dmccombs

I just got a 2014 GX-460 and it came with the Cross Bars. I don't load stuff on the roof, so I don't need the cross bars. I am considering taking them off the GX.

I figure these are the trade-offs. Can you let me know if I am missing anything?

Pros:
- Very slight improvement in MPG. Can anyone venture a guess how many MPG (i.e. 0.5 MPG, 1 MPG)?
- Very Slight reduction in wind noise (will I even be able to tell?)

Cons:
- I kinda like the look with the Cross Bars. I don't know if I am just used to big SUVs having them, but the GX looks a little naked without them.

I know this is a minor thing, but I am curious what others think.

rtrevino9

Overthinking it.

Eppieguy

I don't use the cross bars, nor do I like the looks of the cross bars and the noise they make drive me nuts. MPG, now that's just funny.

dmccombs

LOL, hey we need every little bit of MPG improvement we can get with these GXs...

GoHuskers

I paid about $200 for these bars from Sewell Lexus. I like the looks of the truck with these bars.

Mines look little crooked on one end (the adjustable end). Are yours crooked as well? Can you take some pictures? Using a ladder and stand in front of the truck to take some pictures.

Thanks.

dmccombs

Huskers,

I went ahead and took mine off for now, so I can't take the pics. Mine weren't crooked though.

I am guessing your bar may just be misaligned. I suggest that you loosen the star bolt on the side that is adjustable, then move that end so it is straight. Then lock down the screw.

Mincer

I get it... you want it to look a certain way, but realistically - I think that most people under 6' 4" would have a hard time telling if you had crossbars attached to your roof rails or not.

gzorn

I put them on, did it myself very easy, just in case I get something from HD/Lowes that won't or I don't want inside. I do not hear any noise from them and I do like the look.

jtrue28

How do they attach? Do the roof rails pop up in some way? I've never seen anything like it. At least on my wife's RX, the roof rails have the inner cutouts to attach the cross bars.

gzorn

Here are the installation instructions: http://lexus.sewellparts.com/pdf/PT27860091.pdf

Took me about 5 minutes per bar being careful not to scratch the roof. Just note there is a front and rear bar

Briz32

Hi dmccombs,

I am willing to buy your crossbar if you don't want them.

khiroshima

Yep, they were just mis-aligned, just untighten, adjust and tighten. I went from no bars to bars, I noticed:

-no increased wind noise
-no decrease in MPG . . .

But, I don't pay attention to MPG anyway, at 17 MPG, who cares? HaHa, KH

dmccombs

I'm sorry I haven't looked at this thread in a couple of weeks. I see 3 people asked about buying my crossbars. I hadn't considered selling these, but I've replied to the PMs.

mattorrell

Considering rack options for 2015 gx.

Will cargo hit the shark fin antennae when using the factory cross bars? In other words, do the factory cross bars raise cargo above the shark fin antennae?

LFIL

The Thule roof cargo box we had (the biggest they make) hit the antenna on our 2013 GX. Instead of a roof box, we went with a Stowaway2 hitch box http://www.stowaway2.com/hitch-cargo-carrier.aspx. Easier to get stuff in/out, holds more weight, and no wind noise or reduced MPG.