I was a bit dismayed to learn from reading this and other forums that the cool-looking roof rack on my new X isn't that hot when it comes to actually carrying a load. I do plan to use this feature to carry off-road accessories and camping equipment, with the necessary accessories and probably a cargo basket. So do you just need to replace the cross bars, ie with Yakima's clamp-bar setup, or is a complete transplant the best way (ie, Calmini,Gobi, etc.)? Or, with the right accessories, with the OEM rack do OK? Are the bar end clamps really that weak?
Slightly dismayed but still lovin' my X............JB
PS: the stories about the difficulty of removing/replacing the wind deflector and other rack parts- True or false? I trust that the negative reports are true, but is that the consensus? It's kinda hard to clean/wax under there w/o removing some parts...JB

I have carried many things on my stock rack for the better part of 4 year without an issue. Everything from a fully loaded raft and oar frame (I would not advise this) to firewood, fuel, sheets of plywood and even 20 2x4's. I carried my hi-lift and shovel year round in a thule snowboard rack mounted to the stock cross bars. That being said I decided I wanted a more versital rack so last week I installed the Gobi Ranger with shovel/axe mount and hi-lift mount. I have to say I love this new rack. Both for quality and looks. I know it will come in handy with everything I tend to put up there.
I would say its up to you. I think the stock rack will do what you need it to. May need to add another basket. However if you have the money I would suggest the Gobi. The Calmin rack is nice, and well made as well, however I do not like the fact that you can not use the front portion above the drivers compartment. But then I don't have a sunroof.

Hope that helps.

Casper

I have the Yakima Load Warrior and it works really good. For awhile, I had my spare mounted up there (until I got my Shrock rear bumper) without any problems. The Load Warrior sits on the rails not the crossbars, so it can carry quite a bit of weight.

If I had unlimited cash, I would buy the GOBI rack.

I'm afraid the Gobi is a piece down the road for me, although I do really like it. Did you have any problems switching it out, with the mounting screw nuts spinning on you? AZ Ted, did you mount all your stuff on the OEM cross bars, or get replacements?................JB

Also, what about the webbing setups I've seen, that fit between the side rails and cross bars and hold loads up off your roof? I think Raingler and some other outfit make them. They look neat because they fit down inside the rack frame and don't present a higher profile for increased wind resistance (when not loaded, of course).....JB

No problems what so ever. The mounting nuts were a tade tight, but the nust stayed in place. I can't say enough good things about this rack. My personal advice would be to get by as best you can and save until you can afford it. Also, if you do end up going with the Gobi call them for the price. I e-mailed them the first time, and when I called to see if they had any in stock they gave me a lower price. Since you are dealing with the factory they can give you any price they want, and if they are having good day you could come out ahead.
But thats just what worked for me. You need to do what will work for you.

Casper

The load warrior sits on the rails. It does connect to the crossbars, but all of the downward pressure is on the rails, not the crossbars. When I had my spare tire up there, I used the Yakima Spare Tire Mount which locked the tire to the rack.

If you go with the Yakima rack, get the locking clamps. For only a few dollars more, these will at least slow any thieves down from stealing your rack. An extra measure of security would be to put a cable lock through the rack and the rails.

Ted:

I am confused by your post on the load warrior by Yakima. I have one and it mounts on the two crossbars--all the weight is in the crossbars.

All the load warriors I am aware of are the same way. Are you using a modified mount?

Lee

[edit: just saw your post that they do mount to cross bars--but not sure what you mean about pressure on the rails. The pressure goes down on the cross bars--which in tourn are mounted to rails with the plastic OEM clamps that you tightenm with the torx screwdriver that comes in teh x tool kit.]

I have a Gobirack as well and absolutely love it. Loaded it up to 250 pounds+ and no problems. Installed it in a couple hours (including cleaning and waxing the roof). Great product, well made, and IMO worth the price. Save your pennies and get one. All your friends will be jealous and envious.

Gobi it is, then. Oh, I also discovered that the basket comes out easily with 4 screws into the rack itself, to allow cleaning accumulated crap out from under it...........JB