Aftermarket OEM style cross-bars

I've noticed a few sellers on eBay selling aftermarket, but OEM looking crossbars. They are made of plastic, but both claim it is very hard. Anyone tried them?



I really want to have OEM look, but see little point in paying more than double for Toyota parts. I don't expect to haul anything heavy on top, just a surfboard or snowboard.

Reply 1 : Aftermarket OEM style cross-bars

Yazon, do you have a link?



I haven't heard of plastic cross-bars, but if they are stronger than the OEM, I might be interested myself.



Cheers.

Reply 2 : Aftermarket OEM style cross-bars

Yes, here is one:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...m=280417399028



Here is another:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...m=250508151683



If someone wants to try them out and report back - that would be great

Reply 3 : Aftermarket OEM style cross-bars

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yazon Yes, here is one: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280417399028 Here is another: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250508151683 If someone wants to try them out and report back - that would be great

Thx.



I agree that one close-up looks like they are plastic, but I did not see it specified in either auction. Did you confirm with the seller, and did he tell you specifically what they were made of? Some plastics are stronger than others....

Reply 4 : Aftermarket OEM style cross-bars

Yes, they told me that just like OEM, these are made out of hard plastic that is very strong. I don't mind the fact that they are plastic, just curious about their overall quality and fit.

Reply 5 : Aftermarket OEM style cross-bars

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yazon Yes, they told me that just like OEM, these are made out of hard plastic that is very strong. I don't mind the fact that they are plastic, just curious about their overall quality and fit.

I hear you. However, I have to be concerned about durability of the plastic under extreme winter cold conditions up here....ie. cracking under load if really cold outside. When I get around to it, I will inquire with one of the sellers.



Thx.

Reply 6 : Aftermarket OEM style cross-bars

Would love to know on these, I want to get a snowboard mount system for my sport. I worry if they are cheap plastic they may break when it gets cold. What a thought, driving to the mountain then the snowboard flies off the roof... ahhhhh!

Reply 7 : Aftermarket OEM style cross-bars

As anyone tried these out yet??? I'm interested in getting a set if they are somewhat durable.

Reply 8 : Aftermarket OEM style cross-bars

I am in the market as well. Saw those on ebay last week but just can't bring myself to buy them.



I just think that my Thule Atlantis 1600 would create way too much shear force and snap them in the cold northeast weather.



I'm still shopping around for the best price for the OEM crossbars but haven't taken the plunge yet.

Reply 9 : Aftermarket OEM style cross-bars

So I took the plunge and purchased my cross bar from ebay on Monday and got it the next day!!! I can confirm that the bar is aluminum and only part that is plastic is where the bar meets the rails and some knobs (same as OEM I believe). The quality appears to be good and looks/installs exactaly like the Toyota OEM (without any toyota markings). The bar came with a plastic/nylon pry tool and instructions which were almost word for word the same as the Toyota instructions. I havent done any highway driving yet, so I cant comment if there is any wind noise. Also, there is no snow around here, so we'll have to wait and see how it holds up my snowboards.





$80.18 - free shipping

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...04196&viewitem

Reply 10 : Aftermarket OEM style cross-bars

Thanks for posting about your OE Style Cross bars. Sounds like they may be worth it to save $100. I may give em a try.

Reply 11 : Aftermarket OEM style cross-bars

I just got my pair off eBay from the link here.



They fit fine. They are a resin plastic and have some flex yet seem sturdy. They will get their first test this weekend with a tree tied to the top.



I will post an update as I see how the bars weather the elements.

Reply 12 : Aftermarket OEM style cross-bars

Hmm. not aluminum huh? Makes me a bit nervous... they are $90 for a reason... I may just order the originals... Thanks for the info.

Reply 13 : Aftermarket OEM style cross-bars

Just got back from a trip to Japan...Now back to US Highlander issues I'll probably bite the bullet and get these soon as I need to carry more and more stuff in my Highlander.



Keep the reports coming, they are always useful!

Reply 14 : Aftermarket OEM style cross-bars

Quote:

Originally Posted by azonicdh I can confirm that the bar is aluminum and only part that is plastic is where the bar meets the rails and some knobs (same as OEM I believe). The quality appears to be good and looks/installs exactaly like the Toyota OEM (without any toyota markings). $80.18 - free shipping http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=330378804196&viewitem

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeaMuskrat I just got my pair off eBay from the link here. They fit fine. They are a resin plastic and have some flex yet seem sturdy. They will get their first test this weekend with a tree tied to the top.

So which is it? Are they Plastic or not? Did you guys get different sets? Any test reviews?