Is it just me?

Is it just me, or does anyone else remove the gear basket, front wind deflector and cross bars of the roof rack prior to washing???

It's just you!

I took off the wind deflector and gear basket last winter and never bothered to put them back on.

dave and xtoy - nuth'in i need them for

Took the basket off so I could use the sun roof, then the deflector and bars so the snow would'nt hang around for an extra week.
Put the bars back on in case I get something at home depot.
Might put the deflector back on after I do the "thor" mod.
I dought if I'll find a use for the basket as long as I have the sunroof..

I do too.

Just the basket and the deflector.

I remove the basket from time to time before getting it washed. The area under the roof rack gets really dirty and dry...I need to put some wax up there.

I take it off every few months when I wax and polish. Aside from that, no.

I also took off the gear basket & deflector-so I could enjoy the sunroof. I moved the front crossbar forward as well. I like the look better and don't see myself putting them back on. I also peeled the XTERRA decals off the rack.

I just did my annual spring "return of the basket". I take the basket off each winter to avoid snow collecting, melting, refreezing and scratching the roof. Each fall when I take it off and each spring when it goes back on again, I also lube all 4 basket and all 4 deflector screws with a dab of vasoline. As per the advice given on this forum, I've also added rubber washers to keep any water from getting in to the threads. After 1 1/2 years (including 2 winters) all threads are still bright and shiney with no sign of rust!

Wow! I had never seen that on here before, but I'm going to have to try it. I noticed mine were a bit rusty today after washing my truck.

Thanks for the tips. That routine maintenance sounds easy enough to follow. I have removed the basket and wind deflector and have not put it back on yet. Never thought of removing the bars prior to washing.

Found washing the truck with the wind dam removed and basket removed is worth while. In fact, I leave the basket off until I need it. However, I tried to leave off the wind dam, but found the wind noise noticeable. Put it back on and no problem.

2002 XE 4x4 Molten Lava
Lehigh Valley, PA

Yeah, it's just you...

I removed my gear basket at the dealer before I left the lot and it's never been back on since - not even once. I like my sunroof too much, especially with the see-thru mod. Heh.

However, you do have the right idea with the wind deflector. A lot of crud builds up under and around it that you normally can't easily get to with it in place. Not worthwhile to take it off every time, but once in a while - you should really clean under there - especially for you folks with SE/sunroof. Don't forget to clean inside the "gutter" under the sunroof too.

Yup, I remove the gear basket as well when I wash it. Otherwise it gets pretty crappy under there! I am waiting for our drought restrictions to pass here so I can give it a good washing. It's killing me taking it to the car wash.

I just keep mine off so nobody steals it!