Hey guys! Ever wondered about hauling your gear with a Yakima roof rack using those classic round crossbars? You're in the right spot! Let's dive into everything you need to know about Yakima roof rack round crossbars, from understanding their purpose to choosing the right ones and installing them like a pro. Whether you're a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or just starting your adventures, this guide will help you make the most of your Yakima setup. So, buckle up, and let's get started!

Understanding Yakima Round Crossbars

Yakima round crossbars are the foundational support system for many Yakima roof racks. Known for their durability and versatility, these crossbars provide a secure platform for carrying a variety of items, from kayaks and canoes to bikes, cargo boxes, and even lumber. The round design is iconic and has been a staple in the roof rack industry for decades.

Why Choose Round Crossbars?

• Strength and Reliability: Yakima round crossbars are constructed from high-quality steel, offering excellent strength and load-bearing capabilities. This robust build ensures that your gear stays safe and secure during transit, even on long journeys or rough roads.
• Versatility: One of the biggest advantages of round crossbars is their compatibility with a wide range of accessories. Yakima and other manufacturers offer numerous attachments that easily clamp onto the round bars, making it simple to customize your rack for different activities.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Compared to some of the more modern aerodynamic crossbar designs, round crossbars are often more affordable. This makes them a great option for budget-conscious adventurers who don't want to compromise on quality and reliability.
• Ease of Installation: Yakima round crossbars are generally easy to install and remove, which is a significant advantage if you only need the rack for specific trips or activities. The straightforward design means less time fiddling with complicated mechanisms and more time enjoying your adventure.

Components of a Yakima Round Crossbar System

A complete Yakima round crossbar system typically consists of several key components:

1. Crossbars: These are the horizontal bars that span the width of your vehicle's roof. They provide the main support for your cargo and accessories. Yakima round crossbars come in various lengths to fit different vehicle sizes.
2. Towers: Towers are the vertical supports that attach the crossbars to your vehicle's roof. Yakima offers different types of towers to accommodate various roof types, including bare roofs, raised side rails, and fixed mounting points.
3. Fit Kits: Fit kits are vehicle-specific adapters that ensure the towers properly and securely attach to your vehicle's roof. These kits are essential for a safe and reliable installation.
4. Locks: To protect your investment, Yakima offers lock cores that can be installed in the towers to prevent theft of the entire rack system.

When selecting a Yakima round crossbar system, it's crucial to ensure that all components are compatible with your vehicle. Yakima's website and authorized dealers provide tools and resources to help you find the right fit for your specific make and model.

Choosing the Right Yakima Round Crossbars

Selecting the correct Yakima round crossbars involves considering several factors to ensure they meet your needs and fit your vehicle properly. Let’s break down the key considerations to help you make the best choice.

Vehicle Compatibility

The most critical factor is ensuring the crossbars are compatible with your vehicle. Yakima provides a fit guide on their website that allows you to enter your vehicle's make, model, and year to find compatible components. This guide will specify the correct crossbar length, tower type, and fit kit needed for your vehicle. Always double-check this information to avoid installation issues or safety concerns.

• Measure Your Roof: Even with the fit guide, it's a good idea to manually measure the width of your vehicle's roof where the crossbars will be mounted. This ensures that the selected crossbars will provide adequate coverage and stability.
• Consider Roof Type: Different vehicles have different roof types, such as bare roofs, raised side rails, fixed mounting points, or tracks. Each roof type requires a specific type of tower and fit kit. Make sure you select the components designed for your vehicle's roof type.

Crossbar Length

Yakima round crossbars come in various lengths, typically ranging from 48 inches to 78 inches. The appropriate length depends on the width of your vehicle's roof and the type of accessories you plan to carry. Here’s how to determine the right length:

• Sufficient Overhang: Ensure the crossbars extend far enough beyond the towers to provide ample space for mounting accessories. A general rule of thumb is to have at least a few inches of overhang on each side.
• Avoid Excessive Length: While some overhang is desirable, avoid choosing crossbars that are excessively long, as they can create wind noise and potentially interfere with vehicle operation.
• Accessory Compatibility: Consider the width of the accessories you plan to carry. If you frequently transport wide items like kayaks or multiple bikes, you may need longer crossbars to accommodate them safely.

