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Need a roof rack, please help

51K views 46 replies 19 participants last post by  Aussie_Sam 
#1 ·
Okay, got my very base model Pathfinder. Did not come with the roof rails. I have tried to talk to people about installing a Thule kit and i was informed they do not make one for the 2013 Pathfinder. So then i called Nissan dealership to see if they could install the OEM rails, and they said 'not after the fact'...i refuse to believe that i am stuck without the possibility of a roof rack...that plastic screw cover that's on it, shouldn't i be able to remove that and install a roof rack kit like the one from Thule? Be gentle guys, this is my first SUV and i dont know squat when it comes to this stuff BUT any help would be much appreciated! I need to go kayaking, among many other things, so please help me out if you can!

Thanks!
 
#2 ·
Yazz, It looks like you will have to go low-tech for awhile to get your kayak-fix. Foam wedges will have to suffice until Yakima and Thule get their act together on fits for bare-roofed Pathy's. I don't know why the dealer can't attach the rails aftermarket--seems strange.
 
#3 ·
Okay, got my very base model Pathfinder. Did not come with the roof rails. I have tried to talk to people about installing a Thule kit and i was informed they do not make one for the 2013 Pathfinder. So then i called Nissan dealership to see if they could install the OEM rails, and they said 'not after the fact'...i refuse to believe that i am stuck without the possibility of a roof rack...that plastic screw cover that's on it, shouldn't i be able to remove that and install a roof rack kit like the one from Thule? Be gentle guys, this is my first SUV and i dont know squat when it comes to this stuff BUT any help would be much appreciated! I need to go kayaking, among many other things, so please help me out if you can!

Thanks!

Hey Yazz,
Did you get an answer to this question yet? I like the stubby rails that are on the Infinity and was wondering if they would fit my Pathy....Anybody?
 
#5 ·
I was wondering the same, there are plenty SUVs out there that seem to be the same dimensions yet the dealer refuses to tell me anything. No luck yet, even in the aftermarket spectrum. Thule doesnt have any options available for a 'naked roof' which sucks, but I wont give up. Sorry it took forever to write back, been out of commission here, but i am doing my best to find a resolution to this. I am about to do my wheels in black, then the chrome accents are going black, eventually to have it all be a matte black (just like that stuff) then the new bull guard (front only) is going to be installed, and the roof rails and rack would be awesome!
 
#6 ·
So then i called Nissan dealership to see if they could install the OEM rails, and they said 'not after the fact'...i refuse to believe that i am stuck without the possibility of a roof rack...
You need to find a different dealer... surely you can find one who will sell you the OEM parts you need. Apparently your dealer just doesn't want to make money!

It looks like there isn't a "kit" since this isn't sold as an accessory, but you could just buy these parts and do it yourself. There won't be instructions (unless you get a service manual), but it doesn't really look too complicated. Especially if there are inserts at the mounting points.

Here is the part diagram for the roof rails (and part numbers for each part you will need):
 
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#7 ·
dcline414:
Thank you for the diagram and parts...i was thinking about doing that and as you said, it does not seem complicated at all. I pulled back some of the plastic and saw the screws and all that for the attachment. The only tricky part would be cutting the plastic right, so that your roof doesnt look all rugged (which is technically what I am going for but you get the point)...

I am ordering my bull guard today, i wanted to wait for more options but for what it is, and how it looks, i think i'll get it. I'll be uploading pics for everyone to see.

at least i have learned a valuable lesson: BUY SUV WITH THE **** ROOF RAIL lol

thanks for the input!
 
#8 ·
update:

just got off the phone with a dealership and the parts department explained that the reason i cannot find one is because the 'naked roof' option doesnt even have the weight support that is also installed under the top of the car. So pretty much i am SOL for one. I still don't understand how I could not install something myself because it's not like they made my roof out of brittle plastic. I think dcline414 hit it on the head with 'DIY' option. I am sure my roof can handle a darn kayak that barely weighs anything. If not...well...**** lol
 
#14 ·
Hey Yazz
The foglight job is no big deal. Did it myself and all you have to do is be very careful with a flat screw driver for the trim removal. I actually find a butter knife to be perfect for removing trim.

