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Roof rack an option for the 2019 Insight?

14864 Views 18 Replies 11 Participants Last post by  chriwe
Hi,

Is there a roof rack available for the 2019 Insight?
Anybody install one? Positives? Negatives? (fuel economy loss?)

Thanks,
Phil

https://www.autoanything.com/roof-racks/10A50171.aspx

https://www.carid.com/universal-roof-racks/?vehicle=125922
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I have not tried one. But if I was looking I’d check for ones that fit a 2018 Civic. The roof lines appear to be identical to the Insight.
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Yakima Roof Racks

Just installed some Yakima bases and streamline crossbars last weekend.
I am a Thule fan but they didn't have a system that fit yet and Yakima did.
So far, I am very happy with them. They installed fairly easy.
They are extremely quiet (don't even know they are there).
After one full week of commuting though, I "may" have lost about 2 mpg (lots of different driving variances this week to know for sure).
They look pretty sexy on the car.

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Pardon my naivete, but what stops that bike rack from digging into the paint? are there pads underneath? is it easy to remove when it's time for a wash?
Yes, it has thick rubber pads that sit on the joint molds (?) of the car as well as the metal brackets are dipped in rubber. They come off easy enough, not easy enough for me to want to do it at each was though. Some places allow racks to drive thru the wash, some don't.
Hello, I just purchased an insight a couple of days ago and I wanted to put a roof rack and cargo cage on it. Would you mind sharing the roof rack you purchased. Also if you could recommend a cargo cage that would be great. It looks great btw.
Hello, I just purchased an insight a couple of days ago and I wanted to put a roof rack and cargo cage on it. Would you mind sharing the roof rack you purchased. Also if you could recommend a cargo cage that would be great. It looks great btw.
@808_Insight posted some helpful info in this prior thread on Bike Racks:

"I just put on a Yakima system. Bases and streamline crossbars. You can fit your car out at RackAttack.com. They are expensive and these were just the bases and bars, you still have to get the bike racks themselves. I have Thule criterium 598 racks that hold our 2 bikes really well. All-in, about $1,000 for the whole setup. I wanted something very secure that wouldn't damage or scratch car."
Thanks @insightfully. @Sybell711, if you go to RackAttack.com, they have a system that will fit your car. I actually called them several times and they were very helpful. There are you tube videos on how to install, not too difficult. I have a Thule cargo rack (not sure the model) that works well with the T-bar tracks on these. And now that I have had them on for a few weeks, they really haven't impacted by mpg by all that much. Still getting 51-54 on my daily work drives with these on.
Just don’t go all Clark Grizwold loading it up! Does anyone know what the weight limit spec is for the roof?
Roof Rack Kit

I'm looking for a roof rack kit to hold a few kayaks for my Insight. Anyone have any racks already on their Insight? If so, what kind fits? The only ones I've found so far were for the older insight body style.
I'm looking for a roof rack kit to hold a few kayaks for my Insight. Anyone have any racks already on their Insight? If so, what kind fits? The only ones I've found so far were for the older insight body style.
Added your question to existing thread on Roof Racks. Yakima Roof Rack is one suggestion from 808_Insight, with pictures included in post #3 above.
I've been using the Thule square bar rack system on my VW Golfs for years. I just sent Thule customer service an e-mail to see if they can provide the foot components to make it compatible with a 2020 Honda Civic, as the Insight is missing from their list (at least on the REI website). Perhaps this is because of the limited sales of the Insight, of which I not criticizing. I actually like that our cars are somewhat rare. Always a fan of the underdog, likely explaining my 30 year loyalty to VW which came to an end with the Insight purchase. No regrets!

I'll keep you all posted on Thule's response.

Peace and be safe,
Chris
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I've been using the Thule square bar rack system on my VW Golfs for years. I just sent Thule customer service an e-mail to see if they can provide the foot components to make it compatible with a 2020 Honda Civic, as the Insight is missing from their list (at least on the REI website). Perhaps this is because of the limited sales of the Insight, of which I not criticizing. I actually like that our cars are somewhat rare. Always a fan of the underdog, likely explaining my 30 year loyalty to VW which came to an end with the Insight purchase. No regrets!

I'll keep you all posted on Thule's response.

Peace and be safe,
Chris
Interested to see their response as well, chriscaptao. Thanks for reaching out to them.
Thule is no longer making the part, as we have to find it on Amazon, ebay or elsewhere online. It is Thule part number Fit Kit 1797, specifically for the Civic roof line but works perfectly here. Thank goodness that I didn't have to purchase an entirely new system.
hey guys, is YAKIMA still the best/only option?

what is the difference between flat and round bars?

Thule support just told be they tried a Civic kit on an Insight and does not fit securely. Another owner said they got the Yakima kit for the Insight and it did not fit well, but another did, so the first maybe got the wrong parts from yakima?

I already have a Thule Traverse 480 set and trying to get some verifiable truth on what kit will make them work on my insight has been one heck of a rabbit whole.
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Thule support just told be they tried a Civic kit on an Insight and does not fit securely. Another owner said they got the Yakima kit for the Insight and it did not fit well, but another did, so the first maybe got the wrong parts from yakima?

I already have a Thule Traverse 480 set and trying to get some verifiable truth on what kit will make them work on my insight has been one heck of a rabbit whole.
dang why does it have to be so hard. Keep us posted!
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exact quotes from Thule, in chronological order:
"When looking up fitments for the Insight, there was nothing listed under our current Evo line up or our Legacy items "

"I am not sure why Yakima has the same listing, maybe theirs is a more universal fit, where as ours is a vehicle specific model."

"According to our fit guide, it was already tested, and listed as a no fit."

First it was not found, then later it was found as tested? Yakima is every bit as vehicle specific Thule and everyone knows it. I'm not sure I trust this. it smells of CYA.

Lawyers, that's why it has to be so hard.
It is Thule part number Fit Kit 1797, specifically for the Civic roof line but works perfectly here.
Got a 1797 kit and it fits perfectly. Thank you for confirming the kit number!
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