Load Capacity

Each Yakima round crossbar has a specific load capacity, which is the maximum weight it can safely carry. This information is usually listed in the product specifications. It's crucial to stay within the specified load capacity to prevent damage to the crossbars, towers, or your vehicle's roof.

• Consider Total Weight: Calculate the total weight of the items you plan to carry, including the accessories themselves (e.g., bike racks, cargo boxes) and the cargo inside them. Make sure the total weight does not exceed the crossbars' load capacity.
• Distribute Weight Evenly: When loading cargo, distribute the weight evenly across the crossbars to avoid overloading any single point. This helps maintain stability and prevents damage.

Material and Durability

Yakima round crossbars are typically made from high-quality steel, which provides excellent strength and durability. However, it's still essential to inspect the crossbars regularly for signs of wear and tear, such as rust or bending.

• Powder Coating: Look for crossbars with a durable powder coating finish. This helps protect the steel from corrosion and extends the lifespan of the crossbars.
• Regular Maintenance: Clean the crossbars regularly with mild soap and water to remove dirt and debris. This helps prevent corrosion and keeps the crossbars in good condition.

Installing Yakima Round Crossbars

Installing Yakima round crossbars is a straightforward process, but it's essential to follow the instructions carefully to ensure a safe and secure installation. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started.

Gathering Your Tools and Components

Before you begin, gather all the necessary tools and components. You will typically need:

• Yakima round crossbars
• Yakima towers (compatible with your vehicle's roof type)
• Yakima fit kit (specific to your vehicle's make, model, and year)
• Measuring tape
• Wrench or socket set
• Screwdriver
• Torque wrench (recommended for proper tightening)
• Installation manual

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

1. Prepare Your Vehicle:
   • Clean your vehicle's roof where the towers will be mounted. Remove any dirt, debris, or wax that could interfere with the installation.
   • Consult the installation manual to identify the correct mounting points for the towers. These points are usually indicated in the manual and may correspond to existing mounting points on your vehicle's roof.
2. Assemble the Towers and Fit Kit:
   • Attach the fit kit components to the towers according to the instructions in the fit kit manual. This may involve attaching clips, pads, or other hardware to the towers.
   • Ensure that all connections are secure and properly aligned.
3. Attach the Towers to the Crossbars:
   • Slide the towers onto the Yakima round crossbars. Position them according to the measurements specified in the installation manual. The distance between the towers is crucial for stability and weight distribution.
   • Use the provided hardware to secure the towers to the crossbars. Tighten the bolts or screws, but do not overtighten at this stage.
4. Mount the Crossbar Assembly to Your Vehicle:
   • Carefully lift the assembled crossbar assembly onto your vehicle's roof. Align the towers with the mounting points identified earlier.
   • Attach the towers to the vehicle's roof using the provided hardware. Ensure that the towers are properly seated and aligned.
5. Tighten All Connections:
   • Using a wrench or socket set, tighten all the bolts and screws that secure the towers to the crossbars and the towers to the vehicle's roof.
   • Use a torque wrench to tighten the connections to the specified torque values in the installation manual. This ensures that the connections are tight enough to be secure but not so tight that they could damage the components or your vehicle's roof.
6. Double-Check the Installation:
   • Once all connections are tightened, double-check the installation to ensure that everything is properly aligned and secure.
   • Shake the crossbars gently to check for any movement or instability. If you notice any issues, re-tighten the connections or consult the installation manual for troubleshooting tips.

Tips for a Secure Installation

• Read the Manual: Always read the installation manual carefully before beginning the installation. The manual provides detailed instructions and important safety information.
• Use the Right Tools: Use the correct tools for the job, including a torque wrench if recommended. This ensures that the connections are properly tightened and prevents damage to the components.
• Take Your Time: Don't rush the installation process. Take your time and follow the instructions carefully to ensure a safe and secure installation.
• Get Help If Needed: If you're not comfortable with the installation process, don't hesitate to seek help from a professional installer or an experienced friend.

Maintaining Your Yakima Round Crossbars

Proper maintenance is essential to prolong the life of your Yakima round crossbars and ensure they continue to perform safely and reliably. Regular cleaning, inspection, and lubrication can help prevent corrosion, wear, and other issues.

