allen keys from being accessed

Just FYI, you guys are talking about two different allen screws. There are the ones that phil mentioned which adjust the width of the cross bars and the ones Estoril is talking about (I think) which attach the rails to the roof.

Either way it's simple, but if you miss the ones phil is talking about, it could be very hard to take off the cross bars.

Then, yes you can leave the "vertical" ones on the roof.

[chitownQ]

Thanks a lot guys. yes I was hoping to leave the vertical ones on for now and just remove/slide out the higher horizontal ones as they really kill the looks imo and I have no need for them. I do see a silver key like ring, based on the thread I think I need an allen wrench as these ones are adjustable and should just pop out once I slide to the middle?

Any idea what size allen I would need? Many thanks. See pic below for one I am referring to take out. Sorry for poor quality pic.

[RRSS007]

Nice looking RRS you have there. Looks like you bought yours from the same dealer I got mine from...

[TripleE]

Thanks a lot guys. yes I was hoping to leave the vertical ones on for now and just remove/slide out the higher horizontal ones as they really kill the looks imo and I have no need for them. I do see a silver key like ring, based on the thread I think I need an allen wrench as these ones are adjustable and should just pop out once I slide to the middle?

Any idea what size allen I would need? Many thanks. See pic below for one I am referring to take out. Sorry for poor quality pic. Attachment 8360

Unlock that piece and it will fold down. It will give access to allow the flat piece on top to pull out and expose a small allen bolt. Loosen this and it allows expansion or contraction of the crossbar from side to side (when installing you are supposed to extend it outwards to make it "tight" in between the rails). If you don't have a set of allen keys, just go to Home Depot or Lowes and get a set. It is possible that the installer didn't make them very "tight" from side to side so they could just slide out without looseing the allen bolt, but I doubt it.

EDIT: Actually, I have to put my skis on the rack tonight so I'll take a pic for you.

[TripleE]

[chitownQ]

RSSS7 - Good to see a fellow local member on here. Do you know of any local mechanics that work on rover after market mods?

TripleE & All - Many thanks, but I think I have a different setup maybe. No allen wrench slot. I called the dealer I bought it from and they said I need to order the exact THULE key using the code stamped on my lock on the rails. I just ordered the key and hoping that should do it.

[TripleE]

TripleE & All - Many thanks, but I think I have a different setup maybe. No allen wrench slot. I called the dealer I bought it from and they said I need to order the exact THULE key using the code stamped on my lock on the rails. I just ordered the key and hoping that should do it.

There is a plastic piece you pull out that exposes the allen bolt (it is already pulled out and not visible in my pic). You won't be able to pull that out unless you unlock it.

[chitownQ]

Makes sense. I didnt have the key so once it comes in I should be all set! Many thanks!