Hey everyone! I recently joined the TrailSport club with a 2024 Honda Pilot, and I am absolutely loving this rig so far. It’s been great for our local weekend trails, but we’re planning a much longer camping trip out to the Rockies this summer, and I’ve quickly realized that with two kids and a 70-pound Golden Retriever in the back, the interior space is at a serious premium.
I’m looking to move some of our bulkier gear to the roof, but I’m hitting a bit of a wall deciding which rack system is actually worth the investment. Since the TrailSport comes standard with those chunky raised roof rails, I know I have a head start, but I want to make sure I get something that can actually handle the weight and the vibrations of washboard forest roads.
Specifically, I’m planning on mounting a large cargo box for our tents and sleeping bags, and I’d also love a way to secure some recovery boards on the side. Down the line, we might even consider a lightweight hardshell roof-top tent (RTT), so a high dynamic load rating is a big priority for me. I’ve looked at the OEM Honda crossbars, but they look a little flimsy for serious overlanding, and I’ve heard mixed reviews about wind noise at highway speeds.
I’ve been eyeing the Thule WingBar Evo for a quieter ride, but I’m also wondering if a full platform rack like the Yakima LockNLoad or a Prinsu setup would be better for a more permanent ‘trail-ready’ look. One of my biggest constraints is garage clearance—I have a standard 7-foot door and I’d really like to avoid having to strip the rack off every time I come home.
For those of you actually taking your TrailSport off the pavement, which roof racks have you found work best for the new Pilot generation? Should I stick with heavy-duty crossbars, or is a full platform rack the way to go for a dedicated camping setup?
> I’ve looked at the OEM Honda crossbars, but they look a little flimsy for serious overlanding...
Dude, ngl, skip the $600 setups! Honestly, I use Brightlines Honda Pilot 2023-2024 Crossbars—only $160—and they’re AMAZINGly sturdy. Pair them with a MaxxHaul 70115 Steel Roof Rack ($100ish) and you’ve basically got a killer setup for the Rockies that fits under a 7ft door. Seriously, it handles my gear without any flex on washboards. Way cheaper than a Prinsu!! gl! 👍
RTTs need high dynamic ratings, i think. Platforms distribute weight better than bars, so I'd honestly suggest the Yakima LockNLoad Platform Rack cuz of trail stability and garage clearance!
Great info, saved!
Respectfully, I'd actually suggest a different approach. I've found platforms often ruin garage clearance, and ur 7-foot door is tight!! Instead of a heavy rack, try:
* Yakima JetStream Crossbars 60 inch
* Yakima TimberLine Towers
They're cheaper than a platform but handle an RTT way better than budget bars. Seriously silent on the highway too. Best value/clearance balance for the Rockies imo. gl!!