I looked at the Nissan Service manual that somebody posted on here and it tells you exactly how to remove the S level plastic trim. Under that you'll see the screws for the roof rack. There is a different trim set for the roof rack to accommodate the rack posts but if you get the Infinity roof finishing trim, you can actually install cross rails to it. What holds the trim is actually the front and back end slots that fold under near the windshield and the back of the car. You're dealers are speaking out of their butts! Go around back and talk to their AutoBody technicians as they're the guys that actually know what they're talking about.
 
#16 ·
wow...very interesting...so the FX35 or something would fit on my pathfinder? I'll have to do some more research. I am about to install my fog lights this weekend and a bull guard and smoke my lights out a bit (going for that SWAT look I guess lol)

I understand that it does not have that support that they are talking about, but i saw some screws below that plastic covering and I am sure I can make something work with it. It'll have to be a bit of innovative techniques on my end, but if there is a will there is a way.

thanks for the input!

do you know what Infinity would fit off the top of your head?
 
#15 ·
I actually had the same the issue with a 2011 Kia Sorrento. Found out there are bolts that are welded to the roof frame at the factory, if you get a model that does have a roof rack, a factory one cannot added because there is nothing to attach it to. Not sure that this is the same with pathfinder.
 
#17 ·
Thankfully it is not. I lifted the plastic a bit and saw screws...it is however missing the extra metal 'things' below the roof, but that doesnt mean that it cannot support any weight at all. Dealerships are just stupid and ignorant when it comes to doing stuff yourself. I called to see how much they would install my fog lights for me since I didnt feel like doing it, thinking since I have the parts it'll be like $100 max...nope...it's '$225 and it'll take hours, sir'...God, those people are just idiots and a complete rip off!
 
#24 ·
Wow! This seem like you wrote this inquiry for me. We have the same dilemma Yazz. But I waited a year until I decided to find out more about installing a roof rail/rack. I asked them about the roof rails 2 months after I purchased my SUV, and they said NO roof rails for the base model, but I said to myself that in a year they may come up with something. So a year came and I went to the same dealership where I got my SUV and they said the exact same thing about the weight and the cost of adding it to about $4k. I said to myself that, this is BS. I also told them that maybe I have to upgrade the vehicle with roof racks, and they agreed. That's what they want is to upgrade the SUV so they could get more car sales in. Thanks to dcline414 for the diagram, now I know that it's easy to DIY. Yes please post some pics after you install your roof rails. Thank you.
 
#25 ·
I would love to find out how you are thinking about doing it yourself as I was told by the other members on this forum and also checking with Nissan dealerships, you cannot do it yourself since the base model does not have the actual support underneath the roof. Some members even went as far as saying that putting anything on the standard roof might actually start ripping the metal so I'm really inclined to find out how you are thinking of doing it because if there is a way I will follow your exact steps and do it myself. I've been wanting a kayak roof rack since I got this SUV



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#29 ·
I wish I would have seen this earlier

My situation I similar to the original poster's in that I leased a 2014 pathfinder S trim 12 days ago and I too would like to have the Nissan roof rails installed. The big difference however is that the "product specialist" at the dealership assured me that rails could be added by lifting up the plastic liner and attaching to the frame. I was excited to hear that I didn't have to dish out the extra money for the next trim up when rails were the only thing I wanted. This was accounted for in the negotiaion of course. I bet you guys can already figure out what happened next. Yep, I got a call saying that, in fact, those rails can't be added. Instead they placed an aftermarket rack on my new car that is obviously way too small, and worse yet its drilled right into the roof of the car! With the slightest hand pressure on the rack the roof bends in at the mounts. I spoke with the general sales manager and he was no help at all and basically said I was SOL and the rack can't be taken off now and I shouldn't have agreed to have it put on. So the first reason I posted this is because I've since contacted two other dealerships and both have confirmed that the S trim has a totally different roof with no reinforcements and therefore can't have rails added. Second, does anyone know if I have this cheap rack removed if the holes can be plugged? I'm frustrated and feel helpless at this point. Any ideas on where I can take this? This whole time I've only asked for the vehicle "sold" to me but that seems impossible now. Let this be a warning to never trust a dealer and do as much homework as you can ahead of time.
 
#32 ·
Wow. It sounds like what the dealer did is very unsafe. Did your sales agreement specify in writing that they would be installing an aftermarket roof rail system or did they lead you to believe it would be genuine Nissan? Did you have to sign any sort of waiver? I would think they have an obligation to insure they are installing products that are safe to use in the manner intended.