Regular Cleaning

• Wash the Crossbars: Wash the crossbars regularly with mild soap and water to remove dirt, dust, and road grime. This helps prevent corrosion and keeps the crossbars looking their best.
• Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse the crossbars thoroughly with clean water to remove all traces of soap.
• Dry Completely: Dry the crossbars completely with a clean cloth to prevent water spots and corrosion.

Inspecting for Damage

• Check for Rust: Inspect the crossbars regularly for signs of rust. Pay particular attention to areas where the powder coating is chipped or scratched.
• Look for Bends or Cracks: Check the crossbars for any bends, cracks, or other damage. If you notice any damage, replace the crossbars immediately.
• Inspect the Towers and Fit Kit: Inspect the towers and fit kit components for any signs of wear or damage. Replace any worn or damaged components.

Lubricating Moving Parts

• Lubricate the Locks: Lubricate the locks on the towers regularly with a silicone-based lubricant. This helps keep the locks working smoothly and prevents corrosion.
• Grease the Threads: Grease the threads on the bolts and screws that secure the towers to the crossbars and the towers to the vehicle's roof. This makes it easier to tighten and loosen the connections and prevents corrosion.

Storing Your Crossbars

• Clean Before Storing: Clean the crossbars thoroughly before storing them. This helps prevent corrosion and keeps them in good condition.
• Store in a Dry Place: Store the crossbars in a dry place, such as a garage or shed. Avoid storing them in damp or humid environments, as this can cause corrosion.
• Protect from the Elements: Protect the crossbars from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. This can help prevent the powder coating from fading or cracking.

By following these maintenance tips, you can keep your Yakima round crossbars in top condition and ensure they continue to provide safe and reliable performance for years to come.

Accessories for Yakima Round Crossbars

One of the great things about Yakima round crossbars is the wide range of accessories available to enhance their functionality. Whether you're into biking, kayaking, skiing, or camping, there's an accessory to help you transport your gear safely and easily. Let's take a look at some of the most popular options:

Bike Racks

Yakima offers a variety of bike racks that are compatible with round crossbars, including:

• Fork-Mount Racks: These racks attach to the front fork of your bike and secure the rear wheel with a strap. They're a great option for road bikes and other lightweight bikes.
• Wheel-On Racks: These racks hold your bike by the wheels, making them suitable for a wider range of bike types, including mountain bikes and bikes with disc brakes.
• Frame-Mount Racks: These racks attach to the frame of your bike. These are less common due to potential damage to the bike's paint, but some secure the bike without touching the frame at all.

Kayak and Canoe Carriers

If you're a paddling enthusiast, Yakima has several kayak and canoe carriers to choose from:

• J-Cradles: These carriers hold your kayak on its side, saving space on your roof rack. They're easy to load and unload and provide excellent stability.
• Saddle Carriers: These carriers cradle your kayak in a horizontal position, distributing the weight evenly. They're a good option for longer or heavier kayaks.
• Canoe Carriers: These carriers are designed specifically for canoes, with padded supports that protect the hull and straps that secure the canoe to the crossbars.

Cargo Boxes

For extra storage space, consider adding a Yakima cargo box to your roof rack. These boxes are available in various sizes and shapes, allowing you to transport luggage, camping gear, and other bulky items.

Ski and Snowboard Carriers

If you're a winter sports enthusiast, Yakima offers ski and snowboard carriers that attach easily to round crossbars. These carriers hold your skis and snowboards securely, protecting them from damage during transit.

Other Accessories

In addition to the accessories listed above, Yakima also offers a variety of other accessories for round crossbars, including:

• Load Stops: These accessories prevent cargo from sliding off the crossbars.
• Tie-Down Straps: These straps secure cargo to the crossbars.
• Padded Crossbar Sleeves: These sleeves protect your cargo from scratches and dents.

By adding the right accessories to your Yakima round crossbars, you can customize your roof rack to meet your specific needs and enjoy your outdoor adventures to the fullest.

Conclusion

Alright, guys, that's the lowdown on Yakima roof rack round crossbars! From understanding their strengths and choosing the right ones to installing and maintaining them, you're now equipped to make the most of this versatile system. Whether you're hauling bikes, kayaks, or cargo, Yakima round crossbars provide a reliable and cost-effective solution for all your adventures. So, get out there, gear up, and explore with confidence! And remember, a little preparation goes a long way in ensuring a safe and enjoyable journey.