If they have it in writing that you agreed to an aftermarket installation then you are probably out of luck, but maybe not, due to safety issues.

I would start by calling the BBB Autoline for your state and describe the situation to them. I believe they can help resolve more than just Lemon Law issues. If not they can tell you where to turn to get help.

I don't know all of the specifics of your situation but I am fairly certain the dealer is going to push back hard because most people will just give in and go away. They don't want to incur the expense to undo the situation. And they certainly don't want the car back.

If all else fails I believe a good body shop could fill the holes and repaint the roof.
 
#33 ·
Yes, I'm learning how unsafe the roof rack is the more I look into it. You've hit on the most frustrating part. I was told specifically that the same rails that were on the sv could be added to the s trim. We had entire conversations about it and why they make any trims without roof rails these days. Everyone was on the same page during negotiation and the word aftermarket was never brought up. What makes me a little nervous is the "IOU" document I have just states "roof rails" and doesn't explicitly say Nissan factory or anything like that.

I thought about the BBB but have first contacted Nissan directly to get their thoughts on this type of unsafe equipment being added to their vehicles. They responded with a much more encouraging email yesterday and I'm supposed to talk to their regional specialist today. So we'll see where that goes. Thanks for the information and I'll keep you updated. I'm not giving up until I get the pathfinder I paid for.
 
#34 ·
Just as a quick update after buying my 2 person kayak and using foam blocks (all from REI). This kayak was 13.5 feet long and weighed close to 100lbs. I strapped that sucker on my roof with the foam blocks and drove a long distance to home and lake and on highway. I did not see anything wrong with my SUV or any issues (besides not strapping everything in correctly, but that's user error)...I know a lot of people are worried about putting a lot of weight if you did not have the roof rack installed since there isnt any support under the roof, but in my experience, it functions just fine with a lot of weight on it.
 
#35 ·
So, I'm hoping someone can help me out here. Every place I go to which allows me to order OEM Nissan parts for my 2014 Nissan Pathfinder S shows that the roof rack WILL work on the Pathfinder S. In fact, it lists the S model as a model the roof rack is compatible with. Here is an example http://www.tascaparts.com/oe-nissan/738213ka0a. Part number is 73821-3KA0A

So my question, will it or will it now work? Anyone with any experience? Seems to me on the Pathfinder S, you simply have to remove the modeling strip, and you should find treaded holes underneath?

Thanks for your help everyone.
 
#36 ·
It's pretty common for some people not to go the next model up and try and save a few bucks. Then in the end wish they went for the higher end model.

Here's the deal with buying a new car or truck. Think about whats important to you.
For me things like a Tow Hitch , Fog Lights , Roof Rack have to be in place or I don't even want it.
The Sun roof is pretty important to me and I failed to get on this time around as the model that has the Sun roof was more then I wanted to spend. Now 1 month into it which is the first time I have not had a roof option , I'm completely regretting it. Never ever will I leave the dealership without ALL the options I want no matter what I have to do to get them. I got everything else I wanted with the SV model and everything I added but the roof option is killing me. I kinda hate it actually.
My Next one will be fully loaded exactly how I want it, I will NOT ever Give up something to save a few pennies, screw that.
 
#37 · (Edited)
And so how does this help johndoetai60? :|

johndoe, if you read the thread above carefully, you'll see that Yazz seems to have gone through the same dilemma that you seem to be facing. His original post was well over a year ago. My suggestion is to send him a PM (private message) to see what he ended up doing. I wouldn't necessarily trust a vendor that a part will fit if there are indications from a dealer that it might not. Get confirmation from someone first.

Oh, and welcome to the forum, by the way! :)
 
#40 ·
Interesting... and a great find! Quoting the web site, it says: "Roof Panel Reinforcement for your 2014 Nissan Pathfinder S with a 3.5L V6 - Gas. We also sell Body and Roof. This is a genuine OEM Nissan part #G3290-3KAMA and carries a factory warranty."

If it is truly an OEM part, it looks like Nissan is recognizing that they screwed up in not providing adequate roof support for the "S".

My advise if you are considering this is to contact the seller and ask them for references of those that have done it, and then contact those people and ask them how well it has worked out. My only concern would be that the many supports appear to be mounted on top of the roof and that you will have to keep that area very clean in order to prevent crud from collecting there.
 
#42 ·
OMG ... How would that be installed...wouldn't the inside roof panel have to come off...what a job that would be for the average novice...no?
 
#43 ·
I am finally back on the website, apologies for my absence for so long, but after a long year of research the following are my findings:

1. I was told if I put anything on my naked roof and drive (especially heavy items) I run the risk of my roof tearing or ripping off due to the weight/speed thing.
2. I was told that my roof does not have the support like the models with the rails, therefore I should not attempt to install a rack (mainly because of #1 issue)
3. I have called dealerships, talked to Nissan Mechanics, and called Nissan as well, and all agree that to install the necessary parts to install a roof rack, you might as well trade in your SUV for the other model, the money that you lose on the trade will be equal or less than the money you spend to install a roof rack on S model.


Then, my curiosity got the best of me and I refused to believe #1 ...so...I bought a 13.5ft/80lbs kayak with those foam block holder things, placed it in the middle of my SUV roof, placed heavy kayak on top of that, strapped it in and took it for a 45min ride to the lake (hitting top speed of 70mph) and guess what? I still don't have a convertible version of a Pathfinder. It works just fine. Think about it, if you secure it to the frame of the car, the roof is only handling the actual weight portion of the formula.

My recommendation is to try removing the rail covers, installing a rail, placing weight on top of it and taking it for a spin. I wouldn't be surprised if it works just fine. I also think its a little bit of a 'buy the more expensive option' scheme from Nissan, but that's just my opinion.

Looking many times at the Roof Panel Reinforcement, it seems to me that it mostly deals with placing weight directly on top of the roof, as I did with my kayak. It's not like the extra weight from the rails is going to bend your frame, if it does, you have a completely different issue on your hands.

I also agree with Mantis, I will never again skip out on features that I really want to save a few bucks BUT I am a 'DIY' kind of guy, and it's always cheaper to do it yourself than pay 3 times as much to have them do it for you. So I thought: "I'll install my fog lights, I'll install my roof rack, etc." The fog lights were cheap and easy to install, but when I found out that they left the customer no option to install a roof rack, I got pretty upset. I am still waiting on the person to try removing the rail covers, installing it anyways, and testing it. It's just not that important to me so I have not done so, but I wouldn't be surprised if they work just fine on the S model.

There...that's my long explanation/rant
 
#44 ·
Then, my curiosity got the best of me and I refused to believe #1 ...so...I bought a 13.5ft/80lbs kayak with those foam block holder things, placed it in the middle of my SUV roof, placed heavy kayak on top of that, strapped it in and took it for a 45min ride to the lake (hitting top speed of 70mph) and guess what? I still don't have a convertible version of a Pathfinder. It works just fine. Think about it, if you secure it to the frame of the car, the roof is only handling the actual weight portion of the formula.
Welcome back to the forum Yazz. We've missed your insightful posts. :)

Regarding the above, you have to admit that your "test" was only minimal. An 80 lb. kayak is hardly a heavy load. Plus, the way you attached it, the load was distributed across the roof, so you'd probably be okay for your short jaunts.

What would concern me is having the runners and cross bars attached on a roof that Nissan officials have told you is not reinforced on the "S". If you were to put, say a cargo box up there carrying more like 300 lbs., I'm not so sure you'd fare so well.

I'm not saying that maybe what Nissan is telling you is bull crap, but if it's true, why take the chance?

It seems to me that a lot of complaints on this board revolve around what the truck does not have. If people would take the time to carefully think out what they plan to use the vehicle for, and then research the options at the various trim levels and what the vehicle is capable of, they'd end up a lot happier with their ride.
 
#45 ·
I definitely agree with you JayArras, and I will tell you what got me. This was my first SUV, and I really did not think about options, I was too excited about all the extra room. Once I got put into certain situations, I quickly realized the things I was missing. For example, a 4-wheel drive option would've been amazing, but another thing is, I honestly did not know that people put 300lbs on their roof, that is news to me, and I am assuming it would do some damage. At the end of the day I will stick with my recommendation to trade-in. Nissan seems to have a good buy-back option going on and losing some money on the trade is going to be MUCH cheaper for you rather than investing all the time and effort into getting those things installed under your roof.

Glad to be back and thank you for the kind words, i missed my PT crew
